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PTSD

Will Colorado Add PTSD to List of Qualifying Conditions?

Hoban Law Group Heads to Senate State Affairs Today Will Colorado Add PTSD to List of Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Treatment? (Denver, CO) – Hoban Law Group is excited to announce that the SB17-17 Post-traumatic Stress Bill, to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder to the list of qualifying conditions for […]

The post Will Colorado Add PTSD to List of Qualifying Conditions? appeared first on The Weed Blog.

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Dr. Sue Sisley Pitches Medical Marijuana to Utah’s Politicians

Dr. Sue Sisley hit the snow-covered ground in the Bee Hive state last week with two goals in mind, to mingle with LA’s Hollywood set at Robert Redford’s Film Festival in Park City, and to educate as many of Utah’s political heavyweights on the highly controversial topic of providing medical marijuana to vets who suffer […]

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FREE UNIQUE CANNABIS NEWSLETTER

 The National Weed Legalization Fund was established by an Army veteran as a non-profit corporation dedicated to spreading the message of the countless health benefits of medical-marijuana, especially for PTSD afflicted veterans and cancer and MS patients. The ultimate goal is to see marijuana, the “Wonder Weed”, regulated and taxed nationally, regulated by the states […]

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Marijuana Enters New Age, While Propaganda Remains Stuck in Last Century

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Research into marijuana was almost non existent for the 20th century.  In the 21st century, clinical trials are finally being commissioned, trying to make up for decades of lost research time.  Blatant propaganda had previously been a staple for the criminalization crowd, those who wish to see our jails overcrowded with non violent criminals.  However, as positive patient testimonials, the realization that the war on drugs is a colossal failure, and a desire to regain some individual choices take hold on the American public, wreck less propaganda has begun to fade away.

 

The self righteous criminalization crowd now realizes they have to be more covert when trying to mislead.  They may troll the internet for vulnerable comment sections on blogs, or share exaggerated or factually incorrect articles on social media.  It came as a huge surprise to us to see vintage propaganda prominently featured on the Kansas City Star’s webpage.  Proving that so much deception could not be successfully crafted by one person, both Ravikumar Chockalingam and Dragan Svrakic needed to collaborate to complete a recent article titled “The risks of marijuana are many”.

The article starts with the following:

Imagine the public outrage if a toxic drug was approved without any regulation for “recreational” use in adults and children that suppresses the immune system, causes schizophrenia, mental illness, brain and lung disease including cancer and death. Also, many long-term and frequent users of this toxic drug have lowered IQs, impaired memory, poor judgment and diminished driving ability.

 

It does not exactly improve from there. The authors go on to cite marijuana as a “toxic drug” while ignoring obvious comparisons to legal opiates and alcohol’s “toxic” effect.  Even stranger, they try and scare readers regarding a fictional “nightmare health scenario” that other states outside of Kansas and Missouri are experiencing.  Driving and marijuana is actually a discussion that needs to occur, but there is conflicting evidence to suggest that it causes more accidents.  In fact, in certain states where medical marijuana is legal, DWIs and fatal crashes have actually gone down. The authors also claim there is no medical evidence to support marijuana’s medical efficacy.  That is incorrect as even the U.S. government has commissioned studies that highlight marijuana’s wide array of medical uses, including the potential to fight cancer.

 

Of course the article also uses the standard condescension, where patient testimonials are irrelevant and we should not trust people when they tell us about their improved quality of life and reduction in pain, nausea, PTSD, seizures… the list goes on.  Patients from different walks of life, politically, financially, and ethnically, all have gotten together during times where their health has deteriorated, to fake marijuana’s benefits.  At least this is what the article in the Kansas City Star implying.

