cannabisnews.com: Group Lobbies KDH To Create Marijuana Room





Group Lobbies KDH To Create Marijuana Room
Posted by CN Staff on April 15, 2005 at 09:09:11 PT
By Laura Florez, Staff Writer 
Source: Visalia Times-Delta
California -- Kaweah Delta Health Care District has been asked to consider offering its cancer patients medical marijuana during treatment, possibly inside a smoking room at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center.The requests, which were made last month at a joint meeting of the Kaweah Delta Health Care District and the Visalia City Council, were made by two separate groups. Both groups operate medical marijuana information centers and distribute the drug for medicinal purposes in Tulare County.
"We're trying to ask for something that's going to be a benefit to our community," said Jeff Nunes. "It's not a money-making scheme. It's just trying to help our people get the medicine they actually need."Nunes, who is the executive director of Medicinal Marijuana Awareness and Defense, a medical marijuana information center in Visalia, was just one of two groups that asked the board to allow patients the use of medical marijuana during chemotherapy treatments at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center.The drug, which can be smoked or taken in pill, vapor or liquid form, can help combat nausea in cancer patients and help them get back their appetite, he said."I want [the board] to try to see medical cannabis in a different light —something other than someone smoking a joint on a Friday night," he said. "I would think it would be their duty to give their patient the safest and less toxic botanical on the planet."Although Nunes said he doesn't support the idea of a smoking room inside the cancer center, another group of people who attended the meeting representing a Bakersfield dispensary, American Kenpo Kung Fu School of Public Health, does.An employee of the dispensary, James McLean, who last month opened Charity Caregivers of Tulare, a medical marijuana dispensary, said the requests are about trying to help sick people."We're trying to be able to get cancer patients their medicine. If they've already had medical marijuana, we're trying to get it so they can get their medicine at the hospital."In 1996, Californians passed the Compassionate Use Act, which legalized the possession and cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes. But possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law."We just want [the district] to be aware of us, that we're there to help them meet the needs of their patients," said Joe Fortt, director of the Bakersfield dispensary, noting that it's a patient's constitutional right to use medical marijuana if it's recommended by a doctor.As of Thursday though, neither group's request to be officially heard by the district at a board meeting had been scheduled.That's because after making their requests during the public comment portion of the meeting, neither group followed through with a formal request to be put on the board's agenda, said Sandy Barker, a hospital spokeswoman.And while the district does not have a position on medical marijuana, if a patient did want to use it on district property, the district would abide by state law, Barker said.But Nunes said he won't let bureaucracy stand in the way of his request. By the end of the month, he'll submit a request to be heard by the district at its May 9 meeting, he said."This isn't something that's going to happen overnight. It's going to take time, meetings and a clear education — a scientifically-based approach," he said. "I feel like it's my responsibility to put our best foot forward so they can see us in the best light, not just as someone smoking a joint."Source: Visalia Times-Delta, The (CA)Author: Laura Florez, Staff Writer Published: Friday, April 15, 2005Copyright: 2005 The Visalia Times-DeltaContact: editorial visaliatimesdelta.comWebsite: http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml 
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #25 posted by FoM on April 18, 2005 at 13:37:28 PT
dongenero
I know that it would be impossible for me to believe that Barthwell had a mind opening experience and realized that she was wrong and the whole Cannabis plant is really medicine. PS: I didn't get upset but I was surprised. My husband about went orbital for about 10 minutes though! LOL!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by dongenero on April 18, 2005 at 09:06:54 PT
Barthwell?
She said someting to the effct that crude plants are not medicine.
