Politics v. Science: Understanding Cannabis Therapeutics Before it is Censored

I have been away for awhile... Lot's of other things going on in the world. I have been collecting important information about the medicinal value of Medical Marijuana. The following article was posted on the natural news site and is very informative about the TRUTH behind the politics research showing the benefits of cannabis therapy. Read on....

A milestone quietly occurred last month, and one the federal government would prefer to ignore. Yet, it could mean a step in the right direction for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who use a centuries-old botanical medicine: cannabis, otherwise know as marijuana.

According to the Washington Independent, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) changed its website on March 17th and for the first time listed cannabis as a Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM). At that time, the NCI website read:

"The potential benefits of medicinal Cannabis for people living with cancer include antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief, and improved sleep. In the practice of integrative oncology, the health care provider may recommend medicinal Cannabis not only for symptom management but also for its possible direct antitumor effect."

And just in case the issue of medical efficacy was in question, NCI further stated that:

"Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years prior to its current status as an illegal substance."

Besides the obvious "It's about time" retort to the inclusion of cannabis in the CAM listing, there is definitely more here to this decades-long story of the struggle between politics and science. If the symptoms of cancer and the side effects from treatment can be ameliorated or fought-off with medical cannabis, wouldn't that be worth significant research investment? And, wouldn't the value of that research increase considerably if cannabis therapeutically benefited people with an array of other medical conditions? What if science showed that cannabis could halt or diminish the growth of tumors?

Unfortunately, despite promising studies on the effects of cannabis on tumor growth and a host of other scientific investigations into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis -- mostly conducted outside of the United States -- we have failed to rise to the occasion. Cannabis used for research in the U.S. is tightly controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The research that does occur is narrowly focused by NIDA on the supposed abuse potential of cannabis, bypassing vast areas of efficacy ripe for investigation.

In 2007, DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Mary Ellen Bittner ruled in a case attempting to expand and diversify the production of research cannabis in the U.S. that such research was "in the public interest." However, DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart ignored her own ALJ's recommendations and denied the petition that would have broken a 40-year old monopoly on federal research cannabis production, housed at the University of Mississippi. The federal monopoly on cannabis cultivation is complemented by a Byzantine approval process that would have made Franz Kafka proud.

With these tactics, the government has held a pretty tight lid on cannabis research over the years -- an obstructionist's approach really. But prioritizing politics over science is a tenuous affair, full of contradictions and hypocrisy.

Take for instance the revisions NCI made to its website not two weeks after it listed cannabis as a Complementary Alternative Medicine. Just to make sure its readers didn't think it was endorsing the use of medical cannabis, NCI reminded us that "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of Cannabis as a treatment for any medical condition..." However, more importantly, NCI removed reference to a "possible direct antitumor effect." They wouldn't want to give the impression that cannabis should be further researched, would they?

After feeling some heat from mainstream media outlets, NCI offered an explanation for its apparent shiftiness around cannabis. Craftily, NCI distanced itself from the Physician Data Query (PDQ) Editorial Boards, which are responsible for the website content (i.e. the content on cannabis). "PDQ Editorial Boards review current evidence," and "do not make recommendations," said NCI in a written response. "Their work is editorially independent of [NCI]," and "The summary on Cannabis and cannabinoids does not represent a policy statement of NCI or NIH (National Institutes of Health)."

Okay, this is where it gets interesting.

All of the government double-speak aside, the NCI website still states that cannabis has been used medicinally for millennia and that oncologists may recommend it for cancer "symptom management." Pretty bold statements for a website, whether from an editorial department or not. Now, NCI happens to be one of 11 agencies within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is under the authority of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The problem is that HHS has consistently maintained that cannabis is a dangerous drug with no medical value. Specifically, HHS has publicly stated that cannabis "has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."

The contradictions don't stop there. The same production facility at the University of Mississippi that selectively disburses research cannabis also mails out literally pounds of the dried plant each year to the remaining four patients who qualified for the federal Investigational New Drug program.

The NCI website recognition also comes as a petition to reclassify medical cannabis has nearly reached its 10th anniversary with no response from the federal government. Since the Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CRC) filed its petition in 2002, dozens more studies have been conducted recognizing the therapeutic effects of cannabis, eight more states passed medical marijuana laws (bringing the total to 15), and the country's two largest physician groups -- American Medical Association and American College of Physicians -- have both called for a review of marijuana's status as a Schedule I substance.

