Medical Cannabis Treats PTSD, but Veterans Can’t Have It

Headline: May 26, 2008 – Marijuana As a Treatment for PTSD – There is a crisis among the legions of America’s veterans - five hundred suicides a month and over three hundred thousand backloged disability claims involving PTSD and depression.

Veterans for Common Sense and Veterans United for Truth have brought suit in a San Francisco Federal Court against the Department of Veterans Affairs to force it to upgrade it’s mental health program for veterans and recognize the need for effective treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The VA wants to hire 1,300 therapists to solve the problem, but PTSD patients have poor responses to psychotherapy and often turn to alcohol and drugs. Moreover, many suffer from chronic pain and addictions to opiate pain medications.

As a result, many have turned to Cannabis under California medical marijuana laws, finding it to be uniquely suited to successful treatment of PTSD and new research is confirming Cannabis’ benefits. Eight percent of medical Cannabis patients surveyed in California suffer from PTSD. Unfortunately, veterans are forced to sign “pain contracts“, which require drug tests for dispensing of narcotic pain medications. If a chronic pain patient tests positive for marijuana, his narcotic pain medicines will be discontinued. This is tragic, as the latest science from Europe shows a symbiotic relationship between Cannabis and opiates, allowing a chronic pain patient to take much less narcotics – a benefit for long term health.

At the Fifth Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, hosted by Patients Out of Time in California, April, 2008, Air Force Veteran Michael Krawitz describes his history of chronic pain and his current attempts to get the VA to recognize the need for access to medicinal Cannabis for veterans suffering from pain and PTSD. Michael was denied drug treatment for his chronic pain for refusing to sign a “pain contract” – see his story in the news article cited above.Veterans, Pain Contracts & Medical Cannabis- Michael Krawitz

At the Third Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, held in May of 2004, Professor Raphael Mechoulam from Israel examines the potential of Cannabis as treatment for PTSD. Dr. Mechoulam, who first isolated and named THC in 1964, postulates that Cannabinoids aid the natural brain function of discarding unneeded information.Cannabinoid System in Neuroprotection, Raphael Mechoulam,PhD

Also at the Third Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, Dr. Sandra Welch presents research demonstrating the symbiotic actions between THC and opiate medications in the treatment of acute and chronic pain.Opiate & Cannabinoid Interactions, with Sandra Welch

 Wu -Wei. 

“Sit and Forget”

- Lao Tzu

Global Marijuana Marches 2008 – New Sense of Urgency

            On Saturday, May 3rd, I traveled to the Capitol grounds of my home state of North Carolina (a “Decrim“, but ”No Medical Necessity Defense” state, for those versed in the inequitable hodgepodge of laws regarding Cannabis across the country) to attend our annual Raleigh Marijuana Rally & Music Festival, hosted by the North Carolina Cannabis Association. It was a beautiful day, a pleasant, yet energized gathering of many ages, races and hair styles - all declaring their support for the Cannabis Hemp plant, advocating for change in the laws and enjoying the music and culture associated with this versatile gift from Nature. In Colonial times, North Carolina was famous for the quality of its’ hemp,  so it seems appropriate that we celebrated among statues of our forebearers. Global Marijuana Freedom March 2008 – Raleigh, NC, USA

Under the watchful Assyrian gaze of Hammurabi’s statue high atop the Law & Justice building across the street ( Undoubtedly a Hashish user like his fellows, Hammurabi was responsible for the first written laws - set down on clay tablets. Cannabis Hemp was not prohibited by the Code of Hammurabi.), the different speakers at the rally brought out several important issues that the prohibition of Cannabis has complicated – access to herbal medicine; environmental benefits of hemp; and the enjoyment of personal freedoms guaranteed under the U. S. and NC Constitutions.

The same issues that face us in North Carolina are experienced in cities around the world, as fellow compatriots join the Global Marijuana March, still coordinated by long time activist Dana Beal and Cures-Not-Wars in New York. In a show that aired just before the marches, Dana discusses Cannabis politics in Europe and America; problems with the United Nations Drug Policies and the admission by the U.N. Drug Czar that prohibition does have unintended consequences; harm reduction; reform of the Rockefeller-era drug laws; medical marijuana science and more.Dana Beal on the Marijuana March in New York City

Dana calls on the United Nations to “Change Drug War to Drug Peace.” On Saturday, marchers around the world shared the same visions of hope and unity. Here are a few of the marches, beginning with New YorkMarijuana March May 3 2008 NYC UN Tompkins Square Pot Pt.2/7

In Canada, emotions are running high as the new “Conservative” (sic) government is preparing to throw Marc Emory to the DEA/White House wolves to serve time in a U. S. prison for an activity that was legal in Canada. You can help Marc out of this travesty of justice by visiting www.NoExtradition.net. Marc appeared at the Toronto Marijuana March Saturday and cheerfully exhorted everyone to talk to everyone about marijuana and to “Get ‘em High!”Marc Emery, Prince of Pot, May 3, 2008 – 1

