cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana: What Does Science Say?





Medical Marijuana: What Does Science Say?
Posted by CN Staff on August 15, 2008 at 20:14:42 PT
By Jill U. Adams, Special To The Times
Source: Los Angeles Times
USA -- Depending on whom you ask, marijuana is a dangerous drug that should be kept illegal alongside heroin and PCP, or it's a miracle herb with a trove of medical benefits that the government is seeking to deny the public -- or something in between: a plant with medical uses and drawbacks, worth exploring.As the political debates over medical marijuana drag on, a small cadre of researchers continues to test inhaled marijuana for the treatment of pain, nausea and muscle spasms.
All drugs have risks, they point out -- including ones in most Americans' medicine cabinets, such as aspirin and other pain-relievers or antihistamines such as Benadryl. Doctors try to balance those risks against the potential for medical good -- why not for marijuana as well, they ask.The truth, these researchers say, is that marijuana has medical benefits -- for chronic-pain syndromes, cancer pain, multiple sclerosis, AIDS wasting syndrome and the nausea that accompanies chemotherapy -- and attempts to understand and harness these are being hampered. Also, they add, science reveals that the risks of marijuana use, which have been thoroughly researched, are real but generally small.Dr. Donald Abrams, chief of hematology and oncology at San Francisco General Hospital and professor of clinical medicine at UC San Francisco, says he sees cancer patients in pain, not eating or sleeping well, experiencing nausea and vomiting from treatment, and being depressed about their situation. He says he is glad that he lives in California, where use of medical marijuana is allowed by state law, although federal officials continue to raid cannabis dispensaries in the state and scrutinize practices of physicians who specialize in writing cannabis recommendations for patients."I can talk to patients about medicinal cannabis [and] I'm often recommending it to them for these indications," Abrams says.Note: A look at the pros and cons of medical marijuana use, a topic that inspires strong opinions on both sides.Read on to learn what science has to say about the medical pros and cons, and some mitigating factors, of Cannabis sativa.Pro: Marijuana Use for Chronic Pain and Nauseahttp://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-marijuanapro18-2008aug18,0,3084928.storyCon: Marijuana's Damaging Effectshttp://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-marijuanacon18-2008aug18,0,2700897.storyVaporizers Can Cut Marijuana Smoke, Retain Similar Medical Effectshttp://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-marijuanabox18-2008aug18,0,2237553.storySource: Los Angeles Times (CA)Author:  Jill U. Adams, Special To The TimesPublished: August 18, 2008Copyright: 2008 Los Angeles TimesContact: letters latimes.comWebsite: http://www.latimes.com/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on August 17, 2008 at 08:24:03 PT
Off Topic: Jack Johnson
We just say an interview with Jack Johnson on Planet Green. It was on Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff. What an excellent example of a 33 year old Green Rocker. It's worth checking out. Sleep Through The Static his new cd has sold over 2,000,000 copies. He gives me hope for a better tomorrow.http://www.myspace.com/jackjohnsonmusic
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 19:10:08 PT
Hope
You're welcome about the heads up. They are different but different isn't bad. I'm glad there is a difference between the two. Sometimes politicians seem the same. This election will be interesting. I just can't see anyone but Obama as President but I have felt that way since as soon as he started running for President practically. I will not bash McCain because I don't think that is right. They both are just people that have the drive to want to be President. 
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 18:59:44 PT
The Forum
was very interesting, indeed.I'm glad I watched it.Thanks for the heads up.
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 18:58:03 PT
Yes
The age difference is fairly stark.He did make me laugh out loud when he said "This is the last story".
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 18:43:35 PT
Hope
I've never had a problem with McCain. Obama is who I can relate better to but McCain isn't a bad guy in my book. He is old fashion in some of his views but he comes from a different time. The age divide between the two is broad.
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Comment #33 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 18:38:04 PT
McCain is doing well.
He has been interesting and has told some touching stories.
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 17:58:28 PT
So much that he said,
I agree with.
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Comment #31 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 17:56:51 PT
I agree.
I really like him. I'd vote for him. 
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 17:45:25 PT
Hope
I like what Obama has said so far. He really does think sometimes like a Republican and sometimes like a Democrat. I really want a United States of America.
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Comment #29 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 17:09:21 PT
Amen!
"The least of these, my brothers."
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Comment #28 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 17:08:22 PT
Focusing on other people.
I liked that, too.
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Comment #27 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 17:01:31 PT
CNN Forum
Tuned it in. Looks interesting.
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Comment #26 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 16, 2008 at 16:58:30 PT
Hope
LOL! Yes, let me correct myself as well, I hope I find a nice WOMAN to hang out with while I'm here.No more girls disguised as women. lol
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Comment #25 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:54:16 PT
Fight 4 Freedom
I wondered why I felt the need to specify "Women" as opposed to "Girls"!
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 16:52:40 PT
Forum Tonight on CNN
This faith based forum on CNN at 8 PM should be very interesting.
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Comment #23 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 16, 2008 at 16:51:39 PT
Thanks Hope!
I know I will! I did meet a beautiful girl the other day in Oceanside who I talked with for quite a while. Only later finding out she originally lied to me when she said she was 18. She ended up being only 16. It didn't seem like she was that young, but, oh well. I told her I'll be coming to see her in two years. lolBut I still have a week left so hopefully I do find a nice girl to hang out with. Either today or tomorrow I'm going to go hang out with some friends I met 2 years ago here, and we are going to go watch "Pineapple Express". That should be a good time!I absolutely love it out here. I wish I could stay even longer.
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 16:50:52 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I watched that video while drinking my morning coffee and kept listening to it again. It does have a good vibe.Hope that was a really great song.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:50:19 PT
The Chantay's video
If you've never seen "Peg-legged" pants, there's your chance.Oh my gosh! I'm thinking the one in the middle is "soooo cute"!Lol!
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:38:59 PT
Fight 4 Freedom
In a ZZ Top voice:Hope you meet some nice women out there!
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:36:54 PT
Joy
I've been thinking about joy today.Joy is delight. Is it not?
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Comment #18 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:35:07 PT
Ooops
The videohttp://noolmusic.com/youtube_videos/chantays_-_pipeline_-_music_video.php
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:33:33 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Have fun!
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Comment #16 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:31:48 PT
Pipeline
15 versions and more.http://etherealcode.blogspot.com/2005/03/surf-music-15-versions-of-pipeline.html
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:30:33 PT
Pipeline
Old video of the Chantays performing Pipeline.Priceless.:0)
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Comment #14 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 16, 2008 at 16:28:43 PT
What an amazing song and video
Thanks so much FoM! I love the vibe you get while watching it. I might go back to the beach tonight with my sister and her kids. I can never get enough of it.One day I'll learn how to surf. For now I'll just try to master the boogie board :)SummerTime!!!!!!
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 16:27:19 PT
Pipeline 
http://thecaliforniagirls.com/Music/Chantays%20-%20Pipeline(the%20best%20version).mp3
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 16:00:02 PT
Hope
I'm glad you liked it. I know your Republican will like it too. I have been looking for the CD that this song is on but I haven't found it yet. He reminds me of Wilco. I've watched a few of his videos on Youtube today and I really like him. I probably will buy a cd or two.
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Comment #11 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 15:49:08 PT
Storm Crow
Again. Thank you. So much extremely valuable information gathered at your site, or maybe, it is sites. You have done everyone in the world a remarkable favor!Thank you, so much.
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 15:45:23 PT
Storm Crow
Your collections of knowledge are amazing... and full of light.
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Comment #9 posted by Hope on August 16, 2008 at 15:43:41 PT
Comment 5
Oh my! I can't wait to play that for the Republican. I'm a wave freak. I love them. I don't surf. I don't even swim well. I have, at times, tried to capture them in paint. I grew up looking at a triptych of some sort of frothing, darkish, wind driven, heaving wave scene on our living room wall. Mostly, I've tried to capture the beauty and spell of "The Pipeline" at it's bluest and greenest and brightest. It was fun.The beautiful video just stuns me at times. Literally frozen, mesmerized by the beauty and power of the sea.Thank you very much, FoM. I'm glad I endured trying to load it most of the day.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 12:50:05 PT
Storm Crow
Thank you for the information.
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Comment #7 posted by Storm Crow on August 16, 2008 at 10:24:10 PT
Yeah, I was at OG....
Not too long, they got shut down all too soon. FoM- a Vapor Brother's vaporizer is not that expensive($175 more or less w/ S&H) and is well made -unlike the much cheaper knock-offs. And have her take a peek at Rick Simpson's "Run from the Cure". Just do a search- it's all over! I know you have trouble doing movie downloads- there is a transcript of the movie here-http://medicalmarijuanapatient.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74A transcript isn't as good as the movie- it won't show you Jim's innocently joyful smile when he says "I'z a happy boy!" when telling of being cancer free- but better than nothing! (Jim's smile is what convinced me that this is a possible cure- he believes it.)
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Comment #6 posted by OverwhelmSam on August 16, 2008 at 06:47:53 PT
There Was A Not So Distant Time...
...when no one would stand up for marijuana. I applaud this Doctor in San Francisco for being an honest man. In the past, the NEOcons used guilt, shame and threats to keep everyone at bay. They still try to coerce anyone they can. After years of feeling like they were somehow bad people, cannabis consumers finally realized what they were being subject to. Now the blood, guilt and shame of marijuana prohibition are on the hands of the NEOcons, and we're simply not going to stand for their trecherous prohibitionists policies anymore.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 06:21:51 PT
fight_4_freedom
I really like this song and I thought you might like it too. A Brokedown Melody - Clipe (Jack Johnson - Home)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez5UyjoHqlw
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on August 16, 2008 at 05:18:26 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Thank you. This is such a delicate issue. In the last 4 years or so she quit doing everything. I have had a question about this very issue for a while. It seems to me that when people quit smoking then a few years later they can show up with lung cancer. That happened with George Harrison and Peter Jennings. 
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Comment #3 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 15, 2008 at 22:41:09 PT
Thanks for such a well put together list
Storm Crow- Did you ever post at OverGrow when it was still up and running? Your user name seems so familiar to me.FoM- I would mention it to her. Although they are pretty pricey, a vaporizer might be the answer for a lung cancer patient. Just point her in the direction to some of these studies, especially the UCLA study from a few years back.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on August 15, 2008 at 21:24:52 PT
Storm Crow
Thank you so much for all your research. I found a link on lung cancer in your thread. I want to know as much as possible on using Cannabis to help a relative who more then likely has lung cancer. She'll know this week when the results of the biopsy are in. If I knew it might help her I would mention it. I can't imagine a lung cancer patient smoking anything though. 
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Comment #1 posted by Storm Crow on August 15, 2008 at 20:44:49 PT
 What cannabis can do.....
Take a peek....http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=95659
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