While the prohibition of cannabis is absurd, the ban on the plant’s non-psychoactive components is even more mind-boggling — particularly when it’s apparent that these compounds possess amazing therapeutic properties. Case in point: cannabidiol (CBD).
A just published scientific review by Sao Paulo University (Brazil) researcher Antonio Zuardi reports that there’s been an “explosive increase” of interest in CBD over the past five years. It’s apparent why.
“Studies have suggested a wide range of possible therapeutic effects of cannabidiol on several conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory diseases, nausea and cancer,” Zuardi writes. Let’s look at a few of these in detail, shall we?
1. Antiepileptic action
“In 1973, a Brazilian group reported that CBD was active in … blocking convulsions produced in experimental animals.”
2. Sedative action
“In humans with insomnia, high doses of CBD increased sleep duration compared to placebo.”
3. Anxiolytic action
“CBD induce[s] a clear anxiolytic effect and a pattern of cerebral activity compatible with an anxiolytic activity.”
4. Antipsychcotic action
“[C]linical studies suggest that CBD is an effective, safe and well-tolerated alternative treatment for schizophrenic patients.”
5. Antidystonic action
“CBD … had antidystonic effects in humans when administered along with standard medication to five patients with dystonia, in an open study.”
6. Antioxidative action
“[I]t was demonstrated that CBD can reduce hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage as well as or better than other antioxidants. CBD was more protective against glutamate neurotoxicity than either ascorbate or a-tocopherol, indicating that this drug is a potent antioxidant.”
7. Neuroprotective action
“A marked reduction in the cell survival was observed following exposure of cultured rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells to beta-A peptide. Treatment of the cells with CBD prior to beta-A exposure significantly elevated the cell survival.”
8. Antiinflammatory action
“CBD, administered i.p. or orally, has blocked the progression of arthritis.”
9. Cardioprotective action
“CBD induces a substantial cardioprotective effect.”
10. Action on diabetes
“CBD treatment of NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice before the development of the disease reduced its incidence from 86% in the non-treated control mice to 30% in CBD-treated mice. … It was also observed that administration of CBD to 11-14 week old female NOD mice, which were either in a latent diabetes stage or had initial symptoms of diabetes, ameliorated the manifestations of the disease.”
11. Antiemetic action
“The expression of this conditioned retching reaction was completely suppressed by CBD and delta9-THC, but not by ondansetron, [an] antagonist that interferes with acute vomiting.”
12. Anticancer action
“A study of the effect of different cannabinoids on eight tumor cell lines, in vitro, has clearly indicated that, of the five natural compounds tested, CBD was the most potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth.”
In sum, the past 45 years of scientific study on CBD has revealed the compound to be non-toxic, non-psychoactive, and to possess a multitude of therapeutic properties. Yet, to this day it remains illegal to possess or use (and nearly impossible to study in US clinical trials) simply because it is associated with marijuana.
What possible advancements in medical treatment may have been achieved over the past decades had US government officials chosen to advance — rather than inhibit — clinical research into CBD (which, under federal law, remains a Schedule I drug defined as having “no currently accepted medical use”)? Perhaps it’s time someone asks John Walters or the DEA?
Posted by Gary at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2008
NORML Marks 20 Millionth Pot Arrest: Tragic Marijuana Milestone Will Take Place This Friday
Posted by Gary Storck
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Reaching the milestone of 20 million cannabis arrests during a time of a global economic crisis is fitting. After all, it was the US Congress that felt it made good sense to repeatedly vote to prohibit regulation of the finance industry while at the same time hardening the federal prohibition of cannabis to even explicitly subvert state laws democratically passed by citizens or state legislatures.
They likened allowing sick people to use medical cannabis as something that would threaten "the children" and endanger our society. I think that passing on to "the children" huge federal debt, constant war and a planet in serious trouble leaves them in much worse straits than if grandma smokes a joint for her arthritis.
The only equitable and moral solution is to jettison this expensive and wasteful monster and embrace the cannabis plant and its many uses for mankind.