 

While (psychiatry resident) and Dragan Svrakic (associate professor) are both part of the Washington University School of Medicine, they seem to be lagging behind the medical leaders in our country.  Even Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN contributor and President Obama’s choice for Surgeon General (Dr. Gupta turned down the offer) has reversed his opposition to medical marijuana, and admitted he was wrong.  When leading physicians, clinical trials, and patients all report the benefits of medical marijuana, we can only hope the two authors of the article will take notice.  We at marijuana.net noticed an unusual amount of blanket statements and a lack of evidence provided for these outrageous claims.  The American public does not seem to be buying the scare tactics of last century as the vast majority (85% according to a Fox News Poll) of residents here support medical marijuana.  It may be time for Ravikumar Chockalingam and Dragan Svrakic to abandon the propaganda, or at least utilize more subtle and modern techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Marijuana Like Compound in Brain Shows Fragile X Syndrome May Be Treatable

brain

The federal government has shown an unwillingness to entertain operational changes.  In particular, federal authorities still prefer to suppress the monumental potential of medical marijuana as it is an uncomfortable topic because it may require regulation, rescheduling, and the admission of an almost 100 year mistake.

Medical marijuana breakthroughs are occurring at a frequent rate.  Last week alone, marijuana.net reported on a breakthrough that showed cannabis had the potential to fight epilepsy.  Perhaps even more groundbreaking was a study that showed components of marijuana had the ability to slow the spreading of cancer cells.  Of course this builds on years research that have shown marijuana to be a miracle of sorts, and has demonstrated promise in fighting chronic pain, muscle conditions, MS, complications related to chemotherapy, glaucoma, the spreading of HIV/AIDS, nausea, PTSD etc (it would take too much time to list them all).

Fragile X Syndrome now joins the constantly growing list of medical conditions that may benefit from marijuana research.  This complex condition is associated with autism and mental retardation in men and considered the most common cause of both.  Fragile X syndrome is a mutation of the FMR1 gene in the X chromosome that is passed on by the mother.  This mutation can result in mental disability, hyperactivity, physical disability, and language deficiencies.

The main problem has to do with messages and receptors in the brain.    Researchers have now found that 2-AG, a marijuana like compound and endocannabinoid transmitter is showing considerable promise in reducing fragile x syndrome symptoms.  Daniele Piomelli, a professor at UC Irvine was the lead researcher of the study and recently said “This compound is so important in regulating neural transmission in the brain that it seemed possible that it might be involved in a disease that is so devastating on brain function.”   When the 2-AG signal is boosted, it appears the brain will relay the correct messages, at least in lab mice.  Proffessor Piomelli explained  “We asked, ‘If we boost a little bit of that 2-AG signal, will it be enough to correct the problems that occur in fragile X mice? The answer was a resounding, Yes.  We corrected the physiology, but most importantly, we corrected their behavior.  The animals behaved just like normal animals.  They didn’t have the fears and movement problems of those with fragile X.”

We are only now seeing the tip of the iceberg as decades of potential research have been lost due to senseless marijuana regulations.  However, as groundbreaking discoveries that have eluded modern medicine for decades are coming through marijuana research, how long can we truly afford to look the other way.  As politicians are desperate not to admit mistakes (see Mitt Romney Campaign), there is something admirable about those who stand up, admit fault, and reverse a century long problem.

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Veterans May Catch a Break in Oregon

veterans

As the 2012 presidential election nears, we will hear two men in suits talking quite a bit about our soldiers.  They will congratulate and praise them, but they will also ignore their basic needs.  Returning home after enduring the daily struggles of a foreign military conflict is not an envious position.  Our government has a responsibility to help who protect our country.  Integrating back into civilian life has proven difficult for many soldiers and with cuts to veteran hospitals and benefits the future does not appear to hold an easier path.

Of course there is an affordable and accessible plan by many to help our soldiers.  Instead of addicting prescription pills that ultimately prove less effective, medical marijuana has been crucial to many returning soldiers.  If we are unwilling to tax, regulate, and stimulate the economy with our antiquated marijuana laws, then of course we would be willing to make an exception for those who ensure our own comfortable lives.  That assumption could not be further from the truth as many states, and The White House have ignored the pleas of veteran organizations.

