Medical Marijuana -- The Great Debate

Medical Marijuana — The Great Debate | July 3, 2012

Even though the cannabis plant has a long history of medicinal use, with evidence dating back to 2,737 BCE, it’s still a subject of hot controversy. It appears to be a standing battle between politics and science. The legality requires proof of medical marijuana’s effectiveness. Reports of success are anecdotal. Yet there are no funds for clinical trials and it remains on a back burner for further NIH funding and research. (Wow. What a surprise!)

Dr. Ben Whalley, who is leading the research at the department of pharmacy at the University of Reading, said: “There was a stigma associated with cannabis that came out from the 60s and 70s associated with recreational use, so people have tended not to look at it medicinally as a result.”

But now, some experts are calling for fresh research into the potential of cannabis-like compounds to help alleviate seizures. Because further evidence has emerged that an ingredient of cannabis could help prevent epileptic seizures.

Marijuana contains numerous cannabinoid compounds that differ in convulsing and anticonvulsant properties. Anticonvulsant properties were first noted in the 15th century, yet studies in humans remain slow…to none at all.

The same brain machinery that responds to the active substance in marijuana provides a central “on-demand” protection against seizures, researchers have found. They said their discoveries suggest that the “endocannabinoid” system might constitute a prime target for drugs against seizures of epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The endocannabinoid system – which includes the receptors, the natural cannabinoid compounds that trigger them, as well as the machinery for regulating the process – was already known to modulate the excitation of neuronal transmission, noted researchers. However, it had not been established that such modulation might affect neurons in the hippocampus responsible for the “excitotoxicity” that underlies the uncontrolled activity of seizures.

Dr. Whalley, said tests in animals had shown the compounds effective at preventing seizures and convulsions while also having less side effects than existing epilepsy drugs. These compounds are very well tolerated and you are not seeing the same kind of side effects that you get with the existing treatments. The scientists, whose latest findings on the compounds are published in the scientific journal “Seizure”, believe the compounds work by interfering with the sudden bursts of electrical activity that signal the brain to become hyper-excitable, leading to epileptic seizures.

“Cannabis is thought of being a treasure trove of compounds that could be used for pharmacological development. We have a list of around a dozen potential candidates for epilepsy and have tested three that show promise.” – Ben Walley, MD

“Twenty-one percent of subjects had used marijuana in the past year with the majority of active users reporting beneficial effects on seizures. Twenty-four percent of all subjects believed marijuana was an effective therapy for epilepsy.” From a survey published in the journal “Neurology.”

“Despite limited evidence of efficacy, many patients with epilepsy believe marijuana is an effective therapy for epilepsy and are actively using it.” - Donald Gross, MD

Proponents of medical marijuana argue that it can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pain, glaucoma, epilepsy, and other conditions. They cite dozens of peer-reviewed studies, prominent medical organizations, major government reports, and the use of marijuana as medicine throughout world history.

Opponents of medical marijuana argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA-approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They say marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, interferes with fertility, impairs driving ability, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain. They say that medical marijuana is a front for drug legalization and recreational use.

“Individuals both here and abroad report that marijuana has been therapeutic for them in the treatment of a variety of ailments, including epilepsy. But the psychoactive side effects of marijuana make its use impractical in the treatment of epilepsy. If we can understand how marijuana works to end seizures, we may be able to develop novel drugs that might do a better job of treating epileptic seizures.” - Robert DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH

Despite that, marijuana is becoming more and more increasingly popular for medicinal use. Medical marijuana has even been called by some researchers as the “21st Century’s Miracle Drug.” There are many reasons why people may prefer using marijuana instead of prescription drugs for epileptic seizures including cost, side effects, and better results.

Marijuana patients report reduction in headaches as well as reduction in seizures when using cannabis instead of conventional medication. Many investigating physicians also state that the use of medicinal marijuana along with prescription barbiturates can completely control epilepsy, with no symptoms at all.

Cannabis analogues have been shown to prevent seizures when given in combination with prescription drugs. Patients report that they can wean themselves off prescription drugs, and still not experience seizures, if they have a regular supply of cannabis.