That is why nearly 2000 marchers circled the Wiscionsin State Capitol last Sunday. Too bad the "liberal media" did not bother to cover it, sans a couple local college papers.
NORML Marks 20 Millionth Pot Arrest: Tragic Marijuana Milestone Will Take Place This FridayWashington, DC: Law enforcement will make its 20 millionth marijuana arrest this Friday, October 10th, according to data compiled by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and extrapolated by NORML.
The FBI provides annual marijuana arrest data dating back to 1965.
“Police have arrested 19.3 million Americans for marijuana violations in the years between 1965 and 2007 - busting a record 872,000 last year alone,” NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said. “At this pace, law enforcement will make their 20 millionth arrest this month, and will begin busting over one million cannabis consumers annually by 2010.”
Of those arrested, an estimated 90 percent are charged with minor marijuana possession - not trafficking, cultivation, or sale. Three out of every four arrestees are under 30 years old.
“This policy is a tremendous waste of taxpayers' resources; it destroys the lives of millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens, and threatens the personal liberties and freedoms of all Americans,” St. Pierre said. “We've now arrested more American citizens for pot than the entire population of Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oregon combined.”
Speaking last month on C-Span, Drug Czar John Walters denied FBI data indicating that hundreds of thousands of Americans are arrested each year for pot violations, claiming: "We didn't arrest 800,000 marijuana users. That's [a] lie."
NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano recently responded to the Drug Czar's remarks in the Washington DC publication The Hill in an essay entitled, “How Can We Even Discuss Marijuana Policy When America's Top Drug Cop Won't Even Acknowledge The Facts?” More than 240 readers have commented on NORML's essay. Fewer than five respondents have commented in support of the criminal prohibition of cannabis.
To date, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has not responded to NORML's rebuttal, nor has it issued a retraction for the Drug Czar's statements.
In Additional News: NORML Launches Cash Contest For Best Pro-Marijuana Advertisement @ High Noon on October 10 In Recognition (and disgust) of America's 20 Millionth Marijuana Arrest. For further details or to submit a contest entry, check www.norml.org @ noon on Friday, October 10.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500 or Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director.
Posted by Gary at 07:04 PM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2008
Daily Cardinal: Marijuana enthusiasts gather at Harvest Fest
Posted by Gary Storck
Monday, October 6, 2008
Here is the coverage by the Daily Cardinal UW student paper.
Source: The Daily Cardinal click here
Pubdate: October 6, 2008
Author: Anna Discher
MARIJUANA ENTHUSIASTS GATHER AT HARVEST FEST
The theme of this year’s Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival in downtown Madison was “Vote.”
Attendees of the 38th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival marched from Library Mall to the Capitol Sunday.
The 38th annual Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival attracted a large crowd this past weekend in downtown Madison to celebrate a common cause: their support for the legalization of marijuana.
The festival began Friday at the Cardinal Bar with a medical cannabis benefit and continued through Sunday in Library Mall, with speakers, vendors, informational tables, displays and food carts. The festival ended Sunday with a parade to the Capitol, and a rally and concert at the Capitol Square.
This year’s theme was “Vote,” so organizers and attendees recognized the importance of getting one’s voice heard. Agua Das, of Hemp Sources, the inventor of hemp ice cream and a six-time attendee of the festival, said he thinks “hemp makes sense” and supports legalization.
“I’m pro-hemp and I vote … I’m looking for candidates who will support the hemp agriculture bill,” Das said.
Eric Miller, an advocate for the Students for Nader campaign, promotes Nader because he supports legalizing hemp. Miller believes that hemp makes economic sense because it is an easy plant to grow and is good for the environment.
Miller said there are consequences of marijuana use that directly tie to our governmental policies.
“There are more people in jail in Dane County than any other county in Wisconsin,” Miller said. “There are more people in jail in this country than any other industrialized nation, and that is not acceptable.”
Doug Daudensdeck, a volunteer from Minnesota’s national organization that works with marijuana laws, set up a stand at the festival passing out informational packets, buttons and signs promoting marijuana education.
“[Marijuana] should be legal because it is a freedom of choice,” he said.