In Marc’s home town of “Vansterdam” (Vancouver, British Columbia), the people will soon be even more up in arms, as the Canadian federal government is planning to end the licencing of medical marijuana “grows” by individuals, after it works out problems with it’s own program to supply medical grade Cannabis to Canadian patients. Pot-TV, founded by Marc Emory (along with Cannabis Culture magazine) posted this coverage of the Vancouver march.Global Marijuana March Vancouver BC 2008

When in Rome, Italy, do what these people did! Here’s a highly creative video that lets us experience the excitement of this march:Street Parade Roma 2008

Oslo, Norway - The Global Cannabis March in Oslo garnered two nights of news coverage and looks like a good time was had by all. Could someone tell me the current status of Cannabis laws in Scandanavia?MarihuanaMarsjen i Oslo 2008

Back in the U. S., several hundred marchers took to the streets of Seattle, Washington- one of the legal medical marijuana states. Certainly on everyone’s mind was the recent death of Tim Garon (See Post Below), who was denied a liver transplant due to his legal prescription for medical Cannabis.Seattle Marijuana March 2008

All over America, everyone is seeking support for legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives:

H.R. 5842 - “The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act“, which would allow possession of 100 grams and money-free transfer of one ounce.

H.R. 5843 – “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults“, which would end DEA “raids” on buyer’s cooperatives and patients in states that have legalized Cannabis for medicine.

In Denver, where citizens have voted to legalize small amounts of Cannabis, medical marijuana patients and other supporters of the herb gathered on the Capitol steps – temporarily.Marijuana Patients Kicked off Capital Steps! Marijuana March

In Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love” and the home of the Liberty Bell, the enthusiastic marchers invoked freedoms cherished by the framers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.PhillyNORML GCM 2008

Headline: May 6, 2008 – US: Reports Find Racial Gap in Drug Arrests - This news story verifies what the young African-American man at our North Carolina rally was saying – that, because of his color, he would be more likely to be arrested and jailed than others as we left our festive event. The arbitrary nature of marijuana laws and their enforcement is one good reason to end our modern prohibition of a God-given plant.

Rights come from GOD not the state. You have rights antecedent to any earthly governments, rights that can not be repealed or restrained by human laws - Rights derived from the great
legislator, God.
- John Adams

 

Ganja Law Reform in Jamaica

Headline: March 11.2008 – Spliff Society – Jamaica Considers Calls To Decriminalize Ganja- When you think of ganja, you think of Jamaica – famous for righteous reggae vibrations, beautiful beaches and mountainside groves of marijuana.

However, Cannabis (marijuana, ganja, pot) is still illegal in Jamaica, even as ganja consciousness pervades its’ culture and draws vacationers from around the world seeking serenity at laid-back ganja-friendly resorts.

In 2003, a government appointed “Ganja Commission” recommended decriminalization (small fines for users; jail for dealers), but the prospect of losing its’”anti-drug certification” from the United States and resulting economic sanctions caused the government to continue the prohibition. This year, with the Jamaican Labour Party in power and the island’s court’s clogged with marijuana-related cases, there is a real possibility of reform.

As ganja use has been so prevalent in Jamaican culture, it has been a subject of study by researchers seeking to understand Cannabis use in real-world situations. One very interesting  example comes from Dr. Melanie Dreher (now Dean of  the Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago), who spent years of observing the dynamics of Jamaican women, motherhood, cultural taboos against cocaine and cultural support of Cannabis. Indeed, the “Roots Daughters”, respected pillars of Jamaican family and community, are brewers of ”Ganja Tea”, beneficial both physically and spiritually.

In this video, Professor Dreher, RN, PhD, at 2004 Cannabis Therapeutics Conference, hosted by Patients Out of Time, details her observations on Jamaican women and families, including the use of Cannabis in assisting the cessation of crack cocaine use, by lessening withdrawal symptoms and boosting the spirit.Cannabis -Risk of Dependence, with Melanie Dreher, RN, PhD, FAAN

The findings of Professor Dreher mirror scientific studies now supporting anecdotal evidence that Cannabis can be an aid on the perilous path out of “hard drug” addictions. One example is a study on heroin withdrawal in England.

