Cannabis News Media Awareness Project
  All Smoke
Posted by CN Staff on April 24, 2006 at 12:55:28 PT
By Sydney Spiesel 
Source: Slate 

medical USA -- Last week, the Food and Drug Administration reported that it had definitively established that marijuana has no medical use or value. Definitively? Established? I don't think so.

The FDA's announcement begins by acknowledging the claim that smoked marijuana may be beneficial for some conditions. Then the agency points out that among drugs with a potential for abuse, marijuana is lumped in with the most dangerous drugs, the ones that have no potential medical benefits and the highest likelihood of misuse.

The FDA next affirms that a collection of federal agencies have together concluded that marijuana is both dangerous and medically valueless, based on scientific studies in humans and animals. The announcement—actually, it's an "inter-agency advisory"—concludes by asserting, with a boldness that might belie a certain uneasiness, that it is the FDA's job to approve drugs. Take that, state legislatures and voters.

The FDA's statement implies that the agency reached its conclusion about marijuana after conducting a new serious analysis of the existing scientific literature on the drug. But of course no such analysis was reported in the medical literature and, in fact, no identifiable official at the FDA took responsibility for last week's advisory. It was just put out there as a statement of fact.

But it's not. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine, the medical arm of the National Academy of Sciences (an organization chartered by Congress to provide independent, nonpartisan scientific and technological advice) examined this same question in considerable depth and published a 288-page report of its findings. Put together by 11 distinguished scientists and physicians, the IOM report examined the known and potential harms of marijuana use and the known and potential medical benefits.

The report is broad in its vision and thoughtful and cautious in its interpretations and recommendations. Its authors acknowledged that the medical uses of marijuana entail some risk of harm—for instance, it's pretty clear that inhaling marijuana smoke can't be good for the lungs, and who knows if there are significant psychological side effects for some users. But the authors concluded that these risks were not terribly high. They also found that other putative risks often attached to this drug—the potential for addiction, for instance, or for marijuana serving as a "gateway" to further drug abuse—were much overstated. The report urged further study to determine the real level of risk.

In examining the potential medical benefits of medical marijuana, the IOM report was equally cautious. It described relief from nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy, appetite stimulation for cancer and HIV patients, and treatment of muscle spasticity for patients with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Though these benefits seem real, the authors of the IOM report point out that we really don't know yet if they are significant or valuable enough to warrant the use of medical marijuana. Again, the report urged further study to determine the real level of benefit.

However, in the seven years since the IOM report was issued, virtually no research on potential risks and benefits has been done, because the government has blocked such studies. So we know neither more nor less about medical marijuana than we did seven years ago, whatever the FDA says. Why would the agency inaccurately claim that the science is settled when it isn't? I hardly need to say it: This isn't a medical or scientific conclusion. It's a political one.

This is certainly not the first time that politics has trumped science at the FDA. Another recent example: the agency's decision to block over-the-counter availability for emergency contraceptives in the face of overwhelming evidence that the treatment is safe and effective, and support for over-the-counter availability by the FDA's own advisory committee. From my standpoint as a doctor, the question is this: What do you do when federal agencies become so politicized that their recommendations can't necessarily be trusted? Do you have to treat other things they say as suspect?

I depend on good advice and honest information from government agencies in the daily conduct of my work. I need to know what epidemic illnesses are circulating in my neighborhood even if that information might put a government agency in a bad light. I need to be able to trust government-sponsored research (especially because, goodness knows, I have learned not to trust manufacturer-sponsored research). I need to know that the advice I glean from government-sponsored agency Web sites will lead to the best care for my patients.

Marijuana as a medicine—whatever its risk and benefits are eventually determined to be—may turn out to be much less important than the question of whether we can count on agencies like the FDA to be honest in their dealings.

Sydney Spiesel is a pediatrician in Woodbridge, Conn., and associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Yale University's School of Medicine.

Note: The FDA's statement on medical marijuana isn't about science.

Source: Slate (US Web)
Author: Sydney Spiesel
Published: Monday, April 24, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC
Contact: letters@slate.com
Website: http://www.slate.com/
URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2140503/

Related Articles & Web Site:

IOM Report
http://newton.nap.edu/html/marimed/

MMJ Advocates Slam ‘Politicized’ FDA Report
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21774.shtml

FDA Loses Credibility With Jab at Medical Pot
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21772.shtml

FDA's Credibility Goes Up In Smoke
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21771.shtml


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Comment #37 posted by global_warming on April 26, 2006 at 03:03:28 PT
re:comment 35
There does seem to be some similarity in the Thomas writing, yet the 2 parable in question really stick out as very different, and rather harsh.