Madison Police Department officers patrolling the area said the festival was a peaceful and positive gathering; as long as the attendees were not causing problems, they had bigger things to worry about.
Das explained the event perfectly. “This festival is not about dope, it is about hope.”
Posted by Gary at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)
Badger Herald: Harvest Fest participants march for smoking rights
Posted by Gary Storck
Monday, October 6, 2008
Both UW student papers covered this year's Harvest Fest. Here is the Badger Herald's report.
Source: Badger Herald click here
Pubdate: Julie Strupp
Author: Monday, October 6, 2008
HARVEST FEST PARTICIPANTS MARCH FOR SMOKING RIGHTS
An enthusiastic crowd gathered under “Smoke ‘em Bucky” banners for the 38th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival in downtown Madison last weekend to protest the prohibition of marijuana and foster solidarity among fellow dissenters.
The three-day-long festival began Friday night with a benefit concert at the Cardinal Bar and continued through the weekend. Speakers and bands vocalized their support Saturday in Library Mall to “end the war on drugs” and urged listeners to vote for change.
Madison Police Lt. Joe Balles acknowledged marijuana smoking does go on at the event, and while the protesters have every right to assemble peacefully, he noted the act is still illegal.
“Smoking at this event is illegal, just as it’s supposed to be illegal on State Street or in dormitories,” Balles said.
However, Balles said actual enforcement can be difficult because the UW football game required police attention.
“Any problems at this event will be dealt with, but we [had] a larger priority with 100,000 people coming to town for the Ohio State game,” Balles said.
On Sunday, protesters paraded from Library Mall to the Capitol to show support of legislation that legalizes — or “de-criminalizes” — marijuana.
Protesters listed a multitude of reasons as to why they thought marijuana should be legalized, including medical purposes, personal rights, helping solve global warming and stimulating the economy.
“I think they should legalize marijuana to eliminate national debt,” said Linda Ellen, a festival volunteer of 35 years. “Right now, pot sales are unregulated, but we could tax it and prison costs would also go down.”
Speakers also noted the many useful aspects of the cannabis plant. Agua Das, who runs a business that sells legal, THC-free hemp ice cream and hemp-based baked goods to health stores, said the plant provides “food, fiber, fuel and freedom.”
“Canada has had a hemp agriculture for the last seven to eight years,” said Susan Squibb, Das’ co-worker. “If their teenagers had started sitting destitute on the streets, I think [Canadians] would have done something about that law by now.”
Peter Steinburg, a leading attorney and advocate for marijuana rights in the Madison area, said one of the main reasons for marijuana being illegal is that it cuts down on social productivity.
“It would make much more sense to outlaw alcohol,” Steinburg said in his speech at the rally Saturday.
Steinburg also declared that it was “an outrage” that legalized marijuana was not part of the Democratic platform and insisted “the time to demand the end of the drug war is today.”
This year’s theme for the festival was “Vote,” which veteran organizer Ben Masel said is important in every election year, both nationally and at the state level.
“For students, we are really pushing them to vote [for a marijuana-friendly assembly] in their parents’ district,” said Masel. “While we have a friendly assembly here, we’re focusing on flipping it in other areas of Wisconsin.”
According to Masel, who was a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at the time, the festival first started in the fall of 1971 in response to a series of marijuana raids and has been going ever since.
Posted by Gary at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2008
Leading 67-25 in polls, Michigan medical marijuana initiative finds opponents
Posted by Gary Storck
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Today's Detroit Free Press editorialized in favor of passing Michigan's medical cannabis ballot initiative. The same day, the Freep also reported the first signs of organized opposition to the proposition. Let's hope common sense maintains the higher ground and Michigan patients find legal relief this Nov. 4.
Source: Detroit Free Press click here
October 2, 2008
Fight against medical marijuana is onBY Megha Satyanarayana FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Calling it a “pot dream come true for drug dealers,” state law enforcement, medical professionals and antidrug coalitions have launched a campaign to shoot down Proposal 1, the medical marijuana initiative on the November ballot.
