Mon Dec 12, 2011, 05:02 AM
RainDog (28,784 posts)
Federal agency blocks FDA-approved marijuana research for veterans
(from Oct. 2011)
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/10/04/dept-of-health-and-human-services-blocks-fda-approved-marijuana-research-for-veterans/ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has blocked a pilot study to examine the benefits of marijuana for veterans with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ...“Hundreds of veterans in medical marijuana states already report using marijuana to control their PTSD symptoms,” MAPS said in a statement. “The growing number of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with combat-related trauma combined with large numbers of treatment-resistant veterans highlights the pressing need for research into additional treatments for PTSD.” Recently, a study conducted by Haifa University in Israel found that rats which were treated with marijuana within 24 hours of a traumatic experience successfully avoided any symptoms of PTSD. The Drug Enforcement Administration has denied researchers requests to obtain licenses to grow marijuana, claiming that the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — overseen by the HHS — can be the only one to supply marijuana for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated research. NIDA’s monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research means the study has no way of moving forward, even though it was approved by the FDA. MAPS and a law firm that represents pharmaceutical-industry clients has offered pro bono representation to MAPS to challenge the NIDA monoply. DEA faces federal lawsuit for blocking cannabis research: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/09/21/marijuana-researchers-get-pro-bono-representation-in-dea-lawsuit/
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Author | Time | Post |
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RainDog | Dec 2011 | OP |
RainDog | Dec 2011 | #1 | |
DreamSmoker | Dec 2011 | #2 | |
RainDog | Dec 2011 | #3 |
Response to RainDog (Original post)
Sat Dec 17, 2011, 04:59 AM
RainDog (28,784 posts)
1. Prohibition prevents research into the use of cannabis for PTSD in vets
Marijuana may help PTSD. Why won’t the government find out for sure?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/our-troops-deserve-an-effective-treatment-for-ptsd-marijuana/2011/10/10/gIQAxlEkkL_story.html Antidepressants or antipsychotic medications are among the most common medications to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and the insomnia, anger, nightmares and anxiety that often come with it. in spite of the research that has been carried out thus far. Marijuana study of traumatized veterans stuck in regulatory limbo http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/marijuana-study-of-traumatized-veterans-stuck-in-regulatory-limbo/2011/09/30/gIQAZfYLDL_story.html In April, the Food and Drug Administration approved a first-of-its kind study to test whether marijuana can ease the nightmares, insomnia, anxiety and flashbacks common in combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. From the Journal of Neurscience: http://www.jneurosci.org/content/29/36/11078.abstract Despite the efficacy of behavior therapy for human anxiety disorders, extinction-like treatments require repeated cue exposures and are vulnerable to reversal by a number of environmental factors, particularly stress. The endocannabinoid system has recently emerged as important in the regulation of extinction learning and in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. [a href="http://healthland.time.com/2009/11/04/dude-wheres-my-trauma-marijuana-could-treat-ptsd/#ixzz0uKHhc5wP"]Time Magazine[/a] sums up the research this way: (the) marijuana-like compound had made extreme stress more like ordinary stress—and this could also be seen in terms of reductions in a key stress hormone in their brains. From Dr. Tod Mikuriya's early work: http://www.mikuriya.com/cw_ptsd.html Easement Effects of Cannabis Canadian vet overcomes addiction by using cannabis for PTSD http://www.vancouversun.com/health/prescription+raises+former+soldier+from+bottom+barrel/5864310/story.html Homeless, penniless and addicted to crack cocaine, Hillier slept behind a community centre at the intersection of Hastings and Main, the notorious epicentre of the city's drug trade. via NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126827410 The Department of Veterans Affairs finds itself in a difficult position because some vets want to use marijuana to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Pot possession remains illegal under federal law. The VA says that as a federal agency its doctors can't recommend using it. Here's one vet's experience: http://rxmarijuana.com/pstd.htm Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results from an overwhelming assault on the mind and emotions involving a threat of death or serious injury or damage to one’s physical integrity. The cause may be a natural disaster, an accident or a human action. People who suffer from this disorder are often edgy, irritable, easily startled, and constantly on guard. They often involuntarily re-experience the traumatic event in the form of memories, nightmares, and flashbacks. They frequently appear to have a need to avoid feelings and thoughts reminiscent of the trauma. They sufferer from emotional numbing which often causes demoralization and isolation. |
Response to RainDog (Original post)
Tue Dec 20, 2011, 06:41 PM
DreamSmoker (841 posts)
2. Keep up the good work...
Thanks to you for theses links..
I will follow too.. This is a War on Americans and I too will post the Facts till the Cows finally come Home... |
Response to DreamSmoker (Reply #2)
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 03:39 AM
RainDog (28,784 posts)
3. thanks, friend. you too
information is the best weapon in this fight.
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