Here is the chance for the federal government to come clean, recognize the evidence and reclassify cannabis so that patients in the U.S. can use it without fear of reprisal no matter where they live. Yet, based on historical precedent, the cards are stacked against patients. In 1988, the DEA denied a rescheduling petition despite strong judicial condemnation of marijuana's Schedule I classification. The DEA's own Administrative Law Judge Francis L. Young ruled on the petition, commenting that, "Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man." Although final determinations on rescheduling petitions are made by DEA, the review process relies heavily on recommendations from HHS, the federal department that oversees NCI.

Another lesser-known contradiction of federal cannabis policies has to do with the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) pill Marinol. Though ineffective for many medical cannabis patients, Marinol will go off patent this year and a number of companies are vying for generic licenses. Companies are asking the government to allow them to grow cannabis in order to extract the natural form of THC, the primary active chemical in the plant used in the pill. Marinol is currently made with synthetic THC, but it is cheaper to extract the chemical from the plant.

The hypocrisy will soon be too much for even the federal government to bear. The science on cannabis will eventually prevail over politics. It's just not acceptable to hold millions of sick Americans hostage to such a political double standard. It's time for the Obama Administration to recognize the science, act with integrity, and reschedule cannabis.

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About the author: Kris Hermes - Media Specialist, Americans for Safe Access www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Medical Marijuana Inc Announces Major Deal to Distribute Three Beverages With New Hemp and Cannabis Extract Technology From CannaBANK Inc.

Medical Marijuana Inc is proud to announce that CannaBANK™'s patent pending CBD (Cannabidiol) extraction process will allow for direct infusion of the health and wellness benefits providing CBD's into three new bottled water enhanced beverages. This technology will be used by Medical Marijuana Inc (Pinksheets:MJNA - News) to bottle and distribute these beverages in the world beverage marketplace. Medical Marijuana Inc is reviewing several bids for the distribution rights in Latin America as well as the United States. Bottled drinking water market alone exceeds 8.7 billion gallons (wholesale market $11.2 billion) in the USA and is close approaching the Carbonated Soft Drink market in terms of annual sales. Source: www.bottledwater.org (2008 figures).

CBD-infused water will have all the advantages of traditional pure spring water plus the added health and wellness benefits of CBD. The beverages will be marketed throughout similar distribution channels as bottled drinking water at retail and grocery outlets, so as to be readily available to the general populace in the next few months.

CBD is an extract from cannabis and contains none of the psycho-active ingredients of marijuana, known as THC. CBD has been well studied by major University Medical Research Schools in the United States. One CBD benefit is to reduce DNA damage due to free radical species, anti-aging of neural, CNS, COPD, and other cellular targets. This is described in the United States Health Department Patent # 6,630,507 titled "Cannabis as Antioxidants and Neuroprotectants" (see http://tinyurl.com/6hwwmt) as well as many other research articles published in scientific journals.

Dr. Donald Abrahms, chief of Hematology and Oncology from the University of California at San Francisco, has been researching CBD health benefits for many years and more research is available via the following YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHBsxfbgrbY

Aside from Dr Abrahms work, research by the US Government and other top US University Medical Research departments have shown CBD to carry significant benefits. CBD has shown positive as described in the United States Health Department Patent # 6,630,507 results with Parkinson's disease, HIV, Down's Syndrome, Crohn's disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Post Heart Operation and Heart patients, including high blood pressure, Alzheimer's and many other conditions. CBD has been shown to be a natural T-cell enhancer.

Three products are currently available from Medical Marijuana Inc's enhanced drinking water beverage line:

CBD-infused water, which has all of the medical benefits of CBD.
THC-free water, which has all of the additional 500 plus natural benefits less THC.
Hemp water, which uses all the direct benefits of hemp extracts.

Medical Marijuana Inc has several additional beneficial beverage lines which will be launched over the next several months.

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BullnBear Group Guatemala in Joint Venture With The Hemp Network for New Products

The Hemp Network and CannaBANK Inc's (Pinksheets:MJNA - News) acquisition arm in the United States have joined forces with the BullnBear Group, S.A. of Guatemala City, Guatemala to provide hemp-related products from Guatemala into The Hemp Network's marketing platform. The joint announcement was made today from both San Diego, California (headquarters of CannaBANK) as well as from Guatemala City, Guatemala (home of the BullnBear Group, S.A.).

Guatemala is well known for its textile development and processing facilities but also for its indigenous group of workers who are talented in producing hand-weaved products. The BullnBear group, S.A. is in the process of contracting with a Guatemalan Government Charity program, known as the Cooperatives, who provide employment for these indigenous workers.

The BullnBear Group, S.A. has been selected by The Hemp Network to line up contractual arrangements to have end products manufactured and delivered to facilities in the USA. Here the worldwide efforts of The Hemp Network team will distribute to end consumers.

