AMA Wants Scientific Review of Pot!
High All! Here's another HUGE step forward for medical pot users -- The American Medical Association, who's supported marijuana's Schedule I classification for years, has called for a review of pot's "Controlled Substances" ranking. Currently, marijuana is considered:
Schedule I
• The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
• The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
• There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.
• Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana, and methaqualone.
This past Tuesday (Nov 10, 2009), their rhetoric changed, and here's what they're saying now:
"[The] AMA urges that marijuana's status as a federal Schedule I controlled substance be reviewed with the goal of facilitating the conduct of clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines."
and:
"Results of 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."
The AMA's acceptance of marijuana as a viable medical therapy would be ground-breaking, and would help topple pot prohibitionists. How many folks look to the AMA for the "final word" on the safety of medications and therapies?? So if the AMA says medicinal marijuana is a recognized, non-toxic drug, and sanctions doctors to prescribe it, while calling for its removal as a Schedule I substance, I guarantee pot prohibition will end sooner rather than later! The "enlightened truth" about medical marijuana is gradually emerging, as science continues to explore and demonstrate pot's amazing properties on human health. Stay Well, Stay High and Peace! Alison