However, the effect that marijuana has on antiepileptic medication blood levels is largely unknown. Many legal and illegal ingested substances can alter levels of antiepileptic medications, leading to increases seizures or toxic side effects. Use of marijuana can negatively affect memory (which is also a well known side effect of many antiepileptic drugs), that in turn can lead to missed medication doses and result in an increased risk of seizures.

So far, seventeen states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington - and the District of Columbia have passed laws providing for limited legal protections from arrest for authorized patients who use cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation. BUT a doctor may not prescribe it.

Pain Management of America http://www.medicalmarijuana.net/ is a clearing house for state by state legal medical marijuana dispensaries and clinics…patient resources…plus uses and treatments.

Meanwhile, the FDA has approved Marinol, a prescription drug which contains synthetic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. But Marinol lacks cannabidiol (CBD), which is the element that has been found to have anti-seizure effects.

And you can guess the punch line. Marijuana itself is the only source of cannabidiol (CBD) and the other cannabinoids that help control seizures. So for those of us who have epilepsy, Marinol may be a moot point.

Obviously more data is needed, animal studies and clinical experience suggest that marijuana or its active constituents may have a place in the treatment of partial epilepsy. Anecdotal data suggests that marijuana use may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment in some patients with epilepsy. Although challenging because of current federal regulations.

“To Whom It May Concern:

I was trapped, prevented from seeing my friends and family. Recollections of masks of blood, five failed brain surgeries, countless drugs, and thousands of seizures, imprisoned me in Colorado, away from my loved ones residing in my home state of New Jersey.

Discovery of a curing anti-epileptic was bleak, as hope began to fade.

Then, after 11 years, I began utilizing my sole effective treatment – the medicinal use of marijuana, as a state-registered medical marijuana patient. There was only one problem that remained, I couldn’t return home to share my remedied state of health with my family. Acknowledging that an abrupt abandonment of the drug would provoke seizures, and aware of the fact that marijuana was illegal in New Jersey, I was barred from visitation.

Until now, when I have been presented the opportunity to safely return home under New Jersey’s recently enacted medical marijuana legislation. A current senior at Colorado State University, I am at last able to spend time with my loved ones healthy.”

Kind regards,

Tim DaGiau

“I had my first seizure at 15. The older I got, the more often the grand mal seizures would occur. After having an automobile accident because of seizing, I aggressively sought an answer for this problem. There was no answer, just experiments. My physicians put me on so much medication, the whites of my eyes were yellow because they were destroying my liver. I was also experiencing kidney problems for the first time in my life. Even after being medicated, I was still having seizures. At that point I decided to stop relying on traditional medication. I have been smoking cannabis for almost three years without having one seizure. My eyes are now clear and I am no longer suffering from all the side affects of the pharmaceuticals. My quality of life has improved 100 per cent” - Ann

“It’s a matter between doctors and patients, and if doctors want to prescribe medical marijuana to relieve pain, compassion requires that the government support that. And so as president of the United States, I would make sure that our Justice Department was mindful that we should be taking a compassionate approach.” - Dennis Kucinich, US Representative (D-OH) and 2008 Democratic Candidate for U.S. President

“With respect to medical marijuana, you know I think that we have had a lot of rhetoric and the federal government has been very intent upon trying to prevent states from being able to offer that as an option for people who are in pain. I think we should be doing medical research on this. We ought to find what are the elements that claim to be existing in marijuana that might help people who are suffering from cancer and nausea-related treatments. We ought to find that out. I don’t think we should decriminalize it, but we ought to do research into what, if any, medical benefits it has.” - Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Marijuana use appeared to be a protective factor against first seizures in men. [...] Marijuana contains numerous cannabinoid compounds that differ in convulsant and anticonvulsant properties. Anticonvulsant properties were first noted in the 15th century, yet studies in humans have been few. [...] The authors conclude that heroin use is a risk factor and marijuana use a protective factor for new-onset seizures.” - John C. M. Brust

“There is scientific evidence to suggest that cannabis may be beneficial in treating a number of conditions, including epilepsy…. Some reports suggest that it can reduce seizures. Other reports point to an increase in seizures.” - May 3, 2006, British Epilepsy Association