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Medical Marijuana Inc Enters Into Letter Of Intent to Merge Assets of Hemp Deposit Distribution Corporation

Medical Marijuana Inc (Pinksheets:MJNA - News) is proud to announce the signing of a LOI with Hemp Deposit Distribution Corp (HDDC), a Delaware based Co., d/b/a CannaBANK. HDDC is slated to become a subsidiary of Medical Marijuana Inc (MMI) The LOI calls for an administrative restructure with HDDC being issued a controlling majority of the common stock of the company, the current officers of MMI resigning, and HDDC shareholders electing a new Board. The Hemp Network will remain as an operating division of the Company. MMI will increase the amount of authorized capital shares to accommodate the additional issuance of shares to HDDC based on the assets of the subsidiary (HDDC).

President Donald Steinberg stated, "CannaBANK has shown true leadership and have proven they have the vision to take the medical cannabis industry to the next level. They have provided an opportunity for many others to share in the growth of this new and exciting industry. CannaBANK has management and skill sets in place to set the standards as the industry leader."

Jordanne Brenkwitz, Operation Director of CannaBANK, was equally upbeat saying "The timing is perfect for a strategic move and this merger will allow CannaBANK an increased platform to take transparency, value, education and compliance within the industry to the next level."

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The Hemp Network Provides Update on Industrial Hemp Production

Medical Marijuana Inc (Pinksheets:MJNA - News) announces that its division, The Hemp Network® www.thehempnetwork.com, has made an agreement with a Guatemalan Cooperative for the production and manufacture of Hemp-related products.

The Cooperative in Guatemala has contracted the facilities required to turn our Hemp into finished products including textiles, construction materials, paper products, foodstuffs, shoes, purses, hammocks, and other finished hemp products. All items will be top quality, specialty hand-made goods, not mass produced, in order to further enhance our efforts supporting local communities.

These products will be entirely made by hand. Female artisans will be specially trained to work with hemp. Their salaries will help to make them independent and self-sufficient members of society -- and bring commerce to rural areas that are isolated from major cities. With a variety of goods being produced, there will be education, schools and increased commerce to remote areas. This is a social program endorsed by the Guatemalan Government.

President Don Steinberg stated, "This is not marijuana being grown in Guatemala. This is 'Industrial Hemp,' a product that was cultivated in Guatemala for many years. Guatemalan artisans are noted for fashioning Hemp into fine products that have been available in the world market. Hemp is a plant currently cultivated legally in countries such as Canada and Romania. We are proud to be associated with this project that will bring economic benefit to the fine people of Guatemala."

Medical Marijuana Inc Completes Agreement to Import, Grow and Process Industrial Hemp in Guatemala

Medical Marijuana Inc (Pinksheets:MJNA - News) announces that its division, The Hemp Network, has taken the next step to become a leader in the production and distribution of Industrial Hemp. President Don Steinberg stated, "We will now control our involvement in the Hemp Industry by growing Hemp in Guatemala, making that Hemp into hundreds of useable products, and then use our global base of distributors to create awareness of the qualities of Hemp based products."

Medical Marijuana Inc Licenses Clothing Line and Will Provide Hemp Paper to Its TA for Stock Certificates and Provides Other News

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA--(Marketwire - 03/25/10) - Medical Marijuana Inc (Pinksheets:MJNA - News) is proud to announce the licensing of its clothing line, the future use of hemp paper for its stock certificates, the receipt of payment for consulting services provided to Health Sciences, Inc., and more.

The company entered into an agreement with a small public company (to be named in future press release) that will market a clothing line licensed by MJNA. MJNA shareholders will receive approximately 1 restricted share as a dividend of that OTC Markets company based on each 2 MJNA shares now held by MJNA shareholders.

Chairman Bruce Perlowin stated, "Since HEMP is an important part of the Marijuana industries, using this superior paper helps to emphasize its importance and we will later announce the date when our stock certificates will be available in hemp paper so that shareholders will have the opportunity to order stock certificates from our transfer agent."

Medical Marijuana Inc was also paid 200,000,000 shares (pursuant to SEC Rule 144) of Health Sciences, Inc. (HESG) for Marijuana industry consulting services provided to HESG.

MJNA's licensee will reveal its clothing line at the upcoming San Diego Seminar March 27. To get ahead of the learning curve and join the exploding cannabis industries, buy your tickets to the San Diego Symposium at http://www.medicalmarijuanaeducationalexpo.com/

Medical Marijuana Inc's Symposium on Saturday follows in the footsteps of the San Diego City Council 3-2 vote deciding to pursue a Medical Marijuana Ordinance rather than impose a moratorium on Medical Marijuana dispensaries.

