Doctors' unease puts medical marijuana patients in a bind

In this photo taken Tuesday, May 5, 2015, Guy Lindblom picks unnecessary leaves from mature cannabis plants so they can concentrate more of their energy into the flowering buds where the medicinal chemicals are produced at a greenhouse in Otsego, Minn. The crop is coming in at Minnesota Medical Solutions, one of two manufacturers who will be supplying the state's medical marijuana. Some health care providers are sitting out completely while others are ready to start certifying patients. MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT Photo: Glen Stubbe, AP

Sarah Wellington thought she had everything squared away to register for Minnesota's medical marijuana program.

The case for medical marijuana for MS and other neurological diseases grows stronger

Compassionate Care Center of New York (CCCNY), based in Newark, Wayne County, is applying to become one of five registered commercial suppliers that will be licensed in New York State to grow medical marijuana.

Hawaii committee passes medical marijuana dispensries bill

Teri Heede, 60, talks about a bill to set up medical marijuana dispensaries on Monday, May 4, 2015 in Honolulu. Medical marijuana was legalized in Hawaii nearly 15 years ago, but patients like Heede, who has multiple sclerosis, have been left to grow the drug on their own or buy it on the black market. (AP Photo/Cathy Bussewitz)

Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by WASHINGTONTIMES

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length

Click here to see more

Quebec researchers will track medicinal pot use to determine safety, effectiveness: VIDEO

Researchers in Quebec have launched a registry of medicinal cannabis users to determine the safety of the drug and its effectiveness in treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

How Effective Is Medical Marijuana? Here's A Closer Look At 14 Different Uses

© iStock/Getty Images

Whether you're in the camp to legalize marijuana or would rather keep it restricted (no judging, here!), it's high time to size up its medical claims. Pot pre-dates the Egyptian pyramids—but it took till now for 23 states to give their A-Okay for its medicinal use. Prevention asked top docs whether cannabis, med-speak for marijuana, is actually helpful (or at least promising) for nearly two dozen health woes ranging from multiple sclerosis to migraines, cancer pain to epilepsy.

Medical Marijuana: More Patients, More Products, Low Profile

Susan Gilchrist once took nine different medications to ease the chronic pain and fatigue of her multiple sclerosis.

MDH medical cannabis survey finds top conditions are multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and cancer

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released results of a voluntary, Internet-based survey of 1,361 potential participants in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis program. The survey found about half of potential users of medical cannabis reported their qualifying condition as multiple sclerosis (MS) or severe muscle spasms. The next most common conditions among potentially eligible patients were epilepsy and cancer.

Is Marijuana Medicine?

What is medical marijuana?
The term medical marijuana refers to using the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat a disease or symptom. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine.

Medical pot patients keep waiting as legal challenges further delay program: VIDEO

Marla Levi


A year and a half after Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize medical marijuana, Marla Levi is still waiting.

Bill would give states freedom on medical marijuana

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., was one of three senators Tuesday unveiling a measure to end the federal prohibition of medical marijuana, leaving states to decide legality for themselves without fear of federal prosecution.

Medical marijuana aimed at multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and cancer patients

Potential users of medical marijuana in Minnesota are likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or cancer, according to a Minnesota Department of Health press release.

Mom Says Cannabis Oil Treatments Are Helping Her Daughter Battle Pediatric Lymphoma

The use of cannabis extracts for pediatric illnesses has exploded in the past couple years. Parents of children with cancer, epilepsy, or other conditions are turning to cannabis as an often final chance at life. For many, cannabis extracts have lived up to the hype and provided incredible healing results.

Hemp oil offers Siouxland girl relief from multiple seizures a day

Harli Kirkpatrick found relief from dozens of seizures a day by taking a small dose of hemp oil at morning, and one at night.Harli was diagnosed with Angelman's Syndrome at 13 months old. It's a condition that leaves people with little to no speech ability, and delays growth milestones much later than the average child.

About 1,000 Express Interest in Minn. Medical Marijuana Program

Almost 1,000 Minnesotans have told the state they'll likely register for the state's new medical marijuana program. The Minnesota Department of Health on Monday released the results of a voluntary electronic survey it conducted to gauge interest in the program.
Click here to read more

Do Physicians Use Marijuana?

The Medscape Lifestyle Report 2015 included questions on physicians' use of marijuana and their opinions on legalization.

