Australian
By: Justin Kander
The 2014 Marijuana for Medical Professionals Conference was a groundbreaking event aimed at educating doctors on how to really use cannabis as medicine. Most doctors are currently unable to answer concerns from their patients about how to use medicinal cannabis, including questions related to dosing, THC:CBD ratios, and administration routes.
Thankfully, the event effectively informed hundreds of doctors about these issues, and conveyed the real potential of cannabis as a first line medicine for a variety of diseases.
DAY ONE
The first day’s highlight was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who famously discovered THC in 1964 in Israel. His presentation (via Skype) was remarkably informative and discussed cannabinoids as possible major drugs, for conditions ranging from diabetes to brain traumas.
Many therapeutic effects stem from the interaction of cannabinoids with DNA, in addition to systemic antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Dr. Mechoulam was thoughtfully preceded by Laura Borgelt, a pharmacist who extensively analyzed drug interactions of cannabinoids along with mechanisms of cannabinoid pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The two of them alone effectively demonstrated what cannabis can do and the overall theories of how it works in the body.
Robin Hackett of BotanaCare provided remarkably detailed and practical information on dispensary implementation of cannabis treatment plans. Given the event’s focus on helping doctors treat patients more effectively, this information was especially useful.
DAY TWO
The second day opened with Jerry Chesler, an Arizona attorney who discussed legal issues surrounding cannabis. Interestingly, he also addressed scientific aspects including the role of terpenes and the extraordinary benefits of CBD. He also mentioned how across the country he’s hearing of children sent home to die who are becoming cancer free with cannabis extracts. “I know it’s anecdotal, but when parents are telling me this I tend to believe them,” said Chesler.
Many patients turn to cannabis as a last resort, but it more often should be considered as a first line medicine.
-Mary Lynn Mathre, executive director of Patients Out of Time, who also stated “cannabis should be unscheduled entirely.”
As a nurse, the more Mathre learned about cannabis, the more she saw the harms in traditional pharmaceuticals, virtually all of which have harmful side effects and overdose potential.
Mathre stated tolerance develops to cannabis’ euphoric effects but not therapeutic effects, an insight she gained from watching federal medical cannabis patients use the same types and amounts of cannabis for decades.
Dr. Donald Abrams of San Francisco General Hospital discussed cannabis in oncology, and the profound benefits of cannabinoids for mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy and cancer. He also discussed some of the science behind how cannabinoids combat cancer.
Dr. William Courtney, who presented shortly after Dr. Abrams, remarked on a patient sent home to die with a brain tumor whose last five MRIs have shown complete remission, a success achieved through juicing cannabis. Given that both decarboxylated and raw acidic cannabinoids have shown anticancer potential, such results are more than theoretically possible.
The exploding interest in cannabis for epilepsy made Dr. Margaret Gedde’s presentation especially valuable. She discussed the use of various cannabinoid formulations for different types of epilepsy. Data was compared among patients who used CBD-rich, THC-rich, THCA + CBD-rich, and industrial hemp CBD products. Over 70% of patients displayed some to high improvement in conditions for which no pharmaceuticals are effective, as measured by seizure reduction. The positive side effects included better behavior and improved cognition, which drastically outweighed negative side effects like drowsiness.
Dr. Gedde also remarked that a third of patients experienced better seizure control after reducing the cannabis dose, indicating the importance of dosing and the biphasic effect, in which beneficial effects decline after doses exceed a certain level.
DAY THREE
The third day’s opening content was dominated by PTSD discussion. Heather Manus, Bryan Krumm, and Dr. Sue Sisley gave compelling presentations, which included patient experiences and barriers to research. Given that veteran suicides may top 22 per day, using cannabis to mitigate PTSD is truly imperative.
Another terrible disease that greatly affects the mind is Alzheimer’s, in which patients forget everything about who they are and engage in a wide variety of inappropriate behaviors. Dr. Jeffrey Hergenrather presented stunning results on severe Alzheimer’s patients using cannabis in a nursing home setting. He shared medical observations on over a dozen patients, which included resolution of abnormal behaviors and cessation of dangerous pharmaceutical treatments with “black box” death warnings.