The initiative legalizes marijuana for pain relief from chronic illness as approved by a doctor. Users would carry state identification regarding their status, and would be exempt from prosecution. Proposal 1 also allows registered users to grow marijuana.
Continues: click here
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Source: Detroit Free Press click here
October 2, 2008
Yes on Prop 1: Allow seriously ill people the relief marijuana may offerIf people who are seriously or chronically ill can convince their doctors that using marijuana will make them feel better, the State of Michigan should not stand in the way. Proposal 1 on the statewide ballot Nov. 4 would allow Michigan residents to cultivate and possess small amounts of marijuana for medical reasons with a doctor's approval. Voters should say yes to this proposal, which was placed on the ballot by a petition campaign that collected almost 378,000 signatures.
This is not about drug use. It's about compassion. The initiative would amend Michigan law to allow seriously ill people to seek authorization from a doctor to grow up to a dozen marijuana plants and possess up to 2.5 ounces of the weed, strictly for personal use. The continuing, regulated sale of alcoholic beverages poses more of a problem for society than will passage of this law.
Continues: click here
Posted by Gary at 04:45 PM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2008
New Richmond News: Madison man says legalizing marijuana could solve country’s financial woes
Posted by Gary Storck
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The New Richmond News also picked up the article from the State Journal, and it was mentioned on WI Public Radio as well.
Source: New Richmond News click here
Pubdate: 1 October, 2008
A MADISON MAN HAS HIS OWN IDEA FOR SOLVING THE COUNTRY’S FINANCIAL MESS – LEGALIZE MARIJUANA
Gary Storck co-founded Madison’s chapter of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. He says legalizing pot would bring huge money into the federal coffers just like booze did President Franklin Roosevelt ended prohibition 75 years ago.NORML and similar groups have argued for years that the government could make a fortune if it taxed marijuana plants instead of going after those who grow and sell it.
Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy Project says it could bring $10-$40 billion a year to state and local governments.
Congress would have to approve the legalization.
A spokesman for Janesville’s Paul Ryan, the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, didn’t have a comment on it.
Posted by Gary at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)
State Journal: Legalizing, taxing pot urged to raise cash
Posted by Gary Storck
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008
I sent the WI State Journal a letter suggesting cannabis legalization be used to help fund the federal bailout plan. The result was an article about the idea.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal click here
Pubdate: September 30, 2008
Author: Chris Rickert
Legalizing, taxing pot urged to raise cash
President Bush and the two leading presidential contenders were urging lawmakers to take one for the good of the country Tuesday and pass a highly unpopular Wall Street bailout package.Some drug-reform advocates, meanwhile, were suggesting that a better way out of the current financial mess would be to toke one for the country.
"Society could get a great deal of funding by bringing cannabis into our society," said Gary Storck, co-founder of the Madison chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
More specifically, legalizing and taxing marijuana and industrial hemp could open up a lucrative revenue stream and help offset a $700 billion taxpayer outlay to save the country's financial system.
"Why not look at it?" said Storck, who likens the idea to President Roosevelt's support for ending prohibition during the Depression. "We need the money. How else are we going to get it?"
The possible fiscal boon of legalizing marijuana has long been an argument put forth by NORML and like-minded groups, who point to studies showing that the government could be billions of dollars to the good if it taxed the plant and ended its marijuana-related law enforcement efforts.
Bruce Mirken, director of communications with the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project, said legalization and regulation could mean between $10 billion and $40 billion a year to state and federal budgets.
"The bottom line is we have a very large industry in this country ... that is entirely untaxed and unregulated," he said.
Storck and Mirken said there was no organized effort by pro-marijuana groups to lobby for legalization as a way out of the current fiscal crisis, but Storck said he will be talking up the fiscal benefits of legalization at this weekend's Harvest Festival in Madison.
Mirken also said that his group's lobbyist has been talking to lawmakers about the issue and, like Storck, drawing parallels to the repeal of Prohibition during the Depression.
A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, the ranking Republican member of the House Budget Committee, said Ryan didn't have a comment on the suggestion that legalization of marijuana could help pay for the bailout.
Posted by Gary at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)