cannabisnews.com: Medicinal Marijuana a Topic for Study





Medicinal Marijuana a Topic for Study
Posted by CN Staff on February 19, 2008 at 21:21:38 PT
By Vern Barnet
Source: Kansas City Star
Kansas -- Suffering is the first fact of life that the Buddha taught, and his teaching is sometimes called a therapy. The “medicine Buddha” is a familiar image in the faith.Other religions also seek to relieve spiritual and physical distress. New Testament Christians prayed by laying hands on the afflicted. American Indian healing practices, such as Navajo sand painting and chants, are integral to the faith.
Still I was surprised to learn that Jewish, Methodist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Baptist and other religious bodies are supporting some form of “medical marijuana” to relieve the suffering of those for whom no other drug is effective.This is not the place for political or even medical disputes, though I did talk with Eric A. Voth of the Institute on Global Drug Policy, who testified last week before a Kansas Senate committee against a bill that would create a defense for those whose suffering is relieved through marijuana when a physician writes that marijuana could help a patient, just as codeine, cocaine, morphine and oxycodone are available by prescription.One reason Voth opposes the bill is because he believes marijuana has no medical value, the official position of the Food and Drug Administration. He was unaware of religious groups supporting his position, which he says is based on scientific study.Testifying in favor of the bill was former Kansas Attorney General Robert T. Stephan, who emphasized he was not advocating legalized marijuana but urged Kansas to join the 12 other states encouraging removal of marijuana from the FDA’s list of drugs that cannot be prescribed to those that can be adequately research.Stephan, a cancer survivor himself, endured seven years of chemotherapy. For 15 years he visited cancer patients in Wichita and Topeka, he told me.In his testimony he said, “Some patients said they resorted to marijuana to relieve their nausea. It is not right that they should be subject to incarceration because marijuana was their last resort for relief.”Stephan sent me a note from a woman whose sciatic nerve is exposed.“I have been through basically every pain medication as well as surgery for placement of a spinal cord stimulator, which quickly became ineffective and resulted in another surgery for placement of a morphine pump. I also take methadone on top of morphine, and I still suffer with extreme pain. Using marijuana strictly for relief of severe debilitating pain, I am completely pain-free for approximately 6 hours or slightly longer.”She had considered suicide. No wonder religious groups are studying the issue.Vern Barnet does interfaith work in Kansas City.  Source: Kansas City Star (MO)Author: Vern BarnetPublished: February 20, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Kansas City StarContact: letters kcstar.comWebsite: http://www.kcstar.com/Related Articles & Web Site:KSCCChttp://www.ksccc.org/ U.S. Should Allow Medical Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23693.shtmlMarijuana: Therapy or Recreation?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23676.shtml
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Comment #38 posted by museman on February 21, 2008 at 11:27:38 PT
FoM
Yes, and if people are taught to not believe in their 'heart' as a valid real perspective, they will allow almost anything, including allowing monkeys to steal elections, hell even voting for them.Having a 'heart' is human nature, forcibly ignoring it and prioritizing the many human mental inventions such as 'politics' and 'law and order' over the natural and inherently real is just stupid. Doesn't say much for our over-all collective intelligence. But even the lowest 'IQ'
can have heart, and be a good person, if their lives aren't circumnavigated by the clever wolves of the status quo -which they are big time.
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on February 21, 2008 at 09:43:09 PT
museman
When people turn off the key to their own heart they can become capable of doing almost anything. I am not political by nature but I feel I am spiritual by nature. I do my best to follow my heart. 
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Comment #36 posted by museman on February 21, 2008 at 09:29:32 PT
FoM
Exactly right. If I'd never been a parent, by now there would not be a human being on the face of this earth that could stand to be around me for more than a moment.I learned far more from my children - and their friends, I think, than they did from me.I don't see how one could get the full benefit of life, without some kind of interaction with children.And of course the status qou takes full advantage of this human attribute by using it against us - like the prohibitionists always trying to associate cannabis as some kind of 'danger to the youth'. Or the incredible propaganda fed to them in the classroom and sunday school.If you ask me, the things that have been done 'in the name of progress' never ever consider the children, just the wealth, power and property of their greedy elders. War never considers the children, even though they spout lies about 'making the world safe for future generations.' Politics only considers the children if they think they can lever the votes out of the parents. Medicine only considers the children, when the pharma's and golf-doctors stand to make profit.The 'law' only considers the children when they can go in and break up the family, thereby ensuring a thorough endoctrination into the system.******You know I had a thought this AM about the legal concept of 'probable cause.' It seems to me that that potential imposition into our lives represents a basic constitutional violation of our rights to be secure in our persons and homes. The very idea that our lives can be invaded on the whim of a mentally deficient trained killer cannot possibly be represented in the original concepts of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' as established by the framers of the constitution - at least those few who actually believed in human rights.Probable cause signifies 'potential' or 'possibility' of a 'crime.' The idea of arresting someone for thinking about a crime, is only as far away as the technology to read thought (hopefully a long, long way), but the concept is already in place. The only difference is that we give the cops the power to make the judgement call based on criteria that totally destroys constitutionality, and their failures are racked up in deaths of elder men and women, dead children who raised a plastic gun, dead people who committed no crime except to be in the neighborhood of insane , gungho cops intent on glory and plunder.And the inhuman certainly non-christian practice of imprisonment and punishment - a lot of it based on some dumb-ass cop assuming, presuming, and of course lying, lying, and lying.It's no wonder a lot of cops can't keep a family together - along with alcoholism, their total lack of an inner child has made them monsters.