"All the scientific evidence has shown that the negative consequences of marijuana are equal to, if not less than, those of alcohol," he said. "Current differences between alcohol and marijuana punishments are due to politics, not science."

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #36 posted by AOLBites on April 26, 2006 at 01:32:36 PT
stupid logins?
use bugmenot.com !

gotta give too damm much personal info?

use bugmenot.com !

simply annoyed at all the stupid restrictions to reading the news?

use bugmenot.com !

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #35 posted by whig on April 25, 2006 at 21:45:32 PT
Matthew and Thomas
In trying to source the parable you quoted at Matthew 25:39, a different context also exists at Matthew 13:12, which reflects the saying at Thomas 41. This gives a rather different meaning which is seemingly betrayed by the later retelling.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #34 posted by whig on April 25, 2006 at 21:16:47 PT
gw
The crucifixion is not what we should dwell upon. We are not about death. We are the Christ ourselves, alive and here now.

http://www.metalog.org/files/thomas.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #33 posted by global_warming on April 25, 2006 at 16:33:52 PT
or should I have said
the matter of that crucifixion,

and our filled prisons,

it seems that this country,

the good old USA

has gone crazy,

it is good to be politically correct,

it is another thing when good people,

are displaced, and placed into prisons,

from hand to mouth,

this sickness must end,

there is no science

there is no mind

that is not victim or concubine

to greed and the powers of big business



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #32 posted by afterburner on April 25, 2006 at 16:05:14 PT
Comment #3
Calvina Fay, executive director of Drug Free America Foundation comments, "Hopefully now the so-called medical marijuana issue can rightfully shift from political to scientific."

It ain't there yet. The FDA is playing politics, NOT issuing scientific truths.

"Drug Free America Foundation is dedicated to fighting drug use"

Hide your insulin, your aspirin, your Viagra. Drug Free America Foundation is on the loose, running amok.

"Dr. Andrea Barthwell, executive director, EMG Global"

Can you say conflict of interest? How can an advocate for Sativex also be a spokesperson for Drug Free America Foundation?

"Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness" - Thomas Paine, Common Sense

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #31 posted by global_warming on April 25, 2006 at 15:42:34 PT
it sure does
yet there is still the idea of this rabbi nailed to to tree..

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #30 posted by whig on April 25, 2006 at 15:20:05 PT
gw
Doesn't the parable read as a requirement to charge usury? How silly.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #29 posted by global_warming on April 25, 2006 at 14:59:37 PT
re:comment 21
I totally agree with you, the parable does seem to suggest that it was written by somebody who either did not grasp the larger context of the gospel, or was inserted at a later date by someone who had a great deal of respect for the bankers..



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #28 posted by Max Flowers on April 25, 2006 at 09:51:51 PT
mayan - 9/11 & thermite
Thank you for posting those links, I hope thousands and thousands of people are directed to those articles and photos.

The one photo of the fireman standing in front of the melted column is extremely damning. It is absolute evidence of thermite use!! Nothing else could have done that to that solid steel support column. That steel is melted like candle wax, and it is at GROUND LEVEL, roughly 1000 feet below where the plane's jet fuel ignited.

Some people need to be indicted for high treason, sedition and murder, and that photo is going to play a major role. Come on folks---this is obviously why they shipped off all the steel in such a hurry, to destroy the very incriminating evidence.

I'll tell you all something else, too: the murdering, traitor neocon pig Giuliani was in on the whole thing. I've now realized that the perpetrators could not possibly have pulled it off without his collusion. That's why the WTC 7 building was "pulled"---again, to destroy the evidence. I believe that the planes were directed in by remote control, and this was done from Giuliani's WTC 7 "command center." For several reasons, they felt they needed that building to come down too. Maybe something to do with the evidence in major SEC investigations which was stored there, and was conveniently buried in rubble and destroyed? Throw in a little multi-billion-dollar Larry Silverstein insurance scam too...

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Comment #27 posted by FoM on April 25, 2006 at 07:57:10 PT
Had Enough
I have the article posted now.

Potheads and Sudafed: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21777.shtml

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #26 posted by goneposthole on April 25, 2006 at 06:55:24 PT
ah, yes, good old science
indefinitely unestablished FDA 'science'

The FDA wants to treat their 'findings' on 'marijuana' as some kind of definitive established 'fact.' There are really no 'scientific facts,' just scientific certainties.