At the same Cannabis Therapeutics Conference, Ethan Russo, MD, outlines governmental studies into Cannabis use, including two books written about ganja use in Jamaica, commissioned by the Shaffer Commission in 1972. The Jamaican studies also mention the “Roots Daughters” and debunks the “anti-motivational syndrome” myth associated with Cannabis use. (Cannabis became established in the Caribbean because the sugar plantation owners knew their fieldhands could work harder and longer in the fierce Jamaican sun, mainly due to the vascular dilation action of Cannabis – bringing the blood vessels closer to the skin (reason for red eyes) for cooling and rushing oxygen-rich blood to the muscles.)Marijuana Use Studies – A History, with Ethan Russo, MD

Beginning with the India Hemp Drugs Commission in 1893, Dr. Russo reports that every study came to basically the same conclusion -
Society has no cause for concern regarding the effects of Cannabis use on health or crime, and in fact, it has many positives – like medicinal value, spiritual traditions and productivity.

If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson

Rick Steves & ACLU Urge Marijuana Law Reform

Headline: Feb.14.08 – Steves, ACLU Join Forces for Pot Law Reform – The host of the popular PBS travel series, “Rick Steves’ Europe” is working with the American Civil Liberties Union to educate the public to the urgent need for change in America’s marijuana laws. Together, they have produced, “Marijuana: It’s Time for a Conversation“, a new television broadcast debuting in the state of Washington:Marijuana: It’s Time For A Conversation [Part 1 of 3]

Now on the advisory board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Rick Steves’ experience in Europe is the primary reason he feels compelled to criticize America’s war on marijuana, having seen firsthand that a decriminalization approach is superior and that we need to follow the European trend of differentiating between “hard” and “soft” drugs.

In this video from the 2007 NORML Convention in Los Angeles, CA, Rick Steves speaks to Dean Becker, a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and the Drug Truth Network, about concerns of law enforcement,  the European model of treating Cannabis use as a health issue – not a criminal one, and his  view of the general use of marijuana as a civil rights issue.Rick Steves Smokes Pot - DrugTruth.net

The American Civil Liberties Union has also seen the civil rights issue in the drug war, including racial disparities and violations of the Bill of Rights. According to ACLU research,  $7.5 billion is spent annually for marijuana law enforcement in America, with 830,000 arrested each year.

Formerly Executive Director of the ACLU, Ira Glasser is now President of the Drug Policy Alliance, a reform organization working for reform of all drug laws. The DPA held it’s 2007 annual convention in New Orleans, drawing attention to the racial unfairness of the drug war. In this video from DPA, Ira Glasser speaks to a local television reporter about these issues.War on Drugs is the New Jim Crow in New Orleans

Rick Steves has been an outspoken advocate of change in marijuana laws for five years, even appearing at the Seattle Hempfest, the largest gathering of Cannabis advocates and culture in the world. In this video, Rick Steves tells the 2007 Hempfest crowd last August that we need to “Get Smart about Drugs”Rick Steves at Seattle HempFest 2007

Rick always points out that the current “War on Drugs” is nothing but prohibition all over again, with no better results than alcohol prohibition. Indeed, the drug war is in many ways worse than alcohol prohibition (which actually was decriminalization) and has no easy way out, like repeal in 1932. The current prohibition/industrial complex is an entrenched bureaucracy of titanic proportions, consuming around a billion dollars per week (combined state and federal). As federal funding winds down due to lack of resources, the American public must find creative ways out of the mess wrought by the drug warriors. If we don’t, chaos will ensue as we are left with the lawlessness of the prohibition, with no tools to confront it and no guidance to find our way out.

There never was a good war or a bad peace.
Benjamin Franklin (1773)

William F. Buckley & True Conservatives Against the War on Some Drugs

Headline: Feb.27th, 2008: William F Buckley Jr Is Dead at 82- The passing of Bill Buckley brought to mind my upbringing in a conservative tribe, sure of libertarian principles as solid as the ground beneath my feet. “Firing Line”, the 1970’s PBS show that Mr. Buckley hosted, was more entertaining than any game show, as I tried to understand the nuances of the Master’s obscure words. Those were the days when the word “Conservative” meant something – a firm adherence to the Constitutional principles of individual liberty that made America a shining light – not an excuse for zealots, warmongers and misguided Neo-Puritans.

Later, as an activist working in drug policy reform, I came again to listen to Buckley’s reasoned arguments against our modern prohibition (War on Drugs) in the National Review, the conservative magazine Mr. Buckley founded.  An uncontrolled black market; subversion of the Constitution; lack of respect for the law; an out of control bureaucracy wasting a billion dollars a week; violence and social instability from organized crime- all reasons that anyone truly concerned about their community and the effectiveness of the government, especially law enforcement, recognizes the “War on some drugs” as a tragedy eclipsing the failed prohibition of alcohol.

*** Just Re-Published: Reefer Madness - an article, written by William F. Buckley, Jr., about Ed Rosenthal, Peter McWilliams and the need to end a senseless prohibition.  