Recently we did learn there was hope for those soldiers living in Oregon.  Oregonlive.com published an article that describes the efforts of veteran groups and activists seeking to add PTSD to list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use.  The article describes the situations of several struggling veterans including Jared Townsend.  Mr. Townsend is an Iraq war veteran and recently said that cannabis use can “balance life out a little bit better.”  He also went on to say “If I get racing thoughts and real worked up, it can break a panic attack pretty quick.”  While there is considerable momentum for attempting to change the law, precedent is not encouraging.  In the 14 years of Oregon’s medical marijuana program only new condition (agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease) has been added to the list of permissible uses.   In order to get the law changed, a petition will have to be submitted.  Then the Oregon Health Authority will select who sits on a panel to review the submission.  Veteran and marijuana advocates claim that past panels have included many anti marijuana members.

Research is still not conclusive on just how effective cannabis is toward treating complications associated with PTSD.  Dr. John J. Halpern, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School said there is an “overabundance of case reports” that suggest that marijuana helps PTSD sufferers.  However he cited political reasons for a lack of research.  Cannabis is the only schedule 1 substance that requires additional review by National Institute on Drug Abuse in order to conduct research.  Many are incensed that the least destructive substance in the schedule 1 category requires so much additional red tape navigation.  Many analysts have noted that a lack of research seems to be a convenient answer as that line can be used over and over by the same lawmakers who simultaneously block the research.  Although research is needed to determine the future of PTSD treatment, we at marijuana.net trusts the tens of thousands of soldiers who have no reason to coordinate a large scale conspiracy.  Our heroes need relief and we cannot arm them to fight foreign wars but simply take away any tools that would help with reintegration.

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Arizona Gives Cold Shoulder to Returning Veterans

arizonaWhile it is usually a difficult time to be a veteran integrating back into civilian life, last week was especially difficult.  First the White House denied a petition to allow PTSD to be legally treated with marijuana.  The petition was signed by thousands of war veterans though the White House maintains there is not enough …continue reading

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White House Denies Soldiers Petition to Use Marijuana for PTSD

white houseDespite having no military combat experience or even approving any federal cannabis research, President Obama has come to a very well thought out conclusion, marijuana has no benefit for sufferers of PTSD. Of course many doctors, scientists, and war veterans of this country feel very differently than the president. A coalition of returning soldiers has …continue reading

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Marijuana May be Able to Help Weight Loss and Diabetes

marijuana helps obesity diabetes

New study findings are constantly providing us with surprising news regarding the potential of medical marijuana.  The question we have to start asking is why are we still shocked to hear about these developments.  No other treatment available has demonstrated such a wide variety of applications.  Marijuana is producing results in areas that have baffled doctors and scientists.  Recently we learned that cannabis appears to posses the potential to help combat the spreading of the AIDS virus.  Additionally, new information is showing much promise for marijuana helping victims of PTSD and schizophrenia, two conditions where research has not been able to yield quality treatments.  This of course, is beautifully combined with the older and more well known applications of medical marijuana such as pain and nausea.

New research actually shows that marijuana may be helpful in an area that could seem silly if only analyzed from the surface.  While smoked cannabis is known for appetite stimulation (or the munchies as its more commonly referred as) GW Pharmaceuticals has found that two specific cannabinoids may be useful in appetite suppression and weight loss.  Cannabidiol (more commonly referred to as CBD) and THCV (a homologue of THC) could help burn calories and reduce hunger.  In tests, GW Pharmaceuticals found that animals introduced to the two cannabinoids displayed a boost in metabolic rates and fat burning.   Professor Mike Cawthorne, who has been conducting the trials and director of metabolic research at the University of Buckingham  said “Overall, it seems these molecules increase energy expenditure in the cells of the body by increasing the metabolism.”

This research builds on previous findings that the two cannabinoids were also effective in treating animals with type 2 diabetes.  The two studies provide hope for a new avenue of treatment for heart disease, stroke and other conditions that can result from weight gain and a breakdown of the metabolism.  Dr. Steph Wright, director of Research and Development at GW Pharmaceuticals agreed and recently said “We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilization in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases.”

The pursuit of a magic weight loss pill has seemed as daunting as discovering the fountain of youth or spotting a unicorn.  However this quest is usually undertaken for cosmetic reasons and not always to improve health.  In either case, America’s obesity epidemic has reached dangerous levels with new and younger generations already dependent upon processed and unhealthy foods.  New research is confirming that cannabis is not taking lives, but may hold the potential for saving lives.