GW's Sativex product is whole plant extract. I wonder how she resolves that in the world according to Andrea? Money is a powerful motivator. As if anyone here thinks her positions have been based on a high road of moral conviction.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 17:18:51 PT
Greenjoy
I believe we can see the world realistically but remain optimistic at the same time. When we see problems we can be challenged to fix them but we also must know that some things won't change. I try to look at tiny steps and someday we can look back and think wow we finally got there from here!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by Greenjoy on April 16, 2005 at 17:14:29 PT
There it went
 Hey...my solemn vow to myself to stay positive lasted one whole day. Now that we got that taken care of...I think I can go a whole week...a month maybe. GJ
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #21 posted by Greenjoy on April 16, 2005 at 16:16:45 PT
I Agree
My experience and perception have led me to the same conclusion FoM. I have huge long periods of utter disdain for what has become of the U.S. But perhaps it was always so. We seem to get a big charge out of spreading "freedom" and yet we absolutely walked all over the Native Americans. We gave them the whiskey we knew they weren't genetically conditioned to handle, slaughtered the buffalo that they needed for practically everything, gave them smallpox laden blankets and so on. Politics...ppppbbbb. Is there any political gain to putting up the relatively small $ it would require to simply take care of our own poor and homeless. I couldn't even watch the Olympics last year with all the rah rah USA USA were # 1 blah blah. It made me sick! Were # 1 in double standards and self centered, self concious baloney. Gee isn't it time for my appointment to get the fat sucked outta my butt and injected into my face? I just need to stay informed about Nick and Jessica. Absurdity rules. We scarecely budged when the tsunami happened until the whole world said, "Hey, you guys suck" Then the damage control. I guess I'm disillusioned. The more I see and the more I learn the harder it is to be "Proud to be an American" 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 15:41:21 PT
mayan
I guess I think that all politicians will do whatever as long as they are paid. Doing what is right is what makes me say and feel like I do but money and who offers the most dictates a politician's morality I believe. I am very cynical.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by mayan on April 16, 2005 at 15:30:34 PT
Barthwell?
I don't know what to think of that! I guess she'll do anything for a buck. She's a "liberal Republican"??? Whatever.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 12:10:03 PT
They Will Have To Reschedule Maybe!
Cannabis medicine means it can't stay in Schedule I. Medicine can't be Schedule I if I'm right.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 12:06:51 PT
A Comment
If GW Pharm did hire Andrea Barthwell that might well be a good thing. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 12:05:31 PT
The Pharmaceuticalization of Marijuana
Weekend Edition -- April 16 / 17, 2005Pot ShotsBy FRED GARDNERG.W. Does the "Right" Thing A hitherto reliable source says that G.W. Pharmaceuticals has hired Andrea Barthwell, MD, to lobby for approval of its cannabis-plant extracts in the U.S. G.W. manufactures a high-THC spray called Sativex that is awaiting marketing approval in Britain and Canada. They also make a high-CBD formulation, and a 50-50 mix. Barthwell, a specialist in addiction medicine, is a liberal Republican from Illinois. She was employed for two years in the Office of National Drug Control Policy under Bush's "drug czar," John Walters, and she left with an eye towards running for the Senate (for the seat that was won by Barak Obama).Complete Article: http://www.counterpunch.org/gardner04162005.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 11:56:38 PT
Interesting News Article from BusinessWire
Visiongain Analyses Cannabinoid Market: A Potential Blockbuster?SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- April 11, 2005 - The latest visiongain report investigates wether the cannabinoids market has the potential to become a blockbuster by 2010. The report, "Cannabinoids: A Potential Blockbuster?" states at present only 2 approved cannabinoid drugs exist on the market: Marinol (Dronabinol) and Nabilone. Both are approved for the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Marinol is additionally approved as an appetite stimulant for appetite loss/ anorexia associated with HIV/AIDS. Whilst Marinol is approved for use in the US, Nabilone does not have FDA approval, severely curtailing its revenue potential. Visiongain values the current cannabinoid market in 2005 at $110.5 million. This value is the combined gloabl revenues of Marinol, Nabilone and generic Dronabinol in Germany. This is a 6.3% growth increase from 2004, where revenues totalled $104 million. By 2010 sales of these products could reach a potential of just under $200 million. 