“I have found in my study of these patients that cannabis is really a safe, effective and non-toxic alternative to many standard medications. There is no such thing as an overdose. We have seen very minimal problems with abuse or dependence, which at worst are equivalent to dependence on caffeine. While a substance may have some potential for misuse, in my opinion, that’s a poor excuse to deny its use and benefit to everyone else.” - Philip Denney, MD

“I want to go one step further, because this whole issue of drugs in our society is misplaced. Drugs have infected the society, but I think we need to look at it more as a medical and a health issue than as a criminal justice issue.” - Dennis Kucinich

For states that allow medical marijuana see http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881

News 1/30/2013:

10 States Have Pending Legislation to Legalize Medical Marijuana http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002481

To subscribe to Epilepsytalk.com and get the latest articles, go to the bottom box of the right column and click on “Sign me up!”

Resources:

http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3387

http://www.medicalmarijuana.net/

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/

http://www.medicalmarijuanablog.com/benefits/epilepsy-232.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis

http://1800medicalmarijuana.com/blog/item/22-medical-marijuana-and-epilepsy.html

http://medicalmarijuana.com/experts/expert/title.cfm?artID=75

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/03/health/main5209380.shtml

http://www.ukcia.org/medical/showmedicaltestimony.php?articleid=237

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Places_that_have_decriminalized_non-medical_cannabis_in_the_United_States

http://ripatients.org/epilepsy/

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000139

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/4423.php

http://www.oregonmedicalmarijuanaprogram.com/epilepsy

http://medicalmarijuana411.com/mmj411_v3/?p=8849

http://www.epilepsycolorado.org/index.php?s=10784&item=5985

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8440303/Cannabis-could-be-used-to-treat-epilepsy.html

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26 Comments »

A goat-herder NOTICED, his goats becoming very energetic & active (hyper), every time the goats eat certain leaves & told the story to his grand-father at home.
The surprised old man wondering WHY, followed his grandson to FIND OUT & see “WHICH” leaves are making the goats “energetic & active (hyper)”,
NOTICING the leaves have BEANS, the old man took the beans home, dried, roasted, boiled with water & drunk the mixture & found out,,, His grandson was right.

THE OLD MAN STAYED energetic & active for the day.
Ever since, the old man used the beans & invited the village to share his grandson’s discovery.
They named the beans COFFEE & their state KAFFA, (Southern Ethiopia).

And, the world learned to drink coffee from a “GOAT HERDER”.

The moral of this story in the case of “Medical Marijuana”, is, just like the grandfather followed his grandson to SEE & FIND OUT, what’s making his grandson’s goats “energetic & active (hyper)” according to the goat-herder, it would have been very BENEFICIAL FOR SOCIETY, if the powerful “ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE DAY” research, CONFIRM or DENY, prove or disprove the healing powers of the substance.

Hopefully, one of these days,,,,

VERY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE & GREAT ARTICLE.
Peace!!!

Comment by Gerrie — July 3, 2012 @ 5:40 PM

Reply
- Just like most college kids, unless they went to BYU (Mormons) they probably got high on purpose or by air “pollution”. If two of our Presidents admit to it, at least 6 did it.
  
  Comment by meesher — July 3, 2012 @ 9:22 PM
  
  Reply
  - Good Point Meesher,
    
    Using tree-roots & leaves (TRADITIONAL MEDICINE) is NOT new discovery to threat disease.
    In fact, in many third world countries, TRADITIONAL MEDICINE is far more CREDIBLE, CONVINCING, & conveniently available, more than INDUSTRY MANUFACTURED & IMPORTED medicine.
    
    Therefore, while I suspect the POWERFUL medical industry would rather MONOPOLIZE the market by discouraging the use of “medical marijuana” to sell their own “BRAND” of medicine for treating ANY KIND human deficiency, ONE WONDERS, why would the UNIVERSITIES, PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENTS & governments, REFUSE or fail to find out the benefits of marijuana?
    
    But, you know, politicians, they act like saints, promising you the sun & the moon.
    Once elected, ALL OF A SUDDEN they “forget” the promises & deliver nor the sun or the moon.
    Therefore, people fall for EMPTY PROMISES.
    
