Discover the best of the web!
Learn more about Digg by taking the tour.
Study: Medicinal Marijuana Eases Neuropathic Pain In HIV
blog.norml.org — New study from the University of California Medical School, reveals that 46% of patients who smoked medicinal marijuana reported clinically meaningful pain relief, compared with 18% who smoked a placebo. This is the 3rd clinical trial published in just over a year to conclude that inhaling cannabis significantly reduces neuropathic pain.
Bukowsky- 794 diggs
- digg it
- krayneeum, on 08/08/2008, -3/+15Legalize the ganja bush!
- dafragsta, on 08/08/2008, -1/+4Yeah, like he's going to piss off his last 20%, the morally confused and corrupt base.
- TheAssuager, on 08/08/2008, -0/+3any substance that can make HIV sufferers feel better should be legal.
- nopRT, on 08/08/2008, -4/+12No, it should be kept illegal because....well, let me ask my congresswoman and I'll get back to you. I know there's a reason. Stinkin' hippies.
- DrywallThief, on 08/08/2008, -2/+5It's because everyone will become a lot lazier! Duh!
Ugh. I occasionally use Mary Jane and I'm 18 with an associate degree going for my bachelor's then master's. ***** the stereotypes. - AchaIemoipas, on 08/08/2008, -0/+5It's so dumb how they don't want pot to be smoked by AIDS patients.
They say it's a dangerous drug that gets you addicted: so they give them MORPHINE.
A drug you can die from and that gives you a kickass high.
- DrywallThief, on 08/08/2008, -2/+5It's because everyone will become a lot lazier! Duh!
- aolshove, on 08/08/2008, -3/+10I'm pretty sure that smoking placebos is hazardous to your health.
- peterfnet, on 08/08/2008, -2/+4Makes sense that they tried a placebo, but how about they also try alcohol, aspirin, or other common pain relievers?
- maceelk, on 08/08/2008, -1/+4Why would they try them if they already know they are "pain relievers."
Aspirin is really an anti-inflammatory isn't it?- cawpin, on 08/08/2008, -12/+2Because, all the people that claim pot is a useful drug usually just happen to ignore the other commonly available drugs that do the same thing, and usually better.
- Derrekito, on 08/08/2008, -0/+4@cawpin
Usually better? Such as? Evidence?
Are you suggesting that the plethora of global scientific research reaching the same conclusion are ignoring better suitable drugs?
Not everyone can use the same pain killer due to allergies, side effects, interactions with other medications, etc. - someology, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1Derrekito has a good point. I can't take aspirin or motrin, for example, because of a particular medical condition. There are _no_ anti-inflammatory meds I can have. Trust me, when acetaminophen is the only one you can take, it loses effectiveness over the years.
- SIRBERUS, on 08/09/2008, -0/+2Marijuana is not just a "pain reliever", various strains can almost specialize in certain types of pain. Purple Indicas, for example, are great for abdominal pains. Women (including Queen Elizabeth or Victoria) have used Purple Indica strains for menstral cramps for a loooong long time (long before most pain meds were even invented).
Other types of indicas are great for muscle strains, migraines, the list goes on and on.
And... it's natural. A natural, effective pain reliver that no matter how much it may/can be "abused" has never, and can never, kill anyone. I think it's worth allowing people to use if they want.
- maceelk, on 08/08/2008, -1/+4Why would they try them if they already know they are "pain relievers."
- evilcaptain, on 08/08/2008, -2/+2Smoked a placebo?
Sucks finding out, after boasting to your mates that you got free weed :(- T8erT0T, on 08/08/2008, -0/+4...if it smells like oregano, it is oregano.
- dafragsta, on 08/08/2008, -0/+6Yeah, I seriously doubt you could slip a placebo by someone who's smoked before. If they did manage that, I'll take a sizable portion of that sweet sweet placebo.
- Derrekito, on 08/08/2008, -0/+2Hemp bud?
- MaximumBobcat, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1hemp bud still has minute traces of THC, so I doubt it would pass, scientifically speaking, as a placebo.
- BXRWXR, on 08/08/2008, -0/+12Legalize it.
Tax it.
Profit from it.- DarkReign16, on 08/08/2008, -0/+6And finally, smoke it.
- AndrewMoyer, on 08/08/2008, -0/+41. Legalize it.
2. Tax it.
4. Profit from it.
There, fixed it for you.
(There need not be a step "3. ???" in this case.) - Jrv420, on 08/08/2008, -2/+1If its legal you can grow it yourself, why give more money to the government? The government would probably tax it too much any way.
- Bukowsky, on 08/08/2008, -0/+2It's more like:
1. Legalize It.
2. Tax it. (at least those who are too dumb to grow it)
3. Use profits to fund illegal wars & education.
- Brownds, on 08/08/2008, -0/+27I run a cartel and if you legalize my weed I can't make a ***** load of money and exploit the poor to smuggle my drugs. Guess I need to throw more money at U.S. law makers to keep it illegal...
- Bannedx5, on 08/08/2008, -10/+1Of course it does. You're high.
- SIRBERUS, on 08/09/2008, -0/+3"High" is not what the media/hollywood make it out to be. You don't hallucinate. You just relax. It's equivalent to the relaxation you feel when you take motrin for a muscle pain. It's the relief of not be uncomfortable. It's not evil, and its not equivalent to being drunk.
- EzraSchwartz, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1Wouldn't you know very soon if you got the placebo or not? This isn't really a case where the test subject is unaware of which one they got. How could it be useful to use one in this case?
- mithrasinvictus, on 08/08/2008, -1/+3unless they laced the placebo with another hallucinogenic drug.
- StudentDrM, on 08/08/2008, -0/+2Write your congressman/woman!
Though to be honest, it would probably be more effective/fact-worthy to cite the actual study, or even the Wash Post article, rather than the NORML blog.... - AchaIemoipas, on 08/08/2008, -1/+7WOW! Groundbreaking.
Unless you're Canadian. Then it's 12 years old. - JDwithCurls, on 08/08/2008, -1/+4I wonder how many studies which show the same positive result of smoking marijuana it takes for some legislature to be passed. I'm guessing its an inconceivable number. Legalize it already! It brings nothing but good!
- cawpin, on 08/08/2008, -5/+1You are just ignorant. I'm not saying pot is ONLY bad, but it sure as hell isn't only good.
- JDwithCurls, on 08/08/2008, -0/+3Firstly, name some of the bad side effects, how bad are they? Secondly, in comparison to other things already legal, the ganj should be an easy shoe in. Example: tobacco, alcohol, and many pharmaceuticals are far worse for the body than marijuana. Are there natural alcohol receptors, how about tobacco receptors? Oh yea, that's right, there is not. There does seem to natural cannabinoid receptors though, hmm, how interesting. Point is, among the list of things that should be legalized, how did tobacco and alcohol surpass weed?
- dthebear, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1its not like we wont be smoking if its not legal
just put it out there
effect of ganj: love, peace and happiness
- cawpin, on 08/08/2008, -5/+1You are just ignorant. I'm not saying pot is ONLY bad, but it sure as hell isn't only good.
- socalftw, on 08/08/2008, -1/+2i could of told u that except the HIV part lol
- galvo, on 08/08/2008, -0/+9And guess what? The stupid assholes in power will keep it illegal so all of us can PAY for MORE HARMFUL medications to treat things such as this. Or anxiety, mild pain, insomnia, nausea..
Think of the billions of dollars that would be lost if weed were legalized. The pharmaceutical companies would be murdered if it were legalized.
You can also thank Anheuser-Busch for keeping it illegal over the past century~. - AndrewMoyer, on 08/08/2008, -1/+4"It's a placebo, officer, I swear!"
- Pake, on 08/08/2008, -6/+1Aleve works just as well, as does Motrin for most patients.
- xerox, on 08/08/2008, -1/+4Aleve (naproxen, i believe it is) is known to cause stomach ulcers and many other fun things.
- mithrasinvictus, on 08/08/2008, -1/+3They have to many long term side effects.
- Pake, on 08/08/2008, -3/+1And you think marijuana doesn't?
- scolasanti, on 08/08/2008, -1/+3but why would you want to take all those, when you can just smoke some weed, get high, be pain free and on top of that.... laugh your ass off, have a wonderful dinner, then have the best sleep of your life!
- someology, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1many people cannot take motrin or other nsaids due to either allergies or other medical problems.
- saqer, on 08/08/2008, -5/+3Study: Pro reefers only cite studies that promote their cause
- Gooserbaijan, on 08/08/2008, -2/+4well, if you're like me than you can talk from experience!
After having tried nearly every anti-inflammatory and pain killer(including oxy-contin, oxy-cocet and marijuana) on the market for my pain it is safe to say from my 'personal study' that marijuana without a doubt has a positive effect on reducing pain and believe-it-or-not even seems to have anti-inflammation properties.
Sorry but you cannot tell me otherwise!!!- saqer, on 08/08/2008, -2/+2yeah because the only pain killers on the market are the oxy-***
- someology, on 08/09/2008, -1/+2sager: what part of "including" did you not understand?
- Boshow, on 08/08/2008, -1/+1Well, duh. Of course they will. Like anyone on any side of any argument, why would they cite studies that detract from their point?
- bipolarruledout, on 08/08/2008, -2/+1Have you actually read a study? It's all in how the data is interpreted and it's pretty damn easy to reach whatever conclusion you want. Try it sometime rather than just a news article based on an abstract. You might actually find that things aren't as clear cut as they seem. Or just forget that. Anecdotal evidence alone is enough to state the marijuana is nearly the safest drug in existence. Safer than aspirin.
- use2bacanadian, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1I have news for you Diggtards who are insufficiently educated in the sciences that you cannot interpret scientific data properly, and filled with so much juvenile arrogance that you refuse to believe it when it is handed to you by a Physician! Just like nicotine addicts, you cannot believe that there is a downside to smoking and even if there is - you do not have the self discipline to stop. And I could give a ***** less if you kill yourself with bad habits - but you influence others to do so and do harm to the environment and other peoples well being.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/07052 ...
Marijuana Worsens COPD Symptoms In Current Cigarette Smokers
ScienceDaily (May 23, 2007) — Marijuana worsens breathing problems in current smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/08012 ...
Marijuana Smokers Face Rapid Lung Destruction -- As Much As 20 Years Ahead Of Tobacco Smokers
ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2008) — A new study finds that the development of bullous lung disease occurs in marijuana smokers approximately 20 years earlier than tobacco smokers.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/07121 ...
Marijuana Smoke Contains Higher Levels Of Certain Toxins Than Tobacco Smoke
ScienceDaily (Dec. 18, 2007) — Here's another reason to "keep off the grass." Researchers in Canada report that marijuana smoke contains significantly higher levels of several toxic compounds -- including ammonia and hydrogen cyanide -- than tobacco smoke and may therefore pose similar health risks.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/08021 ...
Smoking Marijuana Impairs Cognitive Function In MS Patients, Study Shows
ScienceDaily (Feb. 14, 2008) — People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who smoke marijuana are more likely to have emotional and memory problems, according to new research.
Making sense of medical marijuana
by
Rosenthal MS, Kleber HD
Phoenix House Foundation, New York, USA.
Proc Assoc Am Physicians 1999 Mar-Apr; 111(2):159-65
ABSTRACT
The case for marijuana's medical use is primarily from anecdotal clinical reports, human studies of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and animal studies on constituent compounds. The authors believe that while a key policy issue is to keep marijuana out of the hands of children, its use for medicinal purposes should be resolved by scientific research and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review. Weighed against possible benefits are increased risks such as cancer, pulmonary problems, damage to the immune system, and unacceptable psychological effects. More study is needed to determine the efficacy of marijuana as an antiemetic for cancer patients, as an appetite stimulant for AIDS and cancer patients, as a treatment for neuropathic pain, and as an antispasmodic for multiple sclerosis patients. If this new research shows marijuana to have important medical uses, FDA approval could be sought. However, the better response is accelerated development of delivery systems other than smoking for key ingredients, as well as the identification of targeted molecules that deliver beneficial effects without intoxicating effects. If the National Institutes of Health conducts research on marijuana, we would propose parallel trials on those indications under careful controls making marijuana available to appropriate patients who fail to benefit from standard existing treatments. This effort would begin after efficacy trials and sunset no later than 5 years. If this open-trial mechanism is adopted, the compassion that Americans feel for seriously ill individuals would have an appropriate medical/scientific outlet and not need to rely on referenda that can confuse adolescents by disseminating misleading information about marijuana effects.
- use2bacanadian, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1I have news for you Diggtards who are insufficiently educated in the sciences that you cannot interpret scientific data properly, and filled with so much juvenile arrogance that you refuse to believe it when it is handed to you by a Physician! Just like nicotine addicts, you cannot believe that there is a downside to smoking and even if there is - you do not have the self discipline to stop. And I could give a ***** less if you kill yourself with bad habits - but you influence others to do so and do harm to the environment and other peoples well being.
- Gooserbaijan, on 08/08/2008, -2/+4well, if you're like me than you can talk from experience!
- opiter, on 08/08/2008, -2/+0Looks like a heading you'd see on TheOnion.
Think it'll work for Herpesyphilgonoaids? - paradoxxxaz, on 08/08/2008, -0/+4You what is amazing and why I think they are farrr from legalizing it? Because most, if not all, correctional facilities are corporations now! You know what determines these companies stock prices? The influx of inmates coming in and out of jail. With the thousands of convictions everyday for MJ use, if this was legalized, the stock prices would DROP. So who is Mr. ***** Bush and congress going to listen to? Us stoners? Or the lobbyist representing these corps? ***** situation.
- sq2shooter, on 08/08/2008, -3/+5First off, as an analgesic, pot has to rank near the bottom for effectiveness when compared to other agents already on the market. That being said, the treatment of neuropathic pain is one that in many cases does not include traditional analgesics. One of the most widely used drugs for neuropathic pain isn't even a pain medication. Throwing opiods or other prescription pain medications to address the neuropathic pain is a treatment regime that many doctors would argue against. So the entire study is suspect. It also explains why in the study, these patients were not responding to opiods. My point being, you are studying pot for the treatment of a type of "pain" that is yet to be understood. So studying a medication to treat a pain that is arguably not a real traditional pain is useless.
I still think pot should be legal despite this.- bitbytebit, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1you are exactly right. neuropathy is freakin strange, I have it in my feet and trying to describe it is frustrating, its not a normal pain. Luckily mine isn't that bad yet.
I was told to take (damn can't remember the name right now) that anti-depressant medicine for it as that was the current accepted treatment. yeah no thanks, ive had experience with antidepressants before.
You know what else mj helps with? lowering blood glucose- ecidnac, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1Really? I take medication that can cause hyperglycemia. I ought to move to California and get myself on a good diabetes prevention program.
- bitbytebit, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1incidentally i remembered ... wellbutrin
my 'evidence' for the lowering of blood sugar is both personal and anecdotal. I was going to ask my doctor about it as he kept up on all the major (and some minor) diabetes stories, but I never got around to it and now I have a new doctor who I am sure wouldn't like the question.
Still I believe that it does and so do a couple of people I have talked to recently.
- bitbytebit, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1you are exactly right. neuropathy is freakin strange, I have it in my feet and trying to describe it is frustrating, its not a normal pain. Luckily mine isn't that bad yet.
- absurdist, on 08/08/2008, -2/+23OK, this is today's rant for all you anti-pot assholes out there:
***** you, you inhumane bastards. ***** your lack of empathy for a suffering fellow human being. ***** you for your idiocy in swallowing the government and industry propaganda. I truly hope that you end up with some manner of debilitating neuropathic disease, cancer, AIDS, or the like, and have to live through the horrible, even more debilitating effects of the approved treatments and the effects of them slowly eating up your bank account as opposed to a plant you can grow yourself or purchase cheaply. Then maybe you'll understand what the push for medicinal marijuana is about.
You ***** disgust me.- appleofdischord, on 08/08/2008, -6/+2This is for all you pro-pot assholes out there.
Can't you find something better to do with your time? I've been around people who are high. They don't feel like doing anything but just sitting around. It makes it hard to make good music when everyone lacks focus and motivation.
Most of you don't have some debilitating condition and don't give a ***** about people who do. You just want the freedom to forget your life by inhaling a mind-altering substance. Who cares if you have friends that have made the decision not to do so. ***** them. It's their fault if they feel uncomfortable around you when you're getting high. Right?
Look, it's one thing if there is an honest reason why a person should *need* marijuana to help with a medical problem, but don't use those people to get your own fix.
You ***** disgust me.- infiniphunk, on 08/08/2008, -1/+7And you ***** disgust all the rest of us.
- absurdist, on 08/08/2008, -0/+9***** you.
Know what? If someone wants to smoke pot and has no medical condition, IT'S NONE OF YOUR ***** BUSINESS. If someone wants to sit in their basement, get ripped, eat cheetos, and play video games, it has absolutely NO effect on you whatsoever. And of course, I see you try to reshape the debate in that manner, instead of looking at the people who actually are helped by pot, and have a little compassion and empathy. No, instead, you're so locked into your controlling mindset you think that you should be making those choices for other people. Let me guess, you also call yourself a "conservative". Reconcile your mindset with the original concept of conservatism and limited government interference with people's lives, and then get back to me.
Till then, ***** you. ***** you up the ass with a dripping, diseased dick. I have no more patience with the likes of you. BTW, I stopped smoking pot years ago, for what it's worth. So don't ever accuse me of just wanting to use this issue to "get my fix", as you so stupidly phrase it.
*****. - kokoshka, on 08/08/2008, -0/+8Your friends probably just don't like you because you're a selfish prick. Go drink a liter of vodka, *****.
- normlsparky, on 08/10/2008, -0/+2"It makes it hard to make good music when everyone lacks focus and motivation." you may be eligible for asshat of the year with this statement. i personally know several talented and focused musicians who have no problem at all making "good music" after smoking marijuana. maybe it is hard to make "good music" when you are an uptight ***** who feels the need to control other peoples actions. music is about personal expression, not controlling peoples' behavior. if it makes you uncomfortable being around marijuana users, go hang out with other uptight asshats such as yourself.
- dustinbolton, on 08/08/2008, -0/+4There should also be a ***** you for telling me that it's illegal for me to posses a ***** plant that doesn't bring harm to anyone.
Free country my ass.
- appleofdischord, on 08/08/2008, -6/+2This is for all you pro-pot assholes out there.
- rjhomuth, on 08/08/2008, -4/+1Have condom-free sex, smoke weed without care. Sounds like a win-win.
- bipolarruledout, on 08/08/2008, -0/+2Wow, your REALLY reaching.
- Derrekito, on 08/08/2008, -0/+3Usually better? Such as? Evidence? Are you suggesting that the plethora of global scientific research reaching the same conclusion are ignoring better suitable drugs?
Not everyone can use the same pain killer because of allergies, side effects, interactions with other medications, etc. - katorga, on 08/08/2008, -2/+0Duh. Intoxication reduces how much you notice pain. How many thousands of years has mankind known this fact?
- katorga, on 08/08/2008, -3/+0And no pot will never be legalized...it is impossible to control and tax production because it is too easy grow as an individual.
- someology, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1just like... alcohol? There are many small farmers and country people in this country who make their own small batches of wine or beer every year for personal use... yet the alcohol industry _does not_ seem to be suffering a downturn!
- wunksta, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1not all intoxicants reduce the ability to notice pain.
- katorga, on 08/08/2008, -3/+0And no pot will never be legalized...it is impossible to control and tax production because it is too easy grow as an individual.
- scolasanti, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1hell yeah just one more reason to make it legal!
- cyberflas, on 08/08/2008, -0/+5I really wish these studies would incorporate the best way of delivering marijuana - ingesting it. If people were made aware that there is a healthier alternative to smoking marijuana, it might be taken more seriously as a medicine. Not only is eating it much healthier, but its effects are that much stronger. If you don't believe me google 'cooking marijuana tea' and try it, you will realize what a waste smoking it is.
- infiniphunk, on 08/08/2008, -0/+3Here is a little recipe for what some friends of mine used to call 'bhang lassi' (note, this is not a real lassi, which consists of yogurt)
1 can of coconut milk.
good dark rum.
ice
a few grams of decent ganj, depending on how strong you want it.
grind up your ganj. Put your coconut milk in a pot and bring it to a slow boil in your stove. Put in the ganj. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes or so. Use a strainer and separate out the solids. You should end up with a nice greenish-cream coloured liquid. Allow this to cool. Serve in a tall collins glass over crushed ice and a couple ounces of dark rum. Bacardi works. Garnish with a mint leaf or a nice small pot leaf if you have any.
Note,you don't need to use your good buds, this recipe also works nicely with shake as well.
cheers! - absurdist, on 08/08/2008, -0/+2Unfortunately, some people (such as my sister undergoing chemo) can't keep it down if they ingest it. Thus smoking or vaporizing is a necessary delivery system.
- infiniphunk, on 08/08/2008, -0/+3Here is a little recipe for what some friends of mine used to call 'bhang lassi' (note, this is not a real lassi, which consists of yogurt)
- bipolarruledout, on 08/08/2008, -0/+1You don't say? Those damn facts are so biased.
- atact88, on 08/08/2008, -5/+1Did you know weed is a pain reliever? It also lowers your blood glucose. It does everything! It'll also give you straight A's in school, reverse a heart attack, make you last longer in bed, allow you to drive drunk, beat Halo 3 in 15 minutes, climb Mount Everest, make your poop stink less, make Budweiser taste better, help you move out of your parents' house, regrow hair in your bald spot, run marathons, and more!
All those other natural cure-alls that came before are *****. This is the REAL natural cure-all. ***** all those people who don't want to encourage smoking as a therapeutic. Smoke weed or suffer!
-Digg- wunksta, on 08/09/2008, -1/+1strawman.
- enantiodromia, on 08/09/2008, -0/+2Can't we just say "Marijuana"? Do we really need to say "Medical Marijuana"?
It's like saying "Medical Xanax" or "Medical NyQuil"- xodungxo, on 08/09/2008, -1/+0Referring it as "Medical" to them, seems to make it "OKAY" to use compared to just saying "we are giving the patients Marijuana as pain relievers." Funny isn't it, doesn't make a difference, it's STILL THE SAME THING.
- enantiodromia, on 08/10/2008, -0/+1Heh, I think you missed my point entirely. Thank you!
- xodungxo, on 08/09/2008, -1/+0Referring it as "Medical" to them, seems to make it "OKAY" to use compared to just saying "we are giving the patients Marijuana as pain relievers." Funny isn't it, doesn't make a difference, it's STILL THE SAME THING.
- choy, on 08/09/2008, -4/+1News flash! Medicinal Crack Cocaine, Heroin and LSD ease neuropathic pain!
- wunksta, on 08/09/2008, -0/+4haha
cocaine and heroin ARE use medically
so i dont know what you are trying to say. - SIRBERUS, on 08/09/2008, -0/+4First off... wunksta is right.
Second off... you are comparing a naturally-occuring substance with human-refined/created substances?
Don't get me wrong, I think it's BS what the government says about alot of substances, but at least compare apples apples.
If you want to compare marijuana to something, compare it to green tea or any of the other naturally growing herbs/plants that some people choose to use medicinally.
- wunksta, on 08/09/2008, -0/+4haha
- DeuceDiggalow, on 08/09/2008, -2/+0Marijuana is overrated
- anniejmiller, on 08/09/2008, -1/+1How did they use a placebo, and how did the participant not know that they weren't getting high?
I bet they just made all the numbers up in the study.... - Requeim, on 08/09/2008, -0/+1a high probability of what anniejmiller is saying... can someone throw some light here??
http://www.healthpoints.info - use2bacanadian, on 08/09/2008, -2/+1
19 minutes ago I have news for you Diggtards who are insufficiently educated in the sciences that you cannot interpret scientific data properly, and filled with so much juvenile arrogance that you refuse to believe it when it is handed to you by a Physician! Just like nicotine addicts, you cannot believe that there is a downside to smoking and even if there is - you do not have the self discipline to stop. And I could give a ***** less if you kill yourself with bad habits - but you influence others to do so and do harm to the environment and other peoples well being.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/07052 ...
Marijuana Worsens COPD Symptoms In Current Cigarette Smokers
ScienceDaily (May 23, 2007) — Marijuana worsens breathing problems in current smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/08012 ...
Marijuana Smokers Face Rapid Lung Destruction -- As Much As 20 Years Ahead Of Tobacco Smokers
ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2008) — A new study finds that the development of bullous lung disease occurs in marijuana smokers approximately 20 years earlier than tobacco smokers.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/07121 ...
Marijuana Smoke Contains Higher Levels Of Certain Toxins Than Tobacco Smoke
ScienceDaily (Dec. 18, 2007) — Here's another reason to "keep off the grass." Researchers in Canada report that marijuana smoke contains significantly higher levels of several toxic compounds -- including ammonia and hydrogen cyanide -- than tobacco smoke and may therefore pose similar health risks.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/08021 ...
Smoking Marijuana Impairs Cognitive Function In MS Patients, Study Shows
ScienceDaily (Feb. 14, 2008) — People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who smoke marijuana are more likely to have emotional and memory problems, according to new research.
Making sense of medical marijuana
by
Rosenthal MS, Kleber HD
Phoenix House Foundation, New York, USA.
Proc Assoc Am Physicians 1999 Mar-Apr; 111(2):159-65
ABSTRACT
The case for marijuana's medical use is primarily from anecdotal clinical reports, human studies of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and animal studies on constituent compounds. The authors believe that while a key policy issue is to keep marijuana out of the hands of children, its use for medicinal purposes should be resolved by scientific research and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review. Weighed against possible benefits are increased risks such as cancer, pulmonary problems, damage to the immune system, and unacceptable psychological effects. More study is needed to determine the efficacy of marijuana as an antiemetic for cancer patients, as an appetite stimulant for AIDS and cancer patients, as a treatment for neuropathic pain, and as an antispasmodic for multiple sclerosis patients. If this new research shows marijuana to have important medical uses, FDA approval could be sought. However, the better response is accelerated development of delivery systems other than smoking for key ingredients, as well as the identification of targeted molecules that deliver beneficial effects without intoxicating effects. If the National Institutes of Health conducts research on marijuana, we would propose parallel trials on those indications under careful controls making marijuana available to appropriate patients who fail to benefit from standard existing treatments. This effort would begin after efficacy trials and sunset no later than 5 years. If this open-trial mechanism is adopted, the compassion that Americans feel for seriously ill individuals would have an appropriate medical/scientific outlet and not need to rely on referenda that can confuse adolescents by disseminating misleading information about marijuana effects.- Gooserbaijan, on 08/10/2008, -0/+3Hey if it ain't my delusional little racist buddy. I'd love to argue this topic with you because i can actually talk from experience. But from seeing your comments on the other topics i realize i'm simply arguing with some Neanderthal.
If anyone else reads this, please don't take this wannbee seriously. Look around at some of his other comments on other stories. The dude is not all there.
- Gooserbaijan, on 08/10/2008, -0/+3Hey if it ain't my delusional little racist buddy. I'd love to argue this topic with you because i can actually talk from experience. But from seeing your comments on the other topics i realize i'm simply arguing with some Neanderthal.
Digg is coming to a city (and computer) near you! Check out all the details on our 
© Digg Inc. 2008 —
Content posted by