http://www.stoparrestingpatients.org/videos

Here's a little "medical catch-up" for Governor Granholm and Senator George, as they seem to be lagging far behind their constituents in the science department (I wonder if Senator George has any stock in Solvay Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Marinol, as he is conveniently glossing over Marinol's negatives?). In addition to the fact that synthetic THC/Marinol is absurdly expensive -- which limits its availability to people with tons of money or to people with the right insurance plan -- Marinol has many other distinct disadvantages. First, Marinol lacks several of the therapeutic compounds available in natural cannabis. Cannabis contains over 60-something unique compounds known as cannabinoids -- in addition to naturally occurring terpenoids (oils) and flavonoids (phenols) -- that act in a regulatory, synergistic fashion to create cannabis's wide array of healing properties. Marinol's active ingredient is a synthetic version of the single most psychoactive of the cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC). Problem is, other cannabinoids (like CBN/cannabinol & CBD/cannabidiol), terpenoids, and oils with therapeutic value are left out of the Marinol equation. For example, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has been clinically demonstrated to have analgesic, antispasmodic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety ), antipsychotic, antinausea, anti-rheumatoid arthritic and even anti-convulsant properties, particularly in the treatment of epilepsy. For the last three problems with Marinol, I'll let the American College of Physicians (ACP) do the talking: “While useful for some, these drugs [Marinol & Nabilone] have serious limitations. The oral route of administration hampers the effectiveness of THC because of slow absorption. In addition, for patients with severe nausea and vomiting, for whom oral THC is indicated, swallowing a pill may not be feasible.” “The oral, synthetic THC has low and variable bioavailability. Oral THC is slow in onset of action but produces more pronounced, and often unfavorable, psychoactive effects that last much longer than those experienced with smoking." "On the other hand, smoked THC is quickly absorbed into the blood and effects experienced immediately. Studies have found that patients prefer the immediate effect on symptoms that occurs after smoking marijuana." [END QUOTE] The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States, representing 124,000 members specializing in internal medicine and related subspecialties, including cardiology, neurology, pulmonary disease, oncology and infectious diseases. The ACP publishes "Annals of Internal Medicine," the most widely cited medical specialty journal in the world. Here’s a link to the ACP’s paper supporting access to medical marijuana: http://www.acponline.org/acp_news/medmarinews.htm While drugs like Marinol and Nabilone should remain available, as they have been helpful to some, the superiority of real cannabis for many medical contexts and conditions should not be obscured.

Exactly SaraBenetowa this is the new era and not the dark ages when Commissioner Anslinger who had a real dull axe to grind. Its about time people can get some relief from a simple naturally occurring herb. If the drug companies could have made some cash on this item it would have been legal long ago. 30 years ago when a similar attempt was made the liquor companies battled it like mad while the tobacco companies came up with names in hopes of distributing it. Most people know that people who once try pot basically really dont give a hoot for booze after that. I am willing to bet it will pass by a wide margin and not too long down the road it will most likely be legal period. Our government can find better things to do without money that chase marijuana users around like common criminals.

Vote YES!