    Sadly, the issue is totally HIJACKED by political agenda than medical merit & will remain for now.
    
    Comment by Gerrie — July 11, 2012 @ 7:48 PM
They all flap their mouths, but they won’t offer up any money for research.

Great story, by the way, Gerrie!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 3, 2012 @ 5:45 PM

Reply
In the 80s I tried my best to be cool and smoke MJ. I cannot even tolerate being in the same building with a cigarette smoker. My mother, after my first head injury, used to sneak away to her own bedroom to smoke a ciggie, even though she was trying to stop it before I hit my head. One whiff through the A/C venting and my “MOTHER! You’re smoking again!” and she would scurry to open her sliding door to try to get her smoke outside. This is California: we rarely heat or A/C. Wait, that is not true–we do not do that near the coast. At any rate, since I AM where I AM and the cops are actually looking for crack houses, (ICK!) it would be easy to procure for my own use. What happens if you ingest it? Eat it? What about (aphasia–) put it in a pan with butter and kind of sear it? Like garlic in butter? I KNOW hash brownies made me laugh my silly tush off—shame the tush did not STAY off. The seizure meds MADE me gain weight, but now I see that it was my lack of activity that led to my weight gain. I hope we will soon move back to Southern Cal, where a swimming pool is available all year. Cold in “winter” but available.I promise to wear water wings in the pool so I do not seize and drown.

Comment by meesher — July 3, 2012 @ 9:20 PM

Reply
Why didn’t your mom just smoke OUTSIDE?

I thought that was a very creative idea about putting “crack” in a pan with butter and searing it. Sort of like garlic in butter!

Unfortunately, I’ve never had hash brownies, even though I LOVE chocolate and laughing my ass off.

And yes, Michele, PLEASE wear water wings. And please send us a picture!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 4, 2012 @ 11:45 AM

Reply
You cannot smoke marijuaina outside. People see you and know that you are growing it in your house.

They break in your house and people have gotten hurt.

It is legal in CA to have medical marijuania. It is against Federal Law to have it.

I have never grown or smoked marijuania in my life.

If I had cancer, I would so I could eat.

There have been stores that have sold marijuania to people with prescriptions. Once in a while, the Feds close them down. They are closed in our county now.

One person grew 4 pots of marijuania for medical use and their home was broken in twice. She needs it for cancer. This time the police caught the theives. She came home while the theives were there and the police were called.

Comment by Ruth Brown — July 4, 2012 @ 1:24 PM

Reply
- Actually, when I lost 55 pounds in 6 weeks, the doctors were frantic to try anything and everything.
  
  They even gave me ticture of opium. (I couldn’t say my name and I continued to lose weight.)
  
  Finally in a last ditch effort, one doctor asked me if I had access to any dope. (Marijuana.) I cheerfully chirped “Oh no problem, my roommate moonlights as a drug dealer!”
  
  So, he told me to smoke a joint at 5:00 PM and have something like soft-boiled eggs or yogurt, ready to eat. (You know. The good old “munchie” reaction.)
  
  My roommate, emptied the tobacco out of my cigarettes, filled them with marijuana and then made a nice little twist at the end. (I still had the filter intact.)
  
  Low and behold it worked. I made my way all the way to chicken! (Also, that’s how I discovered that I was allergic to red meat. Process of trial and era.)
  
  So, I gained 20 pounds and everyone was a happy camper!
  
  Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 4, 2012 @ 2:39 PM
  
  Reply
http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/united-states-government-owns-marijuana-patent-6630507-hypocrisy

Yes the government has a patent on Cannabis Sativa. What a joke. Can I patent water?

I highly suggest Les Grinspoon’s books. Especially the early one “Marihuana Reconsidered”

Comment by Travis — July 7, 2012 @ 1:40 PM

Reply
Love the link! Thanks for the book suggestion, Travis.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 7, 2012 @ 3:22 PM

Reply
Meesher, It is going to be 105 in the Central Valley. We have our A/C going. You must live by the Coast.

When I was younger, even the coast got hot sometimes. I went swlmming.

I do not want to give out my email address. I am not on the internet very much anymore.