By 2006, the cannabinoid market is expected to transform from today's limited, controversial, niche market. The next coming months will witness the arrival of the world's first whole-cannabis plant derived pharmaceutical- Sativex- from the innovative cannabinoid company GW Pharmaceuticals. Sativex is expected to reach the Canadian neuropathic pain Multiple Sclerosis (MS) market, and by the end of 2005, the UK'S-MS -associated spasticity market. "Sativex is expected to generate revenues of $200 million in its first six months following its 2005 launch," says Zoe Downes, visiongain's pharmaceutical analyst. "By 2010, Sativex should be marketed in the US where profits of $575 million can be expected". With these revenues Sativex will dominate the cannabinoid market. Acomplia, (Rimonabant) by Sanofi-Aventis will be another major new comer to the market. Acomplia is expected to gain approval for the antiobesity/smoking cessation markets by the end of 2005. Acomplia is also undergoing Phase II studies for alcohol withdrawal. Revenues will grow steadily until 2010, where they could generate up to $175 million. The fact that Marinol was rescheduled by the DEA from Schedule II to Schedule III in 1999, increasing patient availability, highlights the shifiting attitude of cannabinoids as valuable therapeutics. Marinol is now classed within the same group as codeine and anabolic steroids as an addictive drug. Visiongain thinks that this is a key milestone for the cannabinoids group in gaining blockbuster status. It may also be a deciding factor as to why Big Pharma is now showing interest in developing cannabinoid candidate portfolios. If you are interested in an overview of cannabinoids: a potential blockbuster - Please send an email to Senh Ip Senh.ip visiongain.com including: full name, Title of publication, contact telephone number, Email, and details of where you saw this release. Upon receipt of this information, an overview will be emailed to you. Also view: http://www.epharmaceuticalnews.com/Products/4/201/visiongain/ Cannaboids-A-potential-blockbuster.html (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) Background: Visiongain is one of the fastest growing and most innovative independent media companies in Europe today. Based in London, UK, visiongain produce a host of business-2-business conferences, newsletters, management reports and E-Zines focusing on the Financial markets, the Pharmaceutical, Telecoms industries and currently the Defence sector. Visiongain publish reports produced by their in-house analysts of qualified experts in their field. Visiongain have firmly established themselves as the first port-of-call for the business professional, who needs independent, high quality, original material to rely and depend on. Visiongain also have an event division, b2b Conferences, works in tandem with their analytical reports to provide a forum for key issues within the Telecoms and Pharmaceutical professionals. For more Pharmaceutical information, please contact our website on: http://www.epharmaceuticalnews.com For information on visiongain, please visit the website: http://www.visiongain.com/ Contact Visiongain Senh Ip Corporate communications Tel: +44 (0) 20 8767 6711 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8767 5001 Email: Senh.ip visiongain.comhttp://www.medadnews.com/News/Index.cfm?articleid=228304
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 09:12:13 PT
Thanks The GCW
I'll get it posted right away!Off Topic: Rust Radio is Online Again This Weekend.http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rust/message/123868
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by The GCW on April 16, 2005 at 09:05:04 PT
FoM, author, Gary Storck has one. 
US WI: Column: Raising Medical Marijuana From The Dark Ageshttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n616/a02.html?397 Perhaps it can get it own page.The website is not total, but has a cover and it is a beauty.Website: http://www.coreweekly.com/Gary,Thank You!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by Duzt on April 16, 2005 at 07:32:03 PT
gw pharma
We don't hear much about gw pharma in the US but I'm invested in them so I keep track of them. Here's a link to their webpage showing what conditions they are working with. Migraines is just one of many.
http://www.gwpharm.com/research_cri.asp
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by charmed quark on April 16, 2005 at 05:46:14 PT
Inhaler
I meant, I wonder why they haven't looked into this earlier.GW Pharm has been focusing on MS treatment, which is very noble as the treatment options are limited. But the profit potential isn't that large.I imagine that Solvey is taking the more American point of view, as in: "what is the largest market we can capture?"