Crohn’s disease also responds very well, and Dr. Hergenrather shared statistically significant data on cannabis improving virtually all symptoms of Crohn’s. He also remarked that cannabinoids “kill cancer in many and most cases”, mentioning effectiveness against colon cancer and throwing in that topical use is effective for skin cancer.
Martin Lee, founder of Project CBD, made a compelling case for whole plant medicine while sharing incredible studies about what CBD alone can do. From fighting cancer at the genetic level to reducing seizures and protecting the brain, CBD is definitely the Superman of the cannabinoid world, but needs other cannabinoids and terpenoids to reach its full potential.
One of the most unique presentations came from Jason Lauve, who is pioneering the hemp industry in Colorado. The audience routinely gasped as Lauve discussed how many things hemp can be used for, and how its applications can heal the Earth, clean the air, and produce revolutionary products like breathable hemp casts and more resilient cars. After his talk, it was clear the benefits of industrial cannabis are nearly on par with the medical benefits.
Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a retired professor from Harvard University, appeared via Skype to discuss the background and history of medical cannabis. As with Dr. Mechoulam, his analysis was expectedly impressive and he took time to answer questions from the audience, including the niece of Harry Anslinger (who thankfully does not share his opinions).
Perhaps the most incredible presentation came from Mara Gordon, the proprietor of Aunt Zelda’s. She provided extensive details on five pediatric cancer cases, including optic pathway glioma, rhabdomyosarcoma, astrocytoma, pineoblastoma, and precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. All of these cases were not responding well to chemotherapy, yet when combined with cannabis, both the horrific side effects of chemotherapy and the cancers themselves dramatically reduced. Gordon emphasized the importance of consistent dosing and nutrition to maximize the anticancer effects of cannabinoids. Her presentation closed out the conference and drew a well-deserved standing ovation.
The event was organized by Martha Montemayor and Sarara Corva, who respectively directed and coordinated the event. In a brief interview, Corva stated her goal was to bring minds together to learn and spread information to the next generation of doctors, many of whom knew nothing about actual treatment of patients with cannabis. Their objectives were undeniably exceeded, as behind the scenes many doctors were expressing their elation at finally learning how to more effectively help their patients. Both organizers delivered great presentations of their own to an audience consisting of around 400 doctors and medical professionals.
UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS
Overall, the 2014 Marijuana for Medical Professionals Conference was an unprecedented success. Doctors now understand on a new level the importance of access to and research of cannabinoid medicines. Dr. David Bearman, founder of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, stated there was no excuse not to do double-blind clinical trials of cannabis for cancer, as the scientific and anecdotal evidence is more than enough to justify such trials.
By the end of the Conference, doctors were already asking Montemayor and Corva when the next event would be. Given the immensely positive response, it probably won’t be far off.
and that Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a retired professor from Harvard University, sounds seedy
The US government that originally classed the plant, are the same ones who applied for the patent, with the US governement for the use of marijuana in medicine for its known properties for a huge range of ailments. The same government that approved the patent also, based on the facts.
Just because it is accepted that marijuana is addictive, and whatever other rubbish they have spouted over the years, doesn't mean it is.
It will be tough for the poplulation to accept that nearly everything we have been told about marijuana is 100% false, but step by step will have to do.
Sep 24, 2014 -- 5:52AM, Thebas wrote:
setting legal limits for car drivers etc would be tricky - not enough testing has been done to determine safety etc (and pls dont say dopers drive slower - that is not relevent imo lol) -
Do they set limits on prescription meds on levels? Should be no different. The biggest worry is drowsiness, but plenty of over the counters do that.
Not saying it shouldn't, or should, or shouldn't because of or should because of, just pointing it out.
Yeah my forum went to siht too. Switched to firefox. In fact going to switch all to firefox I think. Chrome is turning into a piece of siht.