They're looking more like 'Firesign Theater' than they are the 'FDA.'

sci·ence (sī'əns) pronunciation n.

1. 1. The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena. 2. Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena. 3. Such activities applied to an object of inquiry or study. 2. Methodological activity, discipline, or study: I've got packing a suitcase down to a science. 3. An activity that appears to require study and method: the science of purchasing. 4. Knowledge, especially that gained through experience. 5. Science Christian Science.

http://www.answers.com/topic/science

I like number four. The knowledge the FDA gained through their experiences with Vioxx, Prozac, Celebrex, and other such 'prescribed medications' hasn't done much at all for their credibility. The 'FDA' is suspect. They have a poor track record.

I'll keep using cannabis. In all the eight thousand years of experience with cannabis, the knowledge gained trumps the pitiful knowledge the 'FDA' claims to possess.

The 'FDA' should be inhaling smoke instead of blowing it.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #25 posted by Had Enough on April 25, 2006 at 06:23:07 PT
Members Only
Sorry FoM. I don’t have a “Membership Card to Get Inside” the New York Times.

But I do like the last line in what you did post about the GOP people to stay home, come Election Day. I kind of hope they will take his advise.

Whatcha Think?

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Comment #24 posted by FoM on April 24, 2006 at 20:30:17 PT
A Request: Potheads and Sudafed
If anyone has a paid subscription to the New York Times could you post the article in a comment so I can get it posted on CNews? Thanks for any help.

Published: April 25, 2006

For G.O.P. voters fed up with their party's big-government philosophy, the latest medical treatment from Washington's narcs is one more reason to stay home this November.

http://tinyurl.com/zt2v2

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #23 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 19:16:33 PT
gw
You might find this interesting....

http://tinyurl.com/kq6o6

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #22 posted by FoM on April 24, 2006 at 18:45:58 PT
UK: GW Pharma Gets High on Sativex Hopes

By Richard Wray

Tuesday April 25, 2006

The Guardian

Smoking marijuana is bad for you, says the US federal drugs administration, even if you are using it for medicinal purposes rather than just to get giggly. While that's bad news for the United States' growing and vocal pro-marijuana lobby, it could be good news for GW Pharmaceuticals. Shares in the Salisbury-based maker of medicines based on cannabis and other controlled drugs rose 9p to 98p yesterday on hopes that the outlawing of smoking dope to alleviate medical symptoms may smooth the way for the approval of its spray-based version of the drug Sativex.

In a note on the stock, Evolution Securities pointed out that the FDA's advisory position on marijuana was in line with a recent ruling by the supreme court, which has placed in jeopardy the relaxed laws of some states towards the use of marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. "While this might not mean the approval route for Sativex is any easier, we believe it does mean there is no foundation to the assertion made by some commentators that Sativex could not be approved in the US for political reasons," Dr Jonathan Senior, an analyst, said. It's a welcome piece of good news after GW shares slumped last month following the release of disappointing trial data for Sativex.

Complete Article: http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1760598,00.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #21 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 18:40:57 PT
gw
To be clear, I am not dismissing the entire Gospel of Matthew, but this particular parable. I do not derive the truth of a saying from who said it, or who is claimed to have said it. The argument from authority is not instructive of truth. Rather, I must consult my own conscience and divine authority to say whether I think a thing is right and good, and the parable of the talents is wrong, or misunderstood, or we are lacking some context which would show the intent to be otherwise.

In any case, I find it disagreeable and I do not accept it.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #20 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 18:36:32 PT
re:18 and Luke 19:12-27
so true, and should equally be dismissed as further corruption..



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #19 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 18:26:17 PT
FoM Comment #8
Doesn't this explain a lot? Wasn't Andrea Barthwell one of the principle contacts on the press release from Calvina Fay? Isn't Barthwell with GW Pharma?

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #18 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 18:18:29 PT
gw
Luke tells much the same parable as Matthew (Luke 19:12-27).

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #17 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 18:10:29 PT
Matthew
Critical biblical scholars, like Herman N. Ridderbos in his book Matthew, do not consider the apostle Matthew to be the author of this Gospel. He cites a number of reasons such as the text being in Greek, not Aramaic, the Gospel's heavy reliance on Mark, and the lack of characteristics usually attributed to an eyewitness account. Francis Write Beare agrees, and goes on to say in his book The Gospel according to Matthew "there are clear indications that it is a product of the second or third Christian generation. The traditional name of Matthew is retained in modern discussion only for convenience."