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on February 21, 2008 at 08:54:42 PT
museman
Little children are so cool because they love, believe and forgive without even thinking about it. Unless we become as a little child.....Enjoy! 
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on February 21, 2008 at 08:44:51 PT
museman
I thought of this song which is one of my all time favorites.Crosby Stills & Nash - Teach Your Children http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pphVs8bF0
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Comment #33 posted by museman on February 21, 2008 at 08:43:45 PT
FoM
Well, as the fortunes of time and progeny would have it, I am. As a matter of fact, my granddaughter has been staying with us for about a month. She's 4, cuddly as you can get, and now her 3 year old cousin is coming over to be watched during the day while his mom works.I'd just about mothballed all the toys and stuff. Now it's Romper Room around here.It's cool. I like being 'Grampa' - at least to my grand child. The 3 year old is having trouble distinguishing between "Grampa" and "Grand Uncle" though. Humorous.:-)
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on February 21, 2008 at 08:37:39 PT
It definitely seems to happen that way...
"I just turned around, and next thing you know I'm a Grandfather."
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on February 21, 2008 at 08:27:08 PT
museman
Are you saying we should call you Grandpa Museman? If so that's wonderful. 
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Comment #30 posted by museman on February 21, 2008 at 07:56:57 PT
Had Enough
Yup, it was an 8 track, which by the way I turned into a 12 volt stereo amplifier that powered both a guitar and a bass at many of our off-grid gatherings.I just turned around, and next thing you know I'm a Grandfather.
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Comment #29 posted by Had Enough on February 21, 2008 at 06:35:11 PT
museman
I’ll bet that stereo you had was an 8-track…maybe cassette.
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Comment #28 posted by Had Enough on February 21, 2008 at 06:31:25 PT
Eclipse
That was cool. Glad everybody got to experience that.It was 65 degrees, partly cloudy, got to see most of it.Dark Side of the Moon – Actually, there is no dark side of the moon…
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Comment #27 posted by Paint with light on February 20, 2008 at 22:33:49 PT
Feed yourself on a seed a day
With the prices I've seen people pay for seeds from some of the exotics, a person could feed themselves on the money from one seed a day.
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Comment #26 posted by museman on February 20, 2008 at 21:29:02 PT
Pink Floyd and the same moon
Yes we can look at the same light at the same time, hundreds of miles apart. Creation! What a concept!Reminiscent of the time -doesn't seem so long ago- that we started on a trip to the rainbow gathering. Two vans, picked up hitchikers on the way. By the time we'd crossed the california line into Arizona, we'd collected 15. One had a sheet of LSD. After explaining that once he'd stepped onto the caravan to the gathering, the rainbow protocols were in effect, so he either had to put the goods away, or share with everyone -for free. He chose to share.Designating 2 drivers to not partake, we flew across the desert. In my van, I had a stereo, but the other didn't.
We both had CB radios, so the solution seemed obvious.If you tuned into channel 12 that night, between L.A. and the southern Arizona desert, you might have heard the entire album of Dark Side of The Moon.Seems like yesterday...************FoM, I am also glad that we met up here.Runruff, it was fun wasn't it?
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Comment #25 posted by tintala on February 20, 2008 at 21:28:25 PT:
According to the story Buddha lived on one hemp 
BUDDHA LIVED ON ONE HEMP SEED A DAY.. 
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 21:27:20 PT
*smile*
Thank you... and good night.
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 21:20:29 PT
Hope
It was a great way to end the day. Hopefully we will talk tomorrow if God is willin and the creek don't rise. 
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Comment #22 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 21:12:26 PT
That's true...
The Universe is awesome... and it can be so beautiful.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 21:03:01 PT
Hope
I just talked to Stick and told him about how perfect the eclipse was. That was the best one I ever saw. We are so tiny in the big scheme of things. Such order to it all. I have never seen a man made structure that is impressive like our earth and universe.
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 20:53:37 PT
Lol!
Actually... we are pretty cool tonight... weather wise...although it's sixty four degrees here instead of fifteen, it's still cool when you run outside without a jacket on.