Thebas • September 24, 2014 5:55 AM BST
and yes re the history of the plant - was legal up until alcohol prohibition when they listed it incorrectly as a narcotic - and there it has stayed since
Based on the premise that it made white women more likely to sleep with "negroes", and entertainers who were playing the devil music. FFS And also obviously the endless industries that it would put out of business.
And in doing so, being more effective, more efficient, crops growing constantly,
whilst,
creating a negative carbon footprint from start of growing, to end of production of whatever the industry was producing.
You really want to lower the CO2 levels, you legalise this, and we will all sit in our energy efficient houses, driving our safe cars, running on biodiesel, cancer free, mentally stable, and living a happy life.
But then, what about the timber industry that is wiping our planet, the oil industry etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc?
I say fcuk them. But then if that were going to happen, it already would have.
You are Logroller.
Thebas is TB.
Sheesh. Get off the grass, Loggy.
Take a leaf.
Sep 24, 2014 -- 7:24AM, THERE....IS....NO....SPOOOOON wrote:
See, Loggy? TB gets it!Take a leaf.
yes Spoon & Loggy and a genuine High to you both - ummm i mean Hi
HOW STUPID OF ME!!
The Australian forum presents thousands of BJT posts as evidence against the legalisation of Marijuana.
Conference closes with everyone ROTFLTAO.
Below is the recent study I was referring to into its effects.
Lets Elope
10 Sep 14 17:48
Joined:
05 May 06
| Topic/replies: 10,321 | Blogger: Lets Elope's blog
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/24943668/teen-cannabis-use-alert/
Teen cannabis use alert
Cathy O'Leary Medical Editor The West Australian September 10, 2014, 2:10 am
Teen cannabis use alert The West Australian
Teen cannabis use is far from harmless, according to a landmark study that found even those who smoked it only occasionally were at higher risk of school dropout, suicidal behaviour and other drug use.
In one of the biggest studies of its kind into Australia's most widely used illicit drug, researchers, including Curtin University's National Drug Research Institute, looked at cannabis use in 3765 teens aged under 17 and tracked them to the age of 25.
Writing in The Lancet, researchers said teenagers who had cannabis daily were seven times more likely to try to take their own life, 18 times more likely to become dependent on cannabis and eight times more likely to use other illicit drugs.
Even accounting for factors such as wealth and family issues, teen users were 60 per cent more likely to drop out of high school.
The researchers said the risk of poor educational and health outcomes increased with more frequent cannabis use but findings showed there was no safe level.
Even those who smoked it less than once a month had double the rate of cannabis dependence by age 25 and were 62 per cent more likely to attempt suicide.
Lead researcher Edmund Sil-ins, from the University of NSW, said yesterday the results were strong evidence that teenage cannabis use was a direct cause of problems in young adult life, including mental health issues.
"The findings are timely, given there are some moves to decriminalise or legalise cannabis, which might make it more accessible," Dr Silins said.
The more cannabis was used in adolescence the worse off the user but there was still an effect from once-a-month a use.
Co-researcher David Fergusson, of New Zealand's University of Otago, said the risks from teen cannabis use were specific to that drug and different from alcohol.
He said though drinking was linked to problem behaviour such as aggression, the fallout from using cannabis included suicidal tendencies and low educational achievement.
An estimated one in 25 Australian teenagers aged 14 to 19 use cannabis weekly.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14
I haven't read a book since HSC English Lit!!
Can't you just weed out the relevant parts for us?