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by charmed quark on April 16, 2005 at 05:41:07 PT
Marinol inhaler
Thanks for posting this. I've wondered for years why Unimed ( Solvay's parent) has been looking into stuff like this , as they could dramatically expand their market. I'm surprised that they may be beating GW Pharm to a migraine application.Too bad, as I know that whole cannabis is much better for migraines than straight THC. I'm going to see if I can enroll in this study.-CQ
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by mayan on April 16, 2005 at 05:03:36 PT
more unrelated
It seems that the CU kids passed their referendum! The only article I could find so far is on a registration site but I'm sure others will soon pop up.Some other news...Falls touted as pot capital - ACTIVISTS URGE LEGALIZED FARMING:
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2005/04/16/999797-sun.htmlArea cannabis group in Canada to stir pot:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050416/NEWS01/504160316/1002/NEWS
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by Taylor121 on April 15, 2005 at 21:09:48 PT
Texas: Another HB 254 post from Grits
HB 254 gains unlikely, unanimous support
Who said Democrats and Republicans can't agree on anything?The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee vote on HB 254 restructuring low-level marijuana penalties was unanimous, 6-0, including three Republicans and three Democrats. The bill provides badly needed relief to county jails and may even boost enforcement. Taylor reported in the comments about the unanimous vote, but I nearly fell off my seat when I learned who the six were: Representatives Keel, Riddle, Peña, Denny, Escobar and Hodge!Rep. Escobar is the former head of a federal drug task force, while Riddle and Denny are among the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature. Rep. Peña is a crime victims' advocate who entered politics after his son's drug-related death. Keel is a former Travis County Sheriff. Of the six, only Rep. Hodge has been a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform. Many thanks to all.From: http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2005/04/hb-254-gains-unlikely-unanimous.htmlTexans, please support H.B. 254 and write a letter or simply send a pre-written letter to your Representative before the house votes. Also please call your Representative.Letters: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/
http://www.mpp.org/TX/action.htmlPhone calls: Find their phone # here. http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.htm
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by goneposthole on April 15, 2005 at 20:34:30 PT
de-constructing prohibition
This is good:http://www.mastersofdeception.com/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by ekim on April 15, 2005 at 20:20:40 PT
bars in the window---------------------------crazy
what bout the idea that as the ozone gets thinner the rays that penetrate the surface of a plant get denser.the soy being one that grows weaker like kryptonite.but this one grows and thrives. http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread20518.shtml#5when dick Cowan says that the sniffers are here, have the officials of the companies that are selling cannabis set a nano limit for the spray and inhalers. 
www.marijuananews.com Dennis at www.kucinich.us 
We have to have a belief in our capacity to create transformative change through renewing our commitment to peace and creating a new structure to fulfill a new mission. This is a domestic imperative as well as internationally urgent. Some schools have already begun teaching children principles of peace-sharing and mutuality.-- Dennis please go to the Gala speak about vision you spoke about when you were running for President of these United States. MPP The Marijuana Policy Project is pleased to announce the talent line-up for their 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles on May 9, http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/15/apontv.reefermadness.ap/index.html 
Showtime's "Reefer Madness" cast & Ray Benson make special appearanceshttp://www.mpp.org/releases/nr20050407.html Talk show host Montel Williams is serving as the honorary chair of the event. 
http://www.leap.cc/howard
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by mayan on April 15, 2005 at 18:04:23 PT
unrelated
Court details extent of Mountie killer's marijuana grow-op:
http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=canada_home&articleID=1901439Watch out for that marijuana - Showtime takes on 'Reefer Madness,' the musical:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/15/apontv.reefermadness.ap/index.htmlTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...C-Span to Tape David Ray Griffin at Talk at UW-Madison Monday:
http://911citizenswatch.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=515&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0Larry Flint To Publish Major 9/11 Skeptic Article: http://rense.com/general63/fmt.htm9/11 Was an Inside Job - A Call to All True Patriots: http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by Druid on April 15, 2005 at 16:45:22 PT
Drobinol Inhaler
This article I was reading states:http://www.mydna.com/resources/meds/news/resources/news/200504/news_20050415_inhale.html
"Solvay Pharmaceuticals is leading the way in research of pharmaceutical quality cannabinoids as well as alternative drug delivery systems to help provide physicians and patients with new options for treating difficult symptoms," said Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D., president and CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Pulmonary dronabinol has potential application in a variety of conditions, such as the treatment of migraines, nausea, pain management and spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis."
I must say that GW Pharm would be 'leading the way' so to speak. Don't you think so too?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by Druid on April 15, 2005 at 16:43:26 PT
nice pro-cannabis article from India...
