AMA wants more research on medicinal pot, medical marijuana
The American Medical Association has taken a giant step by asking the federal government to take marijuana off its most restrictive list of controlled substances while the AMA conducts research into the potential medical uses of cannabis.
By listing pot on "Schedule 1,"the federal government officially labels marijuana a dangerous drug with no accepted medical use, even though California law allows the use of medicinal marijuana under certain circumstances.
"The idea that cannabis has no medical use is absurd on its face, because I know every materia medica (pharmacology text) that has been written has included cannabis as a medicine. The first medical textbook, written by Sir William Osler, said marijuana relieved migraines," said Dr. David Bearman, a Goleta physician widely known for his advocacy of medical marijuana.
GEN: Has a new day dawned for medicinal cannabis?
Marijuana. Its a small word that generates a large reaction (for better or for worse).
People are polarized on the topic.
Yes, there is a definite social stigma surrounding this infamous, leafy plant.
Consequently, the potential for cannabis-based drugs has been greatly hindered by legal and political considerations - obstacles that researchers and pharmaceutical companies do not normally find themselves battling. After all, it’s not everyday that research and development teams are looking to create novel drugs from a Schedule I substance – a substance that by definition is not considered to have a legitimate medical use. However, with the recent recommendation by the American Medical Association (AMA) that marijuana’s Schedule I drug classification be reconsidered in order to facilitate research and development of cannabinoid-based medications, could this be the dawn of a new era?