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Medical Marijuana Industry News June 1, 2012

silvestre reyes

Anti- Marijuana Stance may have caused Congressman his Job…

The Huffington Post’s website recently posted an article that describes a congressional election that may have been won and lost because of medical marijuana.  What has marijuana advocates even more excited is this did not occur in California, Washington, or Colorado, but in Texas.  El Paso Democrats decided to let Rep. Silvestre Reyes exit office in favor of Beto O’Rourke.  While the race was for the primary, the mostly Democratic district is expected to choose O’Rourke, the winner of this race.  Over the years,  Reyes has been very adamant in his opposition to marijuana reform.  The election seems to have highlighted El Paso voters concern with the growing violence along the Mexican border.  Beto O’Rourke helped to push a 2009 legalization resolution in response to the growing problems along the border.  Reyes, who maintains very close ties with President Obama and former President Clinton opposed and said that the district risked losing federal funding even if they simply discussed and debated the issue.  Residents did not find the explanation of his opposition satisfactory and have moved on.  Activists nationally are showing their political muscle as the Attorney General race in Oregon also may have been determined by the candidate’s position on marijuana.

 

Click here for the Huffington Post article which describes the story in further detail

 

Poll: California Residents overwhelmingly support medical marijuana but split on total legalization…

As the Los Angeles City Council is considering a ban on all dispensaries in the city, California residents should make them think twice.  A new poll shows that an absolute vast majority of residents in the state support medical marijuana.  Apparently, the growth of medical cannabis has not caused residents to want an end to the program.  Today, the City Council may choose to shut down all of the dispensaries while allowing patients to grown their own medication.  Activists say that could compromise “safe access” as many patients do not have the means or knowledge to grow safe medicine.  Another plan will also be discussed that would limit the amount of legal dispensaries to 100.  All of this is a temporary fix until the state supreme court issues a ruling which is expected next year.  The poll also shows that Californians are mixed on recreational legalization and only 46% favored it.  Interestingly enough, the rest of the country may support legalization even more than residents in California as a recent poll showed 56% of Americans were in favor.  With such strong support from the people on medical marijuana but still opposition from lawmakers, an eventful year is expected.

 

Click here for info and Toke of the Town’s Coverage

 

White House Ignores Returning Soldiers Pleas for Medical Marijuana…

It is not secret that for generations American soldiers have returned home only to fight a new internal struggle.  While marijuana has showed great promise in treating PTSD symptoms, the federal government has refused to alter their position.  Thousands of veterans banded together and sent in a petition requesting that the White House reconsider its stance on medical marijuana.  Unfortunately they have been rejected.  PTSD is a serious and often underrepresented condition.  Statistics actually show that suicides are far more of a risk for military personnel as they outnumber combat deaths by a staggering 25-1 margin.  Al Byrne, co-founder of the Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA) said in response,  “Vets have used cannabis for PTSD since the Revolutionary War, we know what we need and to be told by our President, the Commander in Chief, that he does not care about those he has sent to war by denying medicine to the wounded is unconscionable.”

 

For more on this story click here

 

Strange News: Denny’s Customer tries to pay for meal with Marijuana…

Although marijuana.net is pleased with the progress the marijuana reform has made, the following story shows us why educating is so important.  We encourage readers to check out our legal section and to verify the marijuana laws in your state.  However, even education may not have been enough for a man in Niagara, NY.  The man tried to pay for his burger and fries at a local Denny’s (approximately $10) with one dollar of acceptable United States currency, and the rest with marijuana.  When employees did not accept the well thought out proposal, the man bolted for the nearby woods.  Reports indicate that employees informed police of where the man lived.  It is unclear as to what charges may be brought if he is caught because he did not eat any of the food and New York has decriminalized marijuana possession for amounts under 25 grams.  The penalty is a civil citation carrying a maximum of a $100 fine.  It is unclear if authorities will view the action more severely considering he attempted to use the marijuana in a transaction.

 

For more on this click here

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