Comment by Ruth Brown — July 10, 2012 @ 10:21 AM

Reply
Gerrie, I’m playing devil’s advocate here: But what if the DID legalize medical marijuana? Or even just marijuana? Just think of the TAXES they could collect! Like cigarettes and alcohol!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 12, 2012 @ 11:37 AM

Reply
Read this and laugh…

Fake Pot Is A Real Problem For Regulators

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/12/156615024/fake-pot-is-a-real-problem-for-regulators?ft=1&f=100

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 13, 2012 @ 9:53 AM

Reply
- That was FANTASTIC Phylis,,,
  “Fake Pot Is A Real Problem For Regulators”.
  
  God, Is it me or the world is going insane.
  
  How do you “REGULATE” fake pot, when there is no REGULATIOn for “authentic pot”?
  
  “Fake or NOT”,,, How is POT REGULATION any differentany than any other regulation?
  
  God have mercy,,,
  
  It is easy, ban the sabstance or just let the market forces decide the FATE of the substance, just like any other product on the CAPITALIM market.
  
  The medical-Merit of the substance should have been far more deciding factor than the political justification to rationalize political motives.
  Too bad, the well being of society remains EXPENDABLE to the whims of politicans, ofcourse “regulators”.
  
  Thanks for lauaghter Phylis.:)
  
  Comment by Gerrie — August 1, 2012 @ 8:37 PM
  
  Reply
  - You’re singing to the choir!
    
    Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 2, 2012 @ 8:33 AM
Smoking/burning any substance is harmful to the lungs and throat, so vaporizing (at lower temps) is the way to go. VaporStore is a great resource.

Cannabis Helping Children with Severe Epilepsy:
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2012/07/17/cannabis-helping-children-severe-epilepsy/

Comment by Aje — July 23, 2012 @ 8:05 PM

Reply
That makes sense, since tobacco and smoking cigarettes are dangerous to your lungs, I presume marijuana would be the same. (Or more toxic?)

Which product would you recommend at VaporStore?
https://www.vaporstore.com/

Your link was fascinating. (Especially looking for CBD on Craig’s List!)

Question: how do the parents come up with the oil capsules and glycerin tinctures? Is there a compounding pharmacy or do they have to do it themselves?

Another interesting link:

Are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana Being Completely Overlooked?

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2012/04/30/are-the-benefits-of-medical-marijuana-being-completely-overlooked/

Thanks Aje for your insights, advice and the link!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 24, 2012 @ 8:38 AM

Reply
10 US Surgeon Generals and Their Views on Medical Marijuana, 1961-Present

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004872

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 24, 2012 @ 2:33 PM

Reply
Here is something interesting on smoking that few people know.

Mme Jeanne Calment, who was listed as the world’s oldest human whose birth date could be certified, died at 122. She had begun smoking as a young woman. At 117 she quit smoking (by that age she was just smoking two or three cigarettes per day because she was blind and was too proud to ask often for someone to light her cigarettes for her). But she resumed smoking when she was 118 because, as she said, not smoking made her miserable and she was too old to be made miserable. She also said to her doctor: “Once you’ve lived as long as me, only then can you tell me not to smoke.” Good point! [USA Today, "Way to go, champ," 10/18/95].

When Mme. Calment died at 122 in l997, the new longevity champ became 116-year-old Marie-Louise Meilleur, of Canada. Mme. Meilleur had chain-smoked all her adult life (as her grandson said, “She always had a cigarette dangling from her lips as she worked,”–AP, 8/15/97, reported in Miami Herald, p. 2A). She did give up smoking, however, when she was nearly 100.

I love what George Burns once said. If I would of know i would of lived this long because i smoked, i would of quit a long time ago.

Comment by Zolt — August 30, 2012 @ 5:14 PM

Reply
I actually met George Burns a year before he died. There he was, comfy on a couch with his two assistants (body guards???) beside him, happily smoking his cigar.