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 20:17:18 PT
Hope
The Universe runs so perfectly and we think we are cool. Ha! LOL!
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 20:16:03 PT
Hope
It is amazing. We all are connected. 
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 20:05:07 PT
I love it...
That we are all under that same big old moon. It's kind of connecting. Same ground and sky of course... but thinking that we are looking at the same object at the same time while we're miles and miles apart... cool.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 20:04:58 PT
One More Video
Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon Video Album Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3sMZbhs7QA
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 20:02:32 PT
Thanks Had Enough
for reminding us to look.Hey, FoM... I was on the back porch. If I could see far enough... looking east... I could see your front porch. Cool!
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 19:33:45 PT
The Eclipse
After I read Had Enough saying to look I did and it was about half way so I posted it and put my flannel shirt on and went out on the front porch and watched the sky and moon. We had about an inch of snow today but tonight the sky was clear and the air was still. I was also looking at the Big Dipper. I got cold and came back in to warm up. It's about 15 here. When I saw it was almost complete I went back out on the porch and watched the total eclipse of the moon. It was bronze, red, earth brown and just glowed. The universe is amazing. Life is amazing.Thank you all for the kind words. Eclipse By Pink Floydhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7mBYhNfen4
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Comment #13 posted by runruff on February 20, 2008 at 19:15:38 PT:
Museman
I listened to the music. What a fun trip back in time that was. I really had fun doing that music and all the years we were with 7-Thunders. Gosh oh golly!Now Thompson is gone and Paul is gone. They were so young to die. That part is sad.Turn another page!
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Comment #12 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 19:13:46 PT
Thank you, Runruff...
You're right. No one should be dissing her, that's for sure.
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Comment #11 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 19:13:03 PT
That crescent I saw was the eclipse happening...
There's nary a moon in sight at this moment... and I don't think it's cloud cover. My son said the moon is blood red in Missouri.
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Comment #10 posted by runruff on February 20, 2008 at 18:50:09 PT:
FoM
I am not at liberty to even say publicly what a blessing you and Stick have been to me and my wife but I will make a public declaration to the fact that people should respect if not love FoM for she does her good deeds in private and they may never be seen by motal souls even though we know the eyes of the eternal light are ever watching. She does her good for the sake of doing good and not for praise or recognition. I don't like to get into any heated discussions with my brothers and sisters here. I love you all, but it hurts me to see anyone attack or criticize FoM for any reason. She has been a rock here for us and this cause. You may disagree with her but please don't disrespect her.Namaste
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Comment #9 posted by museman on February 20, 2008 at 18:38:53 PT
eclipse
too 'east' for us right now. Sunset just ended, moon below horizon. Intriguing.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 18:32:01 PT
Had Enough 
Thank you. It's beautiful. The sky is so clear and it is almost half way now.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on February 20, 2008 at 18:30:10 PT
Cloud cover here...but saw the moon a bit
It looked crescent... is it not?
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Comment #6 posted by John Tyler on February 20, 2008 at 18:25:33 PT
Total Eclipse
No can do. We have clouds and snow is coming down. Looks like I will miss the “Total Eclipse of the Moon”.  Maybe in 2010 the weather will be better.
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Comment #5 posted by Had Enough on February 20, 2008 at 17:52:53 PT
Gone Lunar!!!
Lunar Eclipse happening Right Now!!!Check it out. Just go outside look to the East…
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 20, 2008 at 14:46:17 PT
museman and runruff
I am so glad that we met here on CNews. 
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Comment #3 posted by museman on February 20, 2008 at 13:26:32 PT
runruff
I believe you were the drummer in that band, as long as it lasted.
New Wine (old music)
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Comment #2 posted by runruff on February 20, 2008 at 09:10:04 PT:
New Wine yes
Unfortunatly, most will crack open a New Beer!Prost!Some new music to goose step by if you please!
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Comment #1 posted by museman on February 20, 2008 at 07:51:11 PT
a wonder
"No wonder religious groups are studying the issue."Actually, it is a wonder, one might call it a 'miracle' considering the kind of close-minded inquisition attitudes usually so prevalent in the church, especially the xtian ones.It should be a no-brainer, I agree, what with all the lipservice about forgiveness, compassion, and love,.. but the judgementalism, and rampant prejudice that is taught from the pulpit doesn't leave much room in the common sheeple's minds and actions for the actual premises taught by our great teachers and prophets.Considering that cannabis has been used in all the ancient cultures and religions, including the root of xtianity, as both sacrament, and as medicine, one might WONDER why they have been so supportive of idiots like Bush, and prohibition for so long. Their false moralities are the stuff that cops use to justify their rabid behavior, and that politicians quote to get their votes.Cannabis should be legalized, and law, religion, and science need to get their respective acts together, or please leave the stage in an orderly manner - their day is done, and so are they. Finished. Time for the New Wine.
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