MJNA's Chairman Bruce Perlowin will be interviewed on Saturday at the San Diego Convention Center Symposium by the Latin Television Network, Televisa, the largest media company in the Spanish speaking world. The show will be aired nationally in Mexico on April 8, 2010.

Seattle Hempfest Organizers, Artist/Activist Shyan Selah look to the future

August 10, 2009, - Seattle, Wash. - This August marks the 18th annual Seattle Hempfest, arguably the largest hemp festival in the world. This year's Hempfest theme: "A Hempen Future," will put a focus on the year 2020 and the possibility of the legalization of cannabis in all forms, radically impacting our future environment, economy, food and fuel resources. In honor of looking ahead to the future, the event's organizers have chosen progressive urban artist, Shyan Selah, to headline the opening night (7pm - August 15th) of this "protestival."

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CELEBRITIES & ACTIVISTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE LEGALIZATION OF HEMP!

Excerpts read from the Best-selling Hemp Book THE EMPEROR WEARS NO CLOTHES to be shown for Academy Consideration

July 31, 2009- LOS ANGELES, CA- Celebrities and activists show their support for the legalization of hemp by reading excerpts from Jack Herer’s Best-selling Hemp Book, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”. A short presentation of the celebrity footage demystifying hemp’s uses, is being shown theatrically at the Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles August 25-31 to qualify for Academy Award Consideration for Best Short Documentary Subject as part of the campaign to help raise awareness and voter support for the feature length documentary of the same title, scheduled for release in 2010. Principal photography for the controversial feature length documentary began on Sunday, June 28, 2009 and continues throughout the summer.

The short and feature length docs will both feature celebrities and activists reading excerpts from the book off a teleprompter, archival footage, periodicals, US Government propaganda encouraging American farmers to grow hemp, and compelling never-before-seen footage. The docs are being produced by The Brookturn Co., co-directed by author Jack Herer and filmmaker Melissa Balin, shot by cinematographer, Eric Adkins (Sky Captain & The World Of Tomorrow), edited by Brandon Balin, and featuring original music by DJ Dre Ghost of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Executive Producers Eddy Lepp and Jack Herer (co-authors of the California Hemp Initiative) were both on set to kick off principal photography on June 28th, just days before Lepp surrendered himself to Lompoc Prison (July 6, 2009), to serve a 10-year sentence, that the presiding judge herself called “excessive”, for his growth of medical marijuana under the governances of California State Law. Herer is determined to free all prisoners of this senseless “War” and explains enthusiastically, “Until the 19th Century, over 50% of all foodstuffs and 80% of all fibers worldwide were made from Hemp. Hemp is the only thing that can save our planet and the American people are being fed antiquated misinformation through fear-mongering. We have dedicated our lives to getting the truth heard and we hope that this documentary will bring the information forward to a new generation. The time for change is NOW.” Celebrities receive themed giftbags for donating their time; including a personalized signed copy of Herer’s book, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”.

For more information on the movement to legalize hemp and on the short and feature length documentaries based on “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” please e-mail green@brookturn.com

Medical Marijuana, Inc. Expands Internationally To Canada And Adds More Collectives in CA

MARINA DEL REY, CA--(Marketwire – July 16, 2009) - Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) expands internationally by signing Growers with Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. MMI has also added five additional collectives in the United States as follows; Soultree Art of Healing Co-Op in Daly City, California; Netexdive Products in Valley Center, California; Chron Don’s Clinic in Garden Grove, California; Association for Alternative Therapy in Westminster, California; and Better Health Group in San Rafael, California.

Bruce Perlowin is living up to his reputation of having built the largest Marijuana business in the US. Now he is doing it legally and because of his vast experience in the business, who better to help medical marijuana become a legitimate business? Check out the latest activity and news on the company's website: www.medicalmarijuanainc.com

Cannabis Hemp: Is the oldest plant known to man future-proof too?

It will come as absolutely no surprise to some, that in 1971, the year British Petroleum took out the largest bank loan in history to finance its offshore oil explorations (a statistic which still stands today), the serving British government implemented the Misuse of Drugs act. A law which would take away the cannabis plant from those that need it most, forever.

Ever since, successive governments have told the wider population how bad cannabis is for us. Indeed the evidence delivered through a carefully crafted press campaign which spans almost a century, has been delivered with such force and magnitude, the very mention of the word 'Cannabis'
these days brings about much sharp-intaking-of-breath, accompanied by lots of nudge's and wink's. But does it really deserve the bad rap it gets in the press?

Ron Paul on the Legalization of Hemp and Marijuana

Ron Paul talks with Air America’s Richard Greene about the legalization of hemp and marijuana. Click on the title to hear the interview.....