In this video series, William F. Buckley, Jr. discusses his viewpoints on the drug war:William F. Buckley on Drug War (1-3)

Mr. Buckley is one of many conservatives that have spoken out against the modern prohibition. Walter Cronkite, the venerable CBS news anchorman of the 1960’s and 70’s (whose reassessment of the Vietnam War as lost caused President Lyndon Johnson to realize the war was fruitless), has long held a similar view of the drug war. The Drug Policy Alliance has a video series featuring Mr. Cronkite’s and America’s War on Drugs:Walter Cronkite & America’s Disastrous Drug War Pt 1 of 6

The Drug Policy Alliance also has a brief video featuring conservative economist Milton Friedman condemning the modern prohibition:Milton Friedman and “The War On Drugs — RIP.” Assignment

Another conservative with libertarian roots, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), is running for President of the United States. This video from one of the presidential debates shows the strength of Dr. Paul’s convictions on this issue:Ron Paul Calls for End to Drug War

If men, through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any natural  right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of society would absolutely vacate such renunciation. The right to freedom being a gift from God, it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift and voluntarily become a slave.
Samuel Adams, Father of the American Revolution.

UN Drug Policy Forum – Peace on the Horizon?

The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the Prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this.
Albert Einstein, My First Impression of the U.S.A., 1921

Headline: Feb.6.08 – British Columbia, Canada – We Can’t Win Drug War With Just Police: Forum – Delegates Work To Revise UN Drug Policy -
* excerpt -”A United Nations forum on drug policy yesterday agreed that “over-reliance on law enforcement” causes deaths, fuels crime and unfairly targets “poor people of colour.” Former Vancouver mayor Philip Owen said after the Beyond 2008 conference in Vancouver that “drug-policy reform won the day because most rational people on the front lines realize that the war on drugs has been a miserable failure.” The conference drew about 80 delegates from all over North America and is one of several being held worldwide before a drug-policy discussion slated for Vienna this July.”

Finally, we may be seeing a crack in the fortress of the War on Drugs, a modern day prohibition grinding on for forty years -  fueling gangland violence, lack of respect for the law and abdication of control to the multilevel marketers of organized crime. As with alcohol prohibition, users of drugs, both illegal and legal, are subjected to tainted, contaminated products, outside the realm of quality control and regulation.

For years, the goal of UN Drug Policy has been the eradication of Cannabis (marijuana) and other natural entheogens from the face of the planet, tearing bonds of herbal medical and spiritual traditions going back thousands of years in cultures all over the world.Unfortunately, the folly and failure of this policy has not been benign, with collateral damage on many levels. Hopefully, the forums leading up to the Vienna meeting in July will sweep away old ways of thinking.

An encouraging sign comes from the appearance of  Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Drug Policy Alliance conference in New Orleans last fall. Antonio-Maria Costa addresses the DPA conference Part 1

The UN “Drug Czar” hoped we can all agree on five points:

1.The importance of health and security as concerns of society. 2. The need for harm reduction. 3. The assurance that drug policy is based on evidence, not politics or ideology. 4. The dichotomy of prohibition/legalization is too simplistic. 5. That regulation of all addictive drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, is necessary.

Still, the Czar concluded that relaxing drug policy for illegal drugs would only exacerbate the problem of addiction – certainly an overly simplistic viewpoint , leaving the impression that the UNODP has no intention of serious change in drug policy.

Ethan Nadelmann, Executive of the Drug Policy Alliance discusses practical reforms, like decriminalization of marijuana, on a TV show in New Orleans after the conference. New Orleans Meets Drug Policy Reform

Cannabis Policy Reform, Jan.08 –

Headline: Jan.9 – America’s Love-Hate Relationship with Drugs – Many Prescription Drugs Have Effects Similar To Those Of Illegal Drugs.  But We Still View Some Users As Criminals — The Others As Patients” Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized: An Expert’s Perspective

Headline: Jan.28.08 – TX: The Times May Be Changing on the Marijuana Issue - Multiple Sclerosis patient Tim Timmons of Garland, Texas is championing the cause of medical marijuana in his state,  speaking at the capital in Austin about how prescription drugs fail to ease his pain and spasms, and whereas Cannabis provides relief, the state offers only incarceration.Medical Marijuana – Texas – Multiple Sclerosis – Tim Timmons

The Marijuana Policy Project is a Washington, DC based organization lobbying to change laws on state and federal levels. Rob Kampia, Executive Director of MPP, appears on CNBC to discuss the prohibition of Cannabis:Marijuana Prohibition on CNBC’s “On the Money”

Peace & Inspiration 2007 Archive

Headline: Altered States ‘Ancient Human Hobby’ - This news article out of Australia explores an important, if taboo subject – Does the human brain have a natural and instinctual drive to alter its consciousness? And if ancient humans gained evolutionary advantage by sharpening their senses and concentration through the use of mind altering plants, is it possible that our brains still seek new realms and viewpoints, with advantages now more spiritual than physical?Entheogen: Awakening the Divine Within