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #16 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 18:08:05 PT
gw
I do not like that gospel.

http://tinyurl.com/k6ady

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #15 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 17:02:46 PT
do you have a soul?
Luk 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord's Messiah.

Luk 2:27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law,

Luk 2:28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:

Luk 2:29 Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word.

Luk 2:30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation.

Luk 2:31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples--

Luk 2:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.

Luk 2:33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him.

Luk 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed--

Luk 2:35 and a sword will pierce your own soul--that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #14 posted by FoM on April 24, 2006 at 17:01:40 PT
Mayan
I made a new page for the new album Living With War. I am so excited about the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Freedom of Speech tour. It's a 35 date concert tour. They will perform songs from Prairie Wind and Living With War and I'm sure Ohio! I told my husband when he called and it will be a great way to end the summer. The last concert of the tour is only about 80 mikes from us! Yippie!

http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/war.htm

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #13 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 16:55:30 PT
about Mercy
Luk 1:46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

Luk 1:47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

Luk 1:48 because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed,

Luk 1:49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.

Luk 1:50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.

Luk 1:51 He has done a mighty deed with His arm; He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;

Luk 1:52 He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.

Luk 1:53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.

Luk 1:54 He has helped His servant Israel, mindful of His mercy,

Luk 1:55 just as He spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants forever.

Luk 1:56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.

Luk 1:57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son.

Luk 1:58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #12 posted by mayan on April 24, 2006 at 16:53:36 PT
FoM
Sorry if you've already seen these...

Neil Young's protest album heads to Internet first: http://tinyurl.com/nnubb

Neil Young's LIVING WITH WAR: 'It may just be the Fahrenheit 9/11 of rock': http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00002720.htm

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 16:49:47 PT
so it seems
that the 'Gospel of Matthew,'

is a compromised scripture,

with little or no value, except to the bankers, and slaves, in this Christendom.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #10 posted by mayan on April 24, 2006 at 16:46:24 PT
Desperation Tactic
The FDA's statement implies that the agency reached its conclusion about marijuana after conducting a new serious analysis of the existing scientific literature on the drug. But of course no such analysis was reported in the medical literature and, in fact, no identifiable official at the FDA took responsibility for last week's advisory. It was just put out there as a statement of fact.

Just why did the FDA put out their bogus statement when they did? I believe it is indicative of their desperation. When the boomer generation adopts cannabis as it's primary medicine of choice then the pharmaceutical industry is in trouble. Big trouble.

The FDA is backed into a corner and can only lash out at an ever stronger adversary. The ignoring and laughing phases have passed and now they have no choice but to attack. It's a good thing that we have the truth on our side. We can't and won't lose!

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.” - Mahatma Gandhi

On an unrelated note, the natives are getting restless...

California Becomes Second State to Introduce Bush Impeachment: http://www.democrats.com/node/8696

THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...

Thermite Identified As Culprit Of WTC Collapse: http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/april2006/240406thermiteidentified.htm

Evidence Of Thermite On WTC Core Columns: http://rense.com/general70/pphe.htm

The White Flames Of Thermite At The WTC: http://rense.com/general70/whitehot.htm

9/11 conspiracy making sense (LTE): http://www.scholarsfor911truth.org/LetterConspiracy.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 16:42:43 PT
'You evil, lazy slave!
Mat 25:14 "For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them.

Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one--to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately

Mat 25:16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more.

Mat 25:17 In the same way the man with two earned two more.

Mat 25:18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

Mat 25:19 "After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.

Mat 25:20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I've earned five more talents.'

Mat 25:21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'

Mat 25:22 "Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I've earned two more talents.'

Mat 25:23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'

Mat 25:24 "Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, 'Master, I know you. You're a difficult man, reaping where you haven't sown and gathering where you haven't scattered seed.

Mat 25:25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.'

Mat 25:26 "But his master replied to him, 'You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven't sown and gather where I haven't scattered,

Mat 25:27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money back with interest.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #8 posted by FoM on April 24, 2006 at 16:39:35 PT
UK: US Interest in MS Drug Boosts GW

By Stephen Foley in New York

Published: April 25, 2006

US investors piled into GW Pharmaceuticals yesterday amid excitement over the prospects for an American launch of its revolutionary cannabis-based treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Health regulators have sent an uncompromising message that smoked cannabis will not be approved for use by MS sufferers, leaving the way open for GW's under-the-tongue spray version of the drug.