Cannabis: A source of useful pharma compounds neglected in IndiaIn Europe and in the New World where Cannabis was introduced very late is being cultivated on an increasing scale as a valuable crop for industrial products, while in India where it has been cultivated since time immemorial as a fibre and food crop the cultivation is dwindling, writes N C Shah in the first part of the articleCannabis sativa commonly known as cannabis is the earliest food, fibre, medicinal, psychoactive and oil yielding cultivated plant and for centuries ranked as one of the most important agricultural crop of the orient. It is interesting to note that in Europe and in the New World where it was introduced very late is being cultivated on an increasing scale as a valuable crop for industrial products, while in India in the Himalayan states like, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Darjeeling (WB) and Sikkim, where it has been cultivated since time immemorial as a fiber and food crop the cultivation is dwindling. Certain useful pharmaceutical compounds found in different parts of the plants are as follows.Female inflorescence, seed, seed oil and seed cake: Chemical compositionFemale inflorescence: The chemical composition hemp inflorescence of female flowers contain about 15-20 per cent of resin and a total of 483 natural chemical components, which have been isolated and identified. The cannabinoids are the most distinctive active constituent found only in the Cannabis plant and the most important one is (-)-D9-trans-tetrahydrocanabinol, commonly referred to as D9-THC. The total 483 chemical constituents can further be grouped into the following distinct classes; cannabinoids - 66; nitrogenous compounds - 27; amino acids - 18; proteins, glycoproteins and enzymes - 11; sugars and related compounds - 34; hydrocarbons - 50; simple alcohols - 7; simple aldehydes - 12; simple ketones - 13; Simple acids - 21; fatty acids - 22; simple esters and lactones - 13; steroids - 11; terpenes -120; non-cannabinoid phenols - 25; flavonoids - 21; vitamins - 1; pigments - 2; elements-9, (ElSohly 2002).Seed composition : According to Duke (1983) the composition of Asian seeds per 100 g is: moisture - 13.6 g and protein - 27.1 g; fat - 25.6 g; carbohydrate total - 27.6 g; fiber - 20.3 g; ash - 6.1 g; calcium - 120 mg; phosphorus - 970 mg; iron - 12.0 mg; beta-carotene - 5 mg; thiamine - 0.32 mg; riboflavin - 0.17 mg; niacin - 2.1 mg and K calories 421 have been reported.Seed oil composition: The hemp seed oil contains 25 per cent to 35 per cent of oil and it is the lowest in saturated fats 9-11 per cent of total volume of oil. The oil pressed from the seed contains, a number of saturated and unsaturated essential fatty acids such as; oleic acid, linoleic acid (LA), linolenic and isolinolenic acids (LNA & ILNA), respectively.The composition of seed cake or defated meal: According to Duke (1983) the seed cake contains water - 10.8 per cent; fat - 10.2 per cent; protein - 30.8 per cent; N-free extract - 40.6 per cent; and ash - 7.7 per cent; (K20 - 20.3 per cent; Na20 - 0.8 per cent; CaO - 23.6 per cent; MgO - 5.7 per cent; Fe2O3 - 1.0 per cent; P2O5 - 36.5 per cent; SO3 - 0.2 per cent; SiO2 - 11.9 per cent; Cl - 0.1 per cent; and a trace of Mn2O3). A crystalline protein globulin has been isolated from defatted meal and it contains; glycocol - 3.8 per cent; alanine - 3.6 per cent; valine and leucine - 20.9 per cent; phenylalanine - 2.4 per cent; tyrosine -2.1 per cent; serine - 0.3 per cent; cystine - 0.2 per cent; proline - .1 per cent; oxyproline - 2.0 per cent; aspartic acid - 4.5 per cent; glutamic acid - 18.7 per cent; tryptophane and arginine - 14.4 per cent; lysine -1.7 per cent; and histidine - 2.4 per cent.-------snipped----------http://www.expresspharmapulse.com/20050414/medicinalplants01.shtml
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by FoM on April 15, 2005 at 15:24:02 PT
lombar
Yes I saw it. I posted a press release on a thread and Jose did too. No one has said anything about it so far. Inhaler really surprised me. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by lombar on April 15, 2005 at 15:06:28 PT
anyone see this?
Pulmonary dronabinol to be evaluated for migraines in proof-of-principle study  MARIETTA, Ga., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today
announced the results of a Phase I study evaluating the safety and
tolerability of pulmonary dronabinol administered in a one-time dose using a
pressurized metered dose inhaler. Dronabinol is a synthetic version of delta-
9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is one of more than 400 compounds found in the
marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa L). The research was presented at the
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in Miami, Fla. 
dronabinol inhaler
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment