Young Australian Skeptics

One Response to “Tales from the Tubes — 19/​11/​09”

1. 1
   Firesnake says:
   November 22nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm

   “HOUSTON — The American Medical Association (AMA) voted today to reverse its long-​​held position that marijuana be retained as a Schedule I substance with no medical value. The AMA adopted a report drafted by the AMA Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled, “Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes,” which affirmed the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and called for further research. The CSAPH report concluded that, “short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.” Furthermore, the report urges that “the Schedule I status of marijuana be reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid-​​based medicines, and alternate delivery methods.”
   http://​www​.opposingviews​.com/​a​r​t​i​c​l​e​s​/​o​p​i​n​i​o​n​-​a​m​a​-​e​n​d​s​-​7​2​-​y​e​a​r​-​p​o​l​i​c​y​-​s​a​y​s​-​m​a​r​i​j​u​a​n​a​-​h​a​s​-​m​e​d​i​c​a​l​-​b​e​n​e​f​i​t​s​-​r​-​1​2​5​7​8​7​1699

   Endocannabinoids are found in the CNS and reproductive and immune tissue. Of the two major cannabinoids CBD is anti-​​psychotic and neuroprotective. Following the isolation of of anandamide in 1992 from porcine brain tissue, we have been able to postulate the association between cannabis use and presentation with schizoid disorders. Noting that anandamide is markedly low in the cerebral cortex of individuals who have never used cannabis, yet experience psychosis we now postulate some already ill users find relief from smoking.

   Still, the famous Lancet meta-​​analysis revealed that 0.00125% of 6 million smokers presented with schizophrenia. Or 99.99875% do not. Risk is around 40%. Risk from alcohol is about 800%.

   Endogenous opioids are found in the human body and CNS also. Pain medication does what it is prescribed for. Nonetheless, many want a “drug-​​free” world, as G-​​d intended.

   Prevention of cannabinoid medical research is indeed a crime and bespeaks of astonishing ignorance, cruelty and inexperience in identifying what we’re led to “believe” as opposed to what data helps one conclude.