I think he missed Gracie.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 30, 2012 @ 5:26 PM

Reply
Cannabis anti-convulsant shakes up epilepsy treatment

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22263-cannabis-anticonvulsant-shakes-up-epilepsy-treatment.html

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — September 13, 2012 @ 5:30 PM

Reply
2 states legalize pot, but don’t ‘break out the Cheetos’ yet…

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/marijuana-legalization/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 7, 2012 @ 3:44 PM

Reply
Will U.S. Try To Snuff Out State Marijuana Laws?

http://www.npr.org/2012/11/20/165504727/will-u-s-try-to-snuff-out-state-marijuana-laws?ft=1&f=1001

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 20, 2012 @ 9:53 AM

Reply
When Your State Says Yes To Medical Marijuana, But Your Insurer Says No

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/11/20/165554172/when-your-state-says-yes-to-medical-marijuana-but-your-insurer-says-no?ft=1&f=1001

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 20, 2012 @ 10:05 AM

Reply
Marijuana Not High Obama Priority

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/president-obama-marijuana-users-high-priority-drug-war/story?id=17946783#.UMtKwnjCap4

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — December 14, 2012 @ 10:52 AM

Reply
Legalizing of Marijuana Raises Health Concerns

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/legalizing-of-marijuana-raises-health-concerns/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130108

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — January 8, 2013 @ 3:37 PM

Reply

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A goat-herder NOTICED, his goats becoming very energetic & active (hyper), every time the goats eat certain leaves & told the story to his grand-father at home.
The surprised old man wondering WHY, followed his grandson to FIND OUT & see “WHICH” leaves are making the goats “energetic & active (hyper)”,
NOTICING the leaves have BEANS, the old man took the beans home, dried, roasted, boiled with water & drunk the mixture & found out,,, His grandson was right.

THE OLD MAN STAYED energetic & active for the day.
Ever since, the old man used the beans & invited the village to share his grandson’s discovery.
They named the beans COFFEE & their state KAFFA, (Southern Ethiopia).

And, the world learned to drink coffee from a “GOAT HERDER”.

The moral of this story in the case of “Medical Marijuana”, is, just like the grandfather followed his grandson to SEE & FIND OUT, what’s making his grandson’s goats “energetic & active (hyper)” according to the goat-herder, it would have been very BENEFICIAL FOR SOCIETY, if the powerful “ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE DAY” research, CONFIRM or DENY, prove or disprove the healing powers of the substance.

Hopefully, one of these days,,,,

VERY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE & GREAT ARTICLE.
Peace!!!

Comment by Gerrie — July 3, 2012 @ 5:40 PM

Just like most college kids, unless they went to BYU (Mormons) they probably got high on purpose or by air “pollution”. If two of our Presidents admit to it, at least 6 did it.

Comment by meesher — July 3, 2012 @ 9:22 PM

- Good Point Meesher,
  
  Using tree-roots & leaves (TRADITIONAL MEDICINE) is NOT new discovery to threat disease.
  In fact, in many third world countries, TRADITIONAL MEDICINE is far more CREDIBLE, CONVINCING, & conveniently available, more than INDUSTRY MANUFACTURED & IMPORTED medicine.
  
  Therefore, while I suspect the POWERFUL medical industry would rather MONOPOLIZE the market by discouraging the use of “medical marijuana” to sell their own “BRAND” of medicine for treating ANY KIND human deficiency, ONE WONDERS, why would the UNIVERSITIES, PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENTS & governments, REFUSE or fail to find out the benefits of marijuana?
  
  But, you know, politicians, they act like saints, promising you the sun & the moon.
  Once elected, ALL OF A SUDDEN they “forget” the promises & deliver nor the sun or the moon.
  Therefore, people fall for EMPTY PROMISES.
  
  Sadly, the issue is totally HIJACKED by political agenda than medical merit & will remain for now.
  
  Comment by Gerrie — July 11, 2012 @ 7:48 PM

They all flap their mouths, but they won’t offer up any money for research.