Sep 24, 2014 -- 1:07PM, Lets Elope wrote:
I have nothing against it used being used medicinally for people who suffer from chronic pain cancer sufferers etc the elderly and infirm but there are clearly far more problems associated with its use than many care to admit, not to mention that you are more inclined to try other more dangerous drugs if you're a user.Below is the recent study I was referring to into its effects. Lets Elope10 Sep 14 17:48Joined:05 May 06| Topic/replies: 10,321 | Blogger: Lets Elope's bloghttps://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/24943668/teen-cannabis-use-alert/Teen cannabis use alertCathy O'Leary Medical Editor The West Australian September 10, 2014, 2:10 amTeen cannabis use alert The West AustralianTeen cannabis use is far from harmless, according to a landmark study that found even those who smoked it only occasionally were at higher risk of school dropout, suicidal behaviour and other drug use.In one of the biggest studies of its kind into Australia's most widely used illicit drug, researchers, including Curtin University's National Drug Research Institute, looked at cannabis use in 3765 teens aged under 17 and tracked them to the age of 25.Writing in The Lancet, researchers said teenagers who had cannabis daily were seven times more likely to try to take their own life, 18 times more likely to become dependent on cannabis and eight times more likely to use other illicit drugs.Even accounting for factors such as wealth and family issues, teen users were 60 per cent more likely to drop out of high school.The researchers said the risk of poor educational and health outcomes increased with more frequent cannabis use but findings showed there was no safe level.Even those who smoked it less than once a month had double the rate of cannabis dependence by age 25 and were 62 per cent more likely to attempt suicide.Lead researcher Edmund Sil-ins, from the University of NSW, said yesterday the results were strong evidence that teenage cannabis use was a direct cause of problems in young adult life, including mental health issues."The findings are timely, given there are some moves to decriminalise or legalise cannabis, which might make it more accessible," Dr Silins said.The more cannabis was used in adolescence the worse off the user but there was still an effect from once-a-month a use.Co-researcher David Fergusson, of New Zealand's University of Otago, said the risks from teen cannabis use were specific to that drug and different from alcohol.He said though drinking was linked to problem behaviour such as aggression, the fallout from using cannabis included suicidal tendencies and low educational achievement.An estimated one in 25 Australian teenagers aged 14 to 19 use cannabis weekly.If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14
Doesn't seem like a very reliable article to me. What are they smoking? Who are they comparing to? How many really allowed them to follow them around for a decade, and how many non users did the same?
The killer for me, is Even those who smoked it less than once a month had double the rate of cannabis dependence by age 25...
How dependent are you if you are smoking it less than once a month?
Maybe next time, they should find a sample of teens that have attempted suicide, and came back 8 years later and seen the results of how many that turned to cannabis turned that around.
When you consider that of the 22 suicides per day coming from PTSD from soldiers returning home, cannabis turning that on it's head as one of the only things that work, to suggest that it increases the chance of suicide is just ridiculous.
Did they get people before using cannabis and test the differences after they started using, or did they take people already using, and compare them with non users?
Here is another attempt:
In one of the biggest studies of its kind into Australia's most widely used prescription drug, researchers, including Curtin University's National Drug Research Institute, looked at aspirin use in 3765 teens aged under 17 and tracked them to the age of 25.
Writing in The Lancet, researchers said teenagers who had aspirin daily were seven times more likely to try to take their own life, 18 times more likely to SUFFER DEBILITATING MIGRAINES on aspirin and eight times more likely to use other prescription drugs.
Even accounting for factors such as wealth and family issues, teen users were 60 per cent more likely to drop out of high school.
The researchers said the risk of poor educational and health outcomes increased with more frequent aspirin use but findings showed there was no safe level.
Even those who used it less than once a month had double the rate of aspirin dependence by age 25 and were 62 per cent more likely to attempt suicide.
Lead researcher Edmund Sil-ins, from the University of NSW, said yesterday the results were strong evidence that teenage aspirin use was a direct cause of problems in young adult life, including mental health issues.
"The findings are timely, given there are some moves to decriminalise or legalise pharmaceutical drugs, which might make it more accessible," Dr Silins said.
The more aspirin was used in adolescence the worse off the user but there was still an effect from once-a-month a use.
Co-researcher David Fergusson, of New Zealand's University of Otago, said the risks from teen aspirin use were specific to that drug and different from alcohol.
He said though drinking was linked to problem behaviour such as aggression, the fallout from using aspirin included suicidal tendencies and low educational achievement.