Medical Marijuana: The State of the Science

"Medical" cannabis, in some shape or form, is here to stay. Currently legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia,[1] the paradoxical federal illegality of cannabis remains relevant, particularly in the eyes of many healthcare providers.[2] The discrepancy between federal and state laws has created uncertainty about whether medical cannabis is legal and should be legal, and whether its use is in the best interest of physicians and their patients.

Health Department Surveying Prospective Medical Marijuana Patients

Starting July 1, medical marijuana will become legal in Minnesota.

Still Believe Nature Got It Wrong? Top 10 Health Benefits of Marijuana

There is no plant on Earth more condemned than marijuana. We’re talking about a living organism which governments have taken upon themselves to designate as an illegal substance. Despite no existing evidence of anyone ever dying of a marijuana overdose, possession of this plant is still illegal in many parts. Marijuana has been found to suppress cancer, reduce blood pressure, treat glaucoma, alleviate pain and even inhibit HIV. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. Can you understand more now why it’s illegal?

Proponents Seeking to Put Pot Back on Ballot

JOHN MORGAN speaks at a rally in Tampa before the vote on medical marijuana.

Researchers Submit Patent Application, "Cannabinoids for Use in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain", for Approval

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Pharma Business Week -- From Washington, D.C., NewsRx journalists report that a patent application by the inventors Maione, Sabatino (Naples, IT); Rossi, Francesco (Naples, IT); Guy, Geoffrey (Salisbury, GB); Stott, Colin (Salisbury, GB); Kikuchi, Tetsuro (Osaka-shi, JP), filed on May 18, 2012, was made available online on January 1, 2015 (see also Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Limited).

Prescription Pot, the book

A Leading Advocate's Heroic Battle to Legalize Medical Marijuana
by George McMahon and Christopher Largen

Major Health Study: Long-Time Pot Smokers Face Little Damage to Their Lungs

The inhalation of one marijuana cigarette per day over a 20-year period is not associated with adverse changes in lung health, according to data published online ahead of print in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Neurologists Say Jury Still Out on Medical Marijuana's Use for Brain Disorders

It's too soon to tell whether medical marijuana can help treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) said in a new position statement released Wednesday.

Cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis (CAMS study): multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial: STUDY

Background

Multiple sclerosis is associated with muscle stiffness, spasms, pain, and tremor. Much anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabinoids could help these symptoms. Our aim was to test the notion that cannabinoids have a beneficial effect on spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis.

Illinois has no explanation for missing target date for pot permits

Without explanation, Gov. Pat Quinn's administration has conceded it missed its end-of-the-year target for deciding which businesses will receive permits to begin the state's pilot program with medical marijuana.

Endocannabinoid signalling and the deteriorating brain: STUDY

Medical marijuana inquiry calls for public submissions on draft legislation

An ACT Legislative Assembly committee conducting an inquiry into the use of medical cannabis in the community has called for public submissions.

Denver shelters cite legal pot in homeless upswing

In this Nov. 26, 2014 photo, homeless man Chris Easterling smokes legal hash oil from a vaporizer pen to ease the pain of his multiple sclerosis, in front of the Salvation Army shelter where he sleeps, in Denver. Easterling was sick of relying on illegal drug dealers in Minneapolis when he needed marijuana to help ease the pain of MS. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Under state plan, Luverne is 199 miles away from nearest proposed medical cannabis dispensary

One of the most moving moments of last spring's medical cannabis debate in the Minnesota House of Representatives was when Southwest Minnesota state representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake), who lives with multiple sclerosis, rose to speak of his transformation from being an opponent of legalizing cannabis for medical use to becoming a supporter of the new restrictive bill.

Prescribing smoked cannabis for chronic noncancer pain Preliminary recommendations: STUDY

Abstract

Objective To offer preliminary guidance on prescribing smoked cannabis for chronic pain before the release of formal guidelines.

Medical marijuana users fear arrest under new federal pot rules

OTTAWA - The Conservative government is forcing users of medical marijuana to choose between treating their symptoms or holding on to their freedoms under the Charter of Rights, a gathering of pot-smoking protesters complained Tuesday.

Generic Glatiramer, Cannabis Product Advance for MS

A lower-cost version of one of the mainstays of first-line multiple sclerosis treatment appears poised to win marketing approval on the basis of pivotal trial results, and the marijuana derivative known as Sativex was, for the first time, shown to improve an objective measure of spasticity in a randomized trial. The studies were presented recently at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), held jointly this year with its North American counterpart, ACTRIMS.

Medical marijuana inquiry calls for public submissions on draft legislation

An ACT Legislative Assembly committee conducting an inquiry into the use of medical cannabis in the community has called for public submissions.