Great story, by the way, Gerrie!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 3, 2012 @ 5:45 PM

In the 80s I tried my best to be cool and smoke MJ. I cannot even tolerate being in the same building with a cigarette smoker. My mother, after my first head injury, used to sneak away to her own bedroom to smoke a ciggie, even though she was trying to stop it before I hit my head. One whiff through the A/C venting and my “MOTHER! You’re smoking again!” and she would scurry to open her sliding door to try to get her smoke outside. This is California: we rarely heat or A/C. Wait, that is not true–we do not do that near the coast. At any rate, since I AM where I AM and the cops are actually looking for crack houses, (ICK!) it would be easy to procure for my own use. What happens if you ingest it? Eat it? What about (aphasia–) put it in a pan with butter and kind of sear it? Like garlic in butter? I KNOW hash brownies made me laugh my silly tush off—shame the tush did not STAY off. The seizure meds MADE me gain weight, but now I see that it was my lack of activity that led to my weight gain. I hope we will soon move back to Southern Cal, where a swimming pool is available all year. Cold in “winter” but available.I promise to wear water wings in the pool so I do not seize and drown.

Comment by meesher — July 3, 2012 @ 9:20 PM

Why didn’t your mom just smoke OUTSIDE?

I thought that was a very creative idea about putting “crack” in a pan with butter and searing it. Sort of like garlic in butter!

Unfortunately, I’ve never had hash brownies, even though I LOVE chocolate and laughing my ass off.

And yes, Michele, PLEASE wear water wings. And please send us a picture!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 4, 2012 @ 11:45 AM

You cannot smoke marijuaina outside. People see you and know that you are growing it in your house.

They break in your house and people have gotten hurt.

It is legal in CA to have medical marijuania. It is against Federal Law to have it.

I have never grown or smoked marijuania in my life.

If I had cancer, I would so I could eat.

There have been stores that have sold marijuania to people with prescriptions. Once in a while, the Feds close them down. They are closed in our county now.

One person grew 4 pots of marijuania for medical use and their home was broken in twice. She needs it for cancer. This time the police caught the theives. She came home while the theives were there and the police were called.

Comment by Ruth Brown — July 4, 2012 @ 1:24 PM

Actually, when I lost 55 pounds in 6 weeks, the doctors were frantic to try anything and everything.

They even gave me ticture of opium. (I couldn’t say my name and I continued to lose weight.)

Finally in a last ditch effort, one doctor asked me if I had access to any dope. (Marijuana.) I cheerfully chirped “Oh no problem, my roommate moonlights as a drug dealer!”

So, he told me to smoke a joint at 5:00 PM and have something like soft-boiled eggs or yogurt, ready to eat. (You know. The good old “munchie” reaction.)

My roommate, emptied the tobacco out of my cigarettes, filled them with marijuana and then made a nice little twist at the end. (I still had the filter intact.)

Low and behold it worked. I made my way all the way to chicken! (Also, that’s how I discovered that I was allergic to red meat. Process of trial and era.)

So, I gained 20 pounds and everyone was a happy camper!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 4, 2012 @ 2:39 PM

http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/united-states-government-owns-marijuana-patent-6630507-hypocrisy

Yes the government has a patent on Cannabis Sativa. What a joke. Can I patent water?

I highly suggest Les Grinspoon’s books. Especially the early one “Marihuana Reconsidered”

Comment by Travis — July 7, 2012 @ 1:40 PM

Love the link! Thanks for the book suggestion, Travis.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 7, 2012 @ 3:22 PM

Meesher, It is going to be 105 in the Central Valley. We have our A/C going. You must live by the Coast.

When I was younger, even the coast got hot sometimes. I went swlmming.

I do not want to give out my email address. I am not on the internet very much anymore.

Comment by Ruth Brown — July 10, 2012 @ 10:21 AM

Gerrie, I’m playing devil’s advocate here: But what if the DID legalize medical marijuana? Or even just marijuana? Just think of the TAXES they could collect! Like cigarettes and alcohol!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 12, 2012 @ 11:37 AM

Read this and laugh…

Fake Pot Is A Real Problem For Regulators

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/12/156615024/fake-pot-is-a-real-problem-for-regulators?ft=1&f=100

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 13, 2012 @ 9:53 AM

That was FANTASTIC Phylis,,,
“Fake Pot Is A Real Problem For Regulators”.

God, Is it me or the world is going insane.

How do you “REGULATE” fake pot, when there is no REGULATIOn for “authentic pot”?

“Fake or NOT”,,, How is POT REGULATION any differentany than any other regulation?

God have mercy,,,

It is easy, ban the sabstance or just let the market forces decide the FATE of the substance, just like any other product on the CAPITALIM market.