An estimated one in 25 Australian teenagers aged 14 to 19 use cannabis weekly.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14
Now if you were to read that, would you assume:
A/ More people with debilitating migraines turned to aspirin.
OR
B/ Aspirin was causing people to have debilitating migraines?
Show me a study of people that didn't use marijuana, and the negative effects it had after starting, or don't bother because showing a subset of people that are already more likely in all areas of the study, and concluding that marijuana is the cause, just isn't going to cut it sorry....
it is not hard to get any drug you want, so the fight against drugs just doesn't work and it will never work
so what we have here is substances and an industry that creates a massive amount of money for crims, there is only one larger industry and that is illegal arms, which is fuelled by the sale of illegal drugs. so to say because certain drugs are illegal we are protecting society is just pure fantasy.
and to say drugs have an ill effect on children, well derr, that's why we put age limits out there and try to educate about the evils that surround our children.
to me it's simple "legalize all drugs" cut off the the money supply to all the bad guys, and educate your children until they are old enough to make their own choices in life
Sep 24, 2014 -- 2:40PM, logroller wrote:
all this is either here nor there, the biggest factor is simple, all drugs are bad for you, we know this, we know sugar is bad for us, junk food, milk so on and on we go.it is not hard to get any drug you want, so the fight against drugs just doesn't work and it will never workso what we have here is substances and an industry that creates a massive amount of money for crims, there is only one larger industry and that is illegal arms, which is fuelled by the sale of illegal drugs. so to say because certain drugs are illegal we are protecting society is just pure fantasy.and to say drugs have an ill effect on children, well derr, that's why we put age limits out there and try to educate about the evils that surround our children.to me it's simple "legalize all drugs" cut off the the money supply to all the bad guys, and educate your children until they are old enough to make their own choices in life
noun
1.
Pharmacology. a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being.
2.
any substance recognized in the official pharmacopoeia or formulary of the nation.
any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans or other animals.
any article, other than food, intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of humans or other animals.
any substance intended for use as a component of such a drug, but not a device or a part of a device.
3.
a habit-forming medicinal or illicit substance, especially a narcotic.
4.
drugs.
chemical substances prepared and sold as pharmaceutical items, either by prescription or over the counter.
personal hygienic items sold in a drugstore, as toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.
5.
Obsolete. any ingredient used in chemistry, pharmacy, dyeing, or the like.
Where does marijuana fit in though? I can't see it fit anywhere in any of those.
From where I sit, marijuana is a food source that makes more sense than any other.
Simple question. Why do you say marijuana is bad for you?
If you had a son or daughter, would you force marijuana use on them? Would you encourage them to use it? Would you allow them to use it? If so, from what age? And how often?
Or are you arguing it should only be used under medical supervision for treatment of certain ailments?
The fittest, healthiest people I have known certainly did not get that way as a result of marijuana use. They get sufficient rest, eat natural foods, drink water, exercise regularly, sometimes vigorously, socialise well and get plenty of sunrays. Do some people need more than those things to be healthy?
I feel like I've been blanked. I'd rather be belittled, abused, mocked, derided, or even agreed with if you must. But don't ever f*cking blank me, I f*cking hate that. Grrrr.
theres no addictive properties in marijuana
Sep 28, 2014 -- 3:35AM, Lets Elope wrote:
Your lungs aren't designed to take in smoke of any kind they're designed to take in the air we breathe, period.
What has smoking got to do with anything? Out of the million uses for marijuana, smoking it is by far the least effective.
To get the best out of it you make an oil out of it and eat it. Or in the form of skin cancers, you simply rub the oil on them.
If the only thing you can think of to do with marijuana is smoking it, perhaps you need to do a little more research into it before deciding to post an opinion.
Sep 28, 2014 -- 3:19AM, VeryLTU wrote:
give him time juniorbond... he's just getting over a slab and fifty bongs from yesterday
Couldn't even guess what is going on. Usually Junior is stalking me, but must be here for the guy drinking a slab and smoking 50 bongs that he is here for this time, whoever that may be.
