10) MARIJUANA USE HAS NO EFFECT ON MORTALITY:
A massive study of California HMO members funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found marijuana use caused no significant increase in mortality. Tobacco use was associated with increased risk of death. Sidney, S et al. Marijuana Use and Mortality. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 87 No. 4, April 1997. p. 585-590. Sept. 2002.
9) HEAVY MARIJUANA USE AS A YOUNG ADULT WON’T RUIN YOUR LIFE:
Veterans Affairs scientists looked at whether heavy marijuana use as a young adult caused long-term problems later, studying identical twins in which one twin had been a heavy marijuana user for a year or longer but had stopped at least one month before the study, while the second twin had used marijuana no more than five times ever. Marijuana use had no significant impact on physical or mental health care utilization, health-related quality of life, or current socio-demographic characteristics. Eisen SE et al. Does Marijuana Use Have Residual Adverse Effects on Self-Reported Health Measures, Socio-Demographics or Quality of Life? A Monozygotic Co-Twin Control Study in Men. Addiction. Vol. 97 No. 9. p.1083-1086. Sept.
1997
THE “GATEWAY EFFECT” MAY BE A MIRAGE:
Marijuana is often called a “gateway drug” by supporters of prohibition, who point to statistical “associations” indicating that persons who use marijuana are more likely to eventually try hard drugs than those who never use marijuana – implying that marijuana use somehow causes hard drug use. But a model developed by RAND Corp. researcher Andrew Morral demonstrates that these associations can be explained “without requiring a gateway effect.” More likely, this federally funded study suggests, some people simply have an underlying propensity to try drugs, and start with what’s most readily available. Morral AR, McCaffrey D and Paddock S. Reassessing the Marijuana Gateway Effect. Addiction. December 2002. p. 1493-1504.
7) PROHIBITION DOESN’T WORK (PART I):
The White House had the National Research Council examine the data being gathered about drug use and the effects of U.S. drug policies. NRC concluded, “the nation possesses little information about the effectiveness of current drug policy, especially of drug law enforcement.” And what data exist show “little apparent relationship between severity of sanctions prescribed for drug use and prevalence or frequency of use.” In other words, there is no proof that prohibition – the cornerstone of U.S. drug policy for a century – reduces drug use. National Research Council. Informing America’s Policy on Illegal Drugs: What We Don’t Know Keeps Hurting Us. National Academy Press, 2001. p. 193.
6) PROHIBITION DOESN’T WORK (PART II):
DOES PROHIBITION CAUSE THE “GATEWAY EFFECT”?): U.S. and Dutch researchers, supported in part by NIDA, compared marijuana users in San Francisco, where non-medical use remains illegal, to Amsterdam, where adults may possess and purchase small amounts of marijuana from regulated businesses. Looking at such parameters as frequency and quantity of use and age at onset of use, they found no differences except one: Lifetime use of hard drugs was significantly lower in Amsterdam, with its “tolerant” marijuana policies. For example, lifetime crack cocaine use was 4.5 times higher in San Francisco than Amsterdam. Reinarman, C, Cohen, PDA, and Kaal, HL. The Limited Relevance of Drug Policy: Cannabis in Amsterdam and San Francisco. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 94, No. 5. May 2004. p. 836-842.
5) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART I):
Federal researchers implanted several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung cancers, in mice, then treated them with cannabinoids (unique, active components found in marijuana). THC and other cannabinoids shrank tumors and increased the mice’s lifespans. Munson, AE et al. Antineoplastic Activity of Cannabinoids. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Sept. 1975. p. 597-602.
4) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER, (PART II):
In a 1994 study the government tried to suppress, federal researchers gave mice and rats massive doses of THC, looking for cancers or other signs of toxicity. The rodents given THC lived longer and had fewer cancers, “in a dose-dependent manner” (i.e. the more THC they got, the fewer tumors). NTP Technical Report On The Toxicology And Carcinogenesis Studies Of 1-Trans- Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, CAS No. 1972-08-3, In F344/N Rats And B6C3F Mice, Gavage Studies. See also, “Medical Marijuana: Unpublished Federal Study Found THC-Treated Rats Lived Longer, Had Less Cancer,” AIDS Treatment News no. 263, Jan. 17, 1997.
3) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART III):
Researchers at the Kaiser-Permanente HMO, funded by NIDA, followed 65,000 patients for nearly a decade, comparing cancer rates among non-smokers, tobacco smokers, and marijuana smokers. Tobacco smokers had massively higher rates of lung cancer and other cancers. Marijuana smokers who didn’t also use tobacco had no increase in risk of tobacco-related cancers or of cancer risk overall. In fact their rates of lung and most other cancers were slightly lower than non-smokers, though the difference did not reach statistical significance. Sidney, S. et al. Marijuana Use and Cancer Incidence (California, United States). Cancer Causes and Control. Vol. 8. Sept. 1997, p. 722-728.
2) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART IV):
Donald Tashkin, a UCLA researcher whose work is funded by NIDA, did a case-control study comparing 1,200 patients with lung, head and neck cancers to a matched group with no cancer. Even the heaviest marijuana smokers had no increased risk of cancer, and had somewhat lower cancer risk than non-smokers (tobacco smokers had a 20-fold increased lung cancer risk). Tashkin D. Marijuana Use and Lung Cancer: Results of a Case-Control Study. American Thoracic Society International Conference. May 23, 2006.
1) MARIJUANA DOES HAVE MEDICAL VALUE:
In response to passage of California’s medical marijuana law, the White House had the Institute of Medicine (IOM) review the data on marijuana’s medical benefits and risks. The IOM concluded, “Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana.” While noting potential risks of smoking, the report added, “we acknowledge that there is no clear alternative for people suffering from chronic conditions that might be relieved by smoking marijuana, such as pain or AIDS wasting.” The government’s refusal to acknowledge this finding caused co-author John A. Benson to tell the New York Times that the government “loves to ignore our report … they would rather it never happened.” Joy, JE, Watson, SJ, and Benson, JA. Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. National Academy Press. 1999. p. 159. See also, Harris, G. FDA Dismisses Medical Benefit From Marijuana. New York Times. Apr.
21, 2006
Just to keep all of our sexy American Friends updated we would like to invite you to attend the upcoming Plant Medicine Expo and Conference! Located at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on September 25th and 26th.
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The event will include seminars, food, a debate moderated by our guest Richard Belzer (Joining Us from Law and Order), and an expo with a large variety of exhibitors.
This is a must-attend event if you are:
We are pleased to provide the most up-to-date information to the public in an upscale, professional environment where people can have their questions answered by industry experts.
Our goal is to raise the level of legitimacy among the patient and healthcare provider communities.
Also to enrich the public knowledge about the use, risks and benefits of medical cannabis.
For more information and to register for the two day conference, visit: www.plantmedicineexpo.com
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (Marketwire – Sept 15, 2010 – Medical Marijuana Inc (OTC: MJNA) is proud to announce that The Hemp Network, which is a new multi-level marketing division, (www.thehempnetwork.com) reports an excellent response to The Hemp Network at two cannabis and hemp industry events this previous weekend. The two events were Mega Production’s “HempCon” at the Los Angeles Convention Center and The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation’s “Hempstalk 2010″ in Portland, Oregon. Medical Marijuana Inc is now in full momentum as they prepare for their own upcoming medical cannabis trade show in October at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, which is being hailed as the largest event of this kind ever to take place east of the Mississippi (www.harmonyharvestfest.com).
A team of ten Hemp Network’s “International Hemp Consultants” in Los Angeles, California and a team of eight “IHC’s” in Portland, Oregon recorded 328 new signups to The Hemp Network. The Hemp Network now hasover 2,800 distributors and growing rapidly every day making it the largest sales force in the medical marijuana, cannabis and hemp industries.
CEO Bruce Perlowin said “It was exciting and gratifying to feel the energy and note the reaction and interaction of the attendees with the IHC’s. Everyone was aware and involved with the need to revive the hemp plant and its many uses and benefits. That’s why so many people were willing to take the time not only to listen, but to enroll in the Hemp Network (www.thehempnetwork.com) and to learn from the leaders”.
Perlowin was the featured speaker at HempCon, where he spoke both Friday and Saturday night, elaborating on the “Marijuana Business Outlook for the Next Five Years”. The Hemp Network and Medical Marijuana Inc will be showcased in each of the six or more HempCon medical marijuana trade shows scheduled for the coming year in different cities around the US.
ABOUT HEMPCON
HempCon is an elite medical marijuana industry trade show produced by Mega Productions, with a calendar of venues throughout California, Colorado and other states. Prominent attorneys, horticulturists, and industry insiders bring education and products to an eager audience interested in understanding the driving forces behind this emerging multi-billion dollar industry. Vendors offer products and services and entertainment is ongoing through the day, making it a good value as emphasized by the large crowds of people of varied age, gender and origin. Mega Production’s multi city “HempCon” events are quickly becoming the most well known and recognized medical cannabis trade shows in the western United States. www.hempcon.com.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC’S SILVERDOME EVENT
Online ticket sales have begun for the largest trade show of its kind in the mid west, The International Holistic Health Cannabis Convention Halloween Harmony and Harvest Fest at the legendary Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan for October 29, 30, and 31st as more sponsors and vendors enroll for this long awaited and highly promoted and publicized event (See: www.harmonyharvestfest.com) .
Ed Kresty, of the Holistic Health & Educational Center, who is MJNA’s joint venture partner in this trade show said, “With the grand launch of The Hemp Network taking place at our event in the Silverdome and links to our website on thousands of The Hemp Network marketers websites we feel that this exposure coupled with thousands of marketers promoting the event that the attendance will far surpass all our expectations”.
This spectacular 3 day event will include renowned speakers from various aspects of the health, wellness, cannabis, hemp, harmony and green industries, celebrity speakers and entertainers, a wide assortment of workshops, various documentaries and movies shown throughout the event, a hemp fashion show, a Halloween costume contest on Halloween night, concerts every evening featuring nationally recognized as well as local musical talent, and more.