The medical-Merit of the substance should have been far more deciding factor than the political justification to rationalize political motives.
Too bad, the well being of society remains EXPENDABLE to the whims of politicans, ofcourse “regulators”.

Thanks for lauaghter Phylis.:)

Comment by Gerrie — August 1, 2012 @ 8:37 PM

- You’re singing to the choir!
  
  Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 2, 2012 @ 8:33 AM

Smoking/burning any substance is harmful to the lungs and throat, so vaporizing (at lower temps) is the way to go. VaporStore is a great resource.

Cannabis Helping Children with Severe Epilepsy:
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2012/07/17/cannabis-helping-children-severe-epilepsy/

Comment by Aje — July 23, 2012 @ 8:05 PM

That makes sense, since tobacco and smoking cigarettes are dangerous to your lungs, I presume marijuana would be the same. (Or more toxic?)

Which product would you recommend at VaporStore?
https://www.vaporstore.com/

Your link was fascinating. (Especially looking for CBD on Craig’s List!)

Question: how do the parents come up with the oil capsules and glycerin tinctures? Is there a compounding pharmacy or do they have to do it themselves?

Another interesting link:

Are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana Being Completely Overlooked?

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2012/04/30/are-the-benefits-of-medical-marijuana-being-completely-overlooked/

Thanks Aje for your insights, advice and the link!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 24, 2012 @ 8:38 AM

10 US Surgeon Generals and Their Views on Medical Marijuana, 1961-Present

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004872

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 24, 2012 @ 2:33 PM

Here is something interesting on smoking that few people know.

Mme Jeanne Calment, who was listed as the world’s oldest human whose birth date could be certified, died at 122. She had begun smoking as a young woman. At 117 she quit smoking (by that age she was just smoking two or three cigarettes per day because she was blind and was too proud to ask often for someone to light her cigarettes for her). But she resumed smoking when she was 118 because, as she said, not smoking made her miserable and she was too old to be made miserable. She also said to her doctor: “Once you’ve lived as long as me, only then can you tell me not to smoke.” Good point! [USA Today, "Way to go, champ," 10/18/95].

When Mme. Calment died at 122 in l997, the new longevity champ became 116-year-old Marie-Louise Meilleur, of Canada. Mme. Meilleur had chain-smoked all her adult life (as her grandson said, “She always had a cigarette dangling from her lips as she worked,”–AP, 8/15/97, reported in Miami Herald, p. 2A). She did give up smoking, however, when she was nearly 100.

I love what George Burns once said. If I would of know i would of lived this long because i smoked, i would of quit a long time ago.

Comment by Zolt — August 30, 2012 @ 5:14 PM

I actually met George Burns a year before he died. There he was, comfy on a couch with his two assistants (body guards???) beside him, happily smoking his cigar.

I think he missed Gracie.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 30, 2012 @ 5:26 PM

Cannabis anti-convulsant shakes up epilepsy treatment

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22263-cannabis-anticonvulsant-shakes-up-epilepsy-treatment.html

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — September 13, 2012 @ 5:30 PM

2 states legalize pot, but don’t ‘break out the Cheetos’ yet…

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/marijuana-legalization/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 7, 2012 @ 3:44 PM

Will U.S. Try To Snuff Out State Marijuana Laws?

http://www.npr.org/2012/11/20/165504727/will-u-s-try-to-snuff-out-state-marijuana-laws?ft=1&f=1001

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 20, 2012 @ 9:53 AM

When Your State Says Yes To Medical Marijuana, But Your Insurer Says No

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/11/20/165554172/when-your-state-says-yes-to-medical-marijuana-but-your-insurer-says-no?ft=1&f=1001

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 20, 2012 @ 10:05 AM

Marijuana Not High Obama Priority

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/president-obama-marijuana-users-high-priority-drug-war/story?id=17946783#.UMtKwnjCap4

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — December 14, 2012 @ 10:52 AM

Legalizing of Marijuana Raises Health Concerns

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/legalizing-of-marijuana-raises-health-concerns/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130108

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — January 8, 2013 @ 3:37 PM

Epilepsy Talk