Council on Science and Public Health: Use of Cannabis as Medicine

[RainDog]

Via Google Docs

This is the full 30 page document (CSAPH Report 3-I-09), available for downloading or printing from the American Medical Association.

[DeSwiss]

1. K&R

Conclusions. Results of short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, the patchwork of state-based systems that have been established for “medical marijuana” is woefully inadequate in establishing even rudimentary safeguards that normally would be applied to the appropriate clinical use of psychoactive substances. The future of cannabinoid-based medicine lies in the rapidly evolving field of botanical drug substance development, as well as the design of molecules that target various aspects of the endocannabinoid system. To the extent that rescheduling marijuana out of Schedule I will benefit this effort, such a move can be supported.

- Better late than never, AMA......

[RainDog]

2. it is also notable

that marijuana cannot be patented. however molecules and the means of delivery for said molecules can be patented - which means pharmaceutical companies may profit from them.

when big pharma can make money off of cannabis, it will suddenly be a wonder drug.

[RainDog]

3. Oh, but to add...

it is EXTREMELY important that the AMA has come out in support of rescheduling - the only reason to continue to place cannabis as a schedule one drug at this point is to allow the DEA to continue to enforce unjust laws.

here's a link to how cannabis could be rescheduled -

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/RainDog/5