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junior007
Report • Quote junior007 • September 28, 2014 3:12 AM BST
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I made you, you were a complete idiot before I guided you up the ladder to the rank of incomplete idiot.
Dead set pansie, fair dinkum. Camp as a row of tents. Pelaco raiser. I am incensed, absolutely fuming.
You read my post, felt you had no face saving answer, so you folded like a well oiled deck chair.
Your husband needs to give you a few decent backhanders to make you wake up to yourself.
The most gutless act I have seen on the forum, bar none.
Also maybe ask his ladyship if she takes marijuana, and if so, by what mode.
BJT, Junior has asked me to tell you (as you have him blocked) that he apologises for any offence he may have caused.
He accepts the points you have made, and thanks you for your valuable and valid contribution.
He also thinks you are very good looking.
Nobody blocks junior double O, it has never happened, never ever. People are usually very eager to read my highly insightful comments. I am still seething, can you appeal someone blocking you and get the block lifted? I can't see why I should take this lying down.
classic stuff imo......... but a lost cause juniordouble, bjt is humourless. You'll never get the emotional part of his brain stimulated, its' swamped with so much thc the nerves don't let the electrons move anymore
Does ROTFLHAO count as having a sense of humour? BJT seems to do that a lot.
.. i see him more as a person from the planet vulcan, seriousness his only emotion, someone who can communicate with a statue... and has pointy ears. Mr Bjspock.
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s4097788.htm
interesting viewing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZyVZFJGX5g
Being the stalker I am, it is all I could have hoped for really. Thanks dunce.
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/330396739598/Living-With-The-Enemy-Ep5?cid=od:v2:1
Possibly the best line from it, was old mate saying "Well I don't see any of these problems in Nimbin". And I think that is a very important point.
Police there are patrolling for alcohol, not marijuana use as that is where the towns troubles come from.
Be interesting to see the statistics of heroin use, psychosis, etc etc etc in Nimbin, seeing as marijuana statistically speaking leads to harder drugs, and causes psychosis amongst users.
I think what you find is the difference, is because marijuana is freely available, very few, if any people would be turning to anything harder, because it isn't being pushed on them from having to buy it from people who happen to deal in that as well, illegally. And of course, the majority of weed in Nimbin is of course organic, grown in the open air, as it should be.
Pretty hard to argue with:
8-year-old Tara O’Connell, from Mia Mia, Victoria suffers from chronic epilepsy. In December 2012, after exhaustively trying 17 different unsuccessful pharmaceutical medications, the O’Connell’s were informed that Tara had 12 to 24 months left to live.
In January 2013, attempting to save their daughters life, the O’Connell’s, although sceptical, obtained and began administering Mullaway’s cannabis oil. Tara adjusted to the medicine quickly, suffering only 1 seizure between February 10th and April 3rd, 2013. Even more remarkably, Tara hasn’t suffered a single seizure since. Her IQ has risen by 30 points, she’s off all pharmaceutical drugs, and she has been eating and sleeping normally.
Dr Paul Carter of the Lancefield Country Practice in Victoria has been Tara’s GP for the past 5 years. “I would regard it as a tragedy if we had to go back to conventional treatment for Tara” he said.
“I’m very much hoping there will be an ongoing supply, and quite frankly, I think everybody would be vastly more comfortable if it was above board or legal.”
Cheri O’Connell, Tara’s mother, highlights significant improvements in her daughter’s condition, “It’s been a huge change, her seizures have stopped, so she’s 13 months seizure free, which is down from 23,000 a year.”
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/07/10/nimbin-inside-refugee-camp-war-drugs
From 23,000 seizures a year, and 12-24 months to live, to 0 seizures in 13 months, after just a few weeks on it.
Don't think it will be long til it is decriminilised to be honest. They are already putting it to parliament to legalise it for terminally ill patients. Kind of hard to argue it is a schedule 1 drug with 0 medicinal properties, to passing a bill for the use of it medically.
Won't be long.