Survival Herbs: Marijuana

Cannabis sativa has a long and respectable history as a medicinal plant; its use predates recorded history. It is amazing that so many so-called intelligent people think cannabis can cause brain damage, sterility, impotence, insanity, or drug addiction. None of this is true. The truth is cannabis has been made illegal due to a corporate conspiracy, you know the history, if not educate yourself. The single greatest danger of marijuana use is the possibility of arrest and imprisonment. Any thinking person who feels freedom is the most important concept in their lives should oppose marijuana prohibition.

USMedicalMarijuana.net Reports Substantial Potential Increase in Tax Dollars Due to Marijuana Legalization

USMedicalMarijuana.net reports a potentially substantial increase in tax revenue due to the legalization of marijuana in numerous states on November 4.

TV personality and veterans crusader Montel Williams makes FL medical marijuana pitch

Montel Williams, the former host of his eponymous show, has become a full-time veterans' rights crusader recently and now he's wading into Florida politics with a pitch for the medical-marijuana constitutional amendment.

Medical marijuana debates continue

Light up or pop a pill? That is the question.

Advocates warn of deadly delay on medical marijuana

Holly Anderson


Canandaigua, N.Y.
While the Compassionate Care Act that passed in June permits medical marijuana use in New York, the slow rollout of the plan has patients waiting on relief for at least another year.

Survival Herbs: Marijuana

Cannabis sativa has a long and respectable history as a medicinal plant; its use predates recorded history. It is amazing that so many so-called intelligent people think cannabis can cause brain damage, sterility, impotence, insanity, or drug addiction. None of this is true. The truth is cannabis has been made illegal due to a corporate conspiracy, you know the history, if not educate yourself. The single greatest danger of marijuana use is the possibility of arrest and imprisonment. Any thinking person who feels freedom is the most important concept in their lives should oppose marijuana prohibition.

CBS VIDEO: Medical marijuana effectively treats MS symptoms, study finds

For the first time, the American Academy of Neurology said medical marijuana is an effective treatment for some symptoms of multiple sclerosis when given as an oral spray or a pill. However, there’s not enough evidence to determine if smoking the drug is equally effective. Dr. Jon LaPook reports.
Click here to see

A couple of prominent Monterey County business attorneys are getting ready for the legal pot show

The best word to describe the woman sitting before me is elegant. Elegant in her speech, elegant in her appearance. A streaky blonde bob frames her fine-boned face, one highlighted by big, blue-green eyes set above high cheekbones. She’s petite and cocoons her slight frame in layers of beautifully cut, clearly expensive clothing, all the way to the silk scarf draped around her throat.

Del Rey Oaks takes steps toward Monterey County's first pot dispensary

The city of Del Rey Oaks took a definitive step Tuesday toward allowing a medical marijuana dispensary that would also be the first in Monterey County.

VIDEO: Sanjay Gupta Apologizes For 'Misleading' Public About Marijuana

CNN's chief medical expert Sanjay Gupta announced Wednesday night that he has reversed his blanket opposition to marijuana use.

Speaking to Piers Morgan, Gupta, who has a documentary on weed airing on Sunday, said he had previously helped to "mislead" the American public about the effects of the drug.

Cannabis Campaigner Clark French Hits The BBC

Well known Cannabis activist and multiple sclerosis sufferer has hit mainstream television again after appearing on BBC News in August.

Medical Marijuana May Ease Some MS Symptoms, Study Concludes

Medical marijuana can help relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but whether it can benefit patients with other neurological disorders is still unclear, according to a new review by top neurologists.

Medical marijuana may cost patients top dollar

When Jim Champion goes to a medical marijuana dispensary in Illinois for the first time, his wife, Sandy, plans to take a picture to mark the victory, after years of fighting for an alternative treatment for his multiple sclerosis.

ABC VIDEO: CAN CANNABIS HELP?

Click here to see

VIDEO: Medical marijuana: Unproven cure-all or good option for New York's seriously ill?

Donna Romano would like to swallow marijuana oil to treat her multiple sclerosis and seizure disorder. Romano could buy it if she lived in Colorado where the drug is legal and available in many different forms.

Cannabidiol inhibits lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis via intercellular adhesion molecule-1

Cannabinoids inhibit cancer cell invasion via increasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1).

Medical Marijuana May Ease Some MS Symptoms, Study Concludes

Medical marijuana can help relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but whether it can benefit patients with other neurological disorders is still unclear, according to a new review by top neurologists.