Proposition 19 on the Nov. 2 state ballot would make it legal for adults to possess and grow marijuana in California. It also would permit cities and counties to tax marijuana and allow its sale. The Initiative is loosely written, leaving major gaps in how such a significant policy shift would be implemented and enforced.
Because Proposition 19 fails to address important, basic questions, its considered to be an incomplete proposal that voters should reject. But we don’t mean to say it’s a crackpot idea. There could be actual benefits from taxing and regulating the sale of cannabis.
Supporters of Proposition 19 may want to try again later with a fully developed plan. In the meantime, voters should nix Proposition 19. Backers of the measure say it would generate billions of dollars in tax revenue for state and local governments, but that prediction is questionable for at least a couple of reasons.
First, Proposition 19 fails to address its conflict with federal law, which will continue to treat marijuana as illegal. Federal authorities could challenge the ability of local and state governments to receive revenue from an activity that’s illegal under federal law.
There is no address to the federal law and the only way to change the federal law is to challenge it. The federal government has proven that they don’t care that mariiuana has medical applications and they don’t care that marijuana is less addictive and safer than coffee,they have too many federal employees and bureaucrats that depend on marijuana prohibition for them to initiate change,so it is up to the people to change the law. California is the start of a nation of people tired of our government spending billions of dollars and underwriting the existence of violent criminals by leaving the market in their control
Second, though it might dampen illegal sales of marijuana, it wouldn’t end the black market altogether. It would remain illegal for those under the age of 21 to buy or use marijuana, and those 21 and older might buy it illegally to avoid taxes or because legal sales would be limited to one ounce at a time. If approved by a majority of voters, Proposition 19 would legalize the possession and private consumption of less than an ounce of marijuana, and would make it legal to grow marijuana in an area of up to 25 square feet at an individual’s residence.
The only way to stop the black market is to take the profit out of the market,as more states join in ending the prohibition,the black market will lose it’s profits and the longer our country delays,the more violence and federal spending will continue.
The ballot measure would result in a patchwork of city-by-city, county-by-county regulations on sales, transportation, cultivation and consumption — with different tax rates and rules, making enforcement a nightmare. It also sets up costly legal battles and public-safety concerns.
So it would appear that we are going in the right direction by getting the Prop 19 to this stage however it also looks like there is some fine tuning left to do
To Give your Opinion click here
What is Medicinal Cannabis
The theureputic use of marijuana has a history spanning over 5000 years and recently it has been found to have anti-oxidative and neuro-protectional properties.
Marijuana contains over 300 compounds. 60 of these are cannabinoids, which are the basis for medical and scientific use of cannabis.
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. When used, either through ingestion or inhalation, THC binds to specific receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors.
The cannabinoids found in cannabis have three major properties which are medically useful. These are
- an analgesic (relieves pain)
- an anti-emetic (relieves nausea and vomiting)
- an appetite stimulant (induces hunger)
Three important cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are
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- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- β-caryophyllene
- Cannabigerol
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a major constituent of medical cannabis. It represents upto 40% of the extracts of a medical cannabis plant and is a non-psychoactive ingredient. Cannabidol relieves convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and inhibits cancer cell growth. Canabis Strains with a high CBD have been used to help people with MS, Frequent Anxiety Attacks and Tourette Syndrome.
β-caryophyllene
This compound is the mechanism of the cannabis plant that reduces tissue inflammation. A Cannabiniod receptor called CB2 plays a vital role in reducing inflammation in humans and animals. β-caryophyllene selectively activates the CB2 receptor and is especially concentrated in cannabis essential oil, which contains 12-35% β-caryophyllene
Cannabigerol
This is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like cannabidiol, cannabiogerol is not psychoactive but has been shown to lower blood pressure in rats.
Cannabis Sativa Plants
The cannabis sativa medicating effect is often characterized as uplifting and energetic. The effects of a sativa are mostly cerebral. They give a feeling of optimism and well being, as well as providing a good measure of pain relief for certain symptoms like those suffered by MS Sufferers.
Cannabis Indica Plants
The cannabis indica medicating effect ismost often described as a pleasant body tingle. Indicas are said to be good for relaxation and stress relief, and for overall sense of calm and serenity. Indicas are also effective for overall body pain relief and often used in treatment of insomnia. They have been said to help many patients as an all night sleep aid. Some pure indica strains are very potent in THC and give a couch lock effect and is favoured by some medicinal users who can’t slepp because of pain and cannot be treated by anything else.
WARNING!
Cannabis should not necessarily be viewed as a ‘harmless’ substance. Its active constituents may produce a variety of physiological and euphoric effects. As a result, there may be some populations that are susceptible to increased risks from the use of cannabis, such as adolescents, pregnant or nursing mothers, and people who have a family history of mental health problems. Patients with Hepatitus C, decreased lung function (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or who have a history of heart disease or stroke may also be at a greater risk of experiencing adverse side effects from marijuana. As with any medication, patients should consult thoroughly with their physician before deciding whether the medicinal use of cannabis is safe and appropriate.