Justin Gover, the managing director, said GW'sshares had attracted attention from private investors.

GW shares are listed in London, where they closed up 10 per cent at 98p.

The interest has been sparked by a Food & Drug Administration ruling last week that "no sound scientific studies supported medical use of marijuana for treatment in the US, and no animal or human data supported the safety or efficacy of marijuana for general medical use". The agency is trying to re-establish control after 11 states allowed doctors to suggest the use of smoked cannabis.

In January, the FDA gave GW permission to start trials of its spray, Sativex, in the US this year. The drug is sold in Canada and could make it to the US market by the end of the decade.

Mr Gover said: "The FDA's announcement shows that one can, on the one hand, not support smoking cannabis as a medicine and, on the other, support the concept of a cannabis-derived medicine that meets normal standards of safety and efficacy as a welcome solution to the problem."

Scientists disagree over the effectiveness of cannabis as a treatment for the symptoms of MS.

Copyright: 2006 Independent News and Media Limited

http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article360003.ece

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #7 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 16:33:52 PT
have some forgotten something?
Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them.

Mat 20:26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

Mat 20:27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave;

Mat 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life--a ransom for many."

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by global_warming on April 24, 2006 at 16:01:41 PT
fools, money hungry fools
"From my standpoint as a doctor, the question is this: What do you do when federal agencies become so politicized that their recommendations can't necessarily be trusted? Do you have to treat other things they say as suspect?.. I depend on good advice and honest information from government agencies in the daily conduct of my work. I need to know what epidemic illnesses are circulating in my neighborhood even if that information might put a government agency in a bad light. I need to be able to trust government-sponsored research (especially because, goodness knows, I have learned not to trust manufacturer-sponsored research). I need to know that the advice I glean from government-sponsored agency Web sites will lead to the best care for my patients. "



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #5 posted by Taylor121 on April 24, 2006 at 14:54:33 PT
MPP did a good job
I gotta say, MPP did a good job of being in the news articles on this subject. Glad to see that our reform organizations are out there working their rear's off.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on April 24, 2006 at 13:46:34 PT
answer
"From my standpoint as a doctor, the question is this: What do you do when federal agencies become so politicized that their recommendations can't necessarily be trusted?"

Disband them!!!! What do you when anyone you hire does a lousy job and lies to you? Fire them!

I'd much rather trust Consumer Reports to evaluate drug safety than ANY branch of the lying, corrupt, thieving federal government.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #3 posted by FoM on April 24, 2006 at 13:38:23 PT
Drug Free America Foundation Press Release
Drug Free America Foundation Lends Support to Current FDA Findings on So-Called Medical Marijuana

***

4/24/2006

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- On Friday, April 21, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement concluding that they continue to support marijuana's placement as a Schedule I drug, as well as agree that there is currently sound evidence that smoked marijuana is harmful.

Calvina Fay, executive director of Drug Free America Foundation comments, "Many experts in drug policy and medicine have been waiting for this. Modern medicine relies on scientific research, not polling results. Hopefully now the so-called medical marijuana issue can rightfully shift from political to scientific."

Leading experts in the drug policy and medical field are currently available to comment on this issue. Some experts include:

-- Calvina Fay, executive director, Drug Free America Foundation

-- Dr. Eric Voth, chairman, Institute of Global Drug Policy

-- Dr. Andrea Barthwell, executive director, EMG Global

Drug Free America Foundation is dedicated to fighting drug use, drug addiction and drug trafficking and to promoting effective sound drug policies, education and prevention. It is equally committed to exposing and refuting deceptive tactics, such as medical marijuana.

Members of the media who would like to set up an interview regarding this issue with Calvina Fay or several other of the Foundation's drug policy and prevention experts please contact Lana Beck, director of communications, at 727-828-0211 or 727- 403-7571.

Copyright: 2006 U.S. Newswire

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #2 posted by whig on April 24, 2006 at 13:20:17 PT
OT: Also in Slate, Springsteen's new album
http://www.slate.com/id/2140317/?nav=tap3

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #1 posted by mai_bong_city on April 24, 2006 at 13:11:15 PT
thank you
dr. syd! that was well done. a voice of reason a protector of children a mind of science and heart of compassion. i hope it reaches far and wide.

best, mbc

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