cannabisnews.com: Study Shows Support Among Missourians for MMJ Study Shows Support Among Missourians for MMJ Posted by CN Staff on December 30, 2004 at 20:54:50 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Springfield, Mo. -- Now that Columbia has an ordinance allowing patients to smoke marijuana on doctors' orders, backers plan to push for the same medical relief for all Missourians.A survey by Southwest Missouri State University indicates there may be growing support for legalizing marijuana as a therapy option for residents undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from illnesses such as AIDS and glaucoma. A majority of Missouri residents support medical marijuana if it is prescribed to patients in extreme pain, according to the Springfield university's telephone survey.Eighty-five percent of those same 720 Missourians, however, agree marijuana impairs the user's ability to function, and 79 percent believe it is addictive."We were surprised to realize that people apparently see marijuana the same way they see legitimate pharmaceutical drugs that carry a high potential for abuse _ opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, etc.," said Gary Brinker, one of the associate professors who conducted the survey. "They are against recreational use of these substances, but believe they do have legitimate therapeutic uses under a doctor's supervision."Columbia attorney Dan Viets said the survey mirrors a poll done for the nation's largest advocacy group for seniors, AARP. It shows nearly three-fourths of older Americans support legalizing marijuana for medical use."I think it's very difficult for a politician to rationally justify not supporting this issue," said Viets, a longtime state legislative lobbyist for decriminalizing marijuana and allowing its medical use statewide.Viets pointed to his hometown, where a city ordinance allowing medical marijuana passed in November with nearly 70 percent support. He and his supporters are now determined to see Missouri join the 11 other states that have medical marijuana laws on their books.Legislators have rejected various bills over the years aimed at stripping criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana ordered by a licensed practitioner. The most recent was this past spring, when a bill that would have forced a November statewide vote on the issue received a public hearing but failed to get out of committee.Rep. Vicki Walker, D-Kansas City, who sponsored the bill, did not win re-election.Viets said he has a "loose knit alliance of support" ready to push the issue again."I'm not ready to discuss specifics," he said. "I expect that there will be medical marijuana bill filed in the next few weeks."Brinker, however, said the university's survey also could be used by opponents to highlight the fact that most Missouri residents believe marijuana carries a high potential for abuse. People surveyed reflect the state's population according to 2000 U.S. Census data, he said.The survey was conducted between Nov. 8 and Nov. 23. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.There was some variation in opinions according to age, Brinker said. Middle age respondents showed the highest support under the most extreme conditions of dying and in pain, as well as for patients who cannot hold down food. Support for medical marijuana use when the patient is in pain was consistent for those under 65, but was lower for those over 65. Eighteen- to 25-year-olds, however, more often favored allowing the doctor full discretion in ordering marijuana, Brinker said.When people were asked if they would like to offer any other opinions on the issue, the comments ranged from fear that it might be abused to support for making it available for anyone with health problem."God doesn't want us to put things like this into our bodies," one respondent said.Another said, "We have spent too much money fighting something that is going to happen anyway."The issue is sure to get attention when the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a pending California case that questions whether patients who use marijuana in compliance with state laws are constitutionally protected from federal arrest and prosecution.Attorney General Jay Nixon said he wanted to wait for that decision, expected by March, before commenting on the issue.Lt. Tim Hull, spokesman for Missouri State Highway Patrol, said the agency does not take positions on legislation."Our business is enforcing the laws that are on the books," he said.Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm, who opposed his city's ordinance, said he would fight against a similar state law."My concern is with the fact that it cannot be prescribed, so there's no clear direction as to what a physician's recommendation really is, and what makes that valid and not valid," he said.Complete Title: Study Shows Support Among Missourians for Medical MarijuanaSource: Associated Press (Wire)Published: December 30, 2004Copyright: 2004 The Associated Press Related Articles & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmPoll Examines Medical Marijuana Supporthttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20041.shtmlAdvocates Want Medicinal Pot On State Agendahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19997.shtmlMarijuana Measures Pass Handily http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19765.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #17 posted by FoM on January 01, 2005 at 11:58:18 PT Mayan More About Prozac Lilly Shares Fall on Report About Prozac DocumentsPublished: January 1, 2005Shares in Eli Lilly & Company fell yesterday after an article in a medical journal suggested that the drug company had long concealed evidence that its well-known antidepressant, Prozac, could cause violent and suicidal behavior.The accusations were made in the Jan. 1 issue of The British Medical Journal, which said it had turned over documents related to the allegations to the United States Food and Drug Administration. The F.D.A. was reviewing the papers, which had been missing for more than 10 years, according to the Journal article, which said they were originally gathered during a lawsuit against Lilly on behalf of victims of a gunman in Kentucky who had reportedly been taking Prozac for a month before going on a rampage.Complete Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/01/business/01prozac.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Stick on January 01, 2005 at 08:17:48 PT 2005 Whooo`da Thunk Happy New Year to all at CNews. I waited to see what the 'Tube' would try to sell me first thing 2005. Sure enough they want me to ask my doc about colestroal. Im so glad the pharms worry about me. The VA runs blood work on me every 6 mo. doc sez Norml for an old soldier. We had a good 04, hoping for a good 05. The old Freightliner turned 20 today, time to think about taxs. Offer up what I owe to Ceaser. Best to all in 05. Over and out. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 22:13:32 PT Dankhank Happy New Year to you too! Check out the brand new article in the Washington Post in Section A too! It makes me feel a whole lot better. We must keep on keepin on! We've come too far to turn back now!'I Really Consider Cannabis My Miracle': http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread20078.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Dankhank on December 31, 2004 at 22:06:33 PT Happy New Year May this year be better than the last...It's the only thing we can hope for ...Peace to all ... a step to peace [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 15:49:02 PT Off Topic: Blue State Revolt After I made my last comment I was looking for news and found this article. I guess others must think like me too.*** Fri Dec 31, 2004Thomas Jefferson once mused that “a little rebellion is a good thing.” Given the vast differences between the blue (Democratic) and red (Republican) states and the inequitable manner in which the federal government treats them, now is the time for the blue states to rebel.Complete Article: http://www.politicalgateway.com/main/columns/read.html?col=219 [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 15:16:31 PT herbdoc215 I want to wish you a Happy New Year along with everyone. I'm sure it must be more peaceful up north then it is here. I am still very angry about Bush getting elected. I doubt the anger will ever go away. I know what he has done when he invaded Iraq and the repercussions will follow us all the days of our lives. I wish we could split the states into two countries and let the north live like they want and the south like they want. We are so different we need to be fair to everyone and I don't know how we can bring people together because I know my mind won't change anymore then someone elses will change. I truly would be happy if that happened as long as each person in each state could pick who they wanted to follow. I know it's just a dream but it would be so nice.Happy New Year to one and all! [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 15:03:54 PT mayan Yes it is very interesting. I took Prozac for a few months years ago and it made me feel totally out in some other world. I threw the pills out. I didn't like it at all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by mayan on December 31, 2004 at 15:00:20 PT FoM Isn't it convenient how those documents went "missing" while Lilly was facing lawsuits? Here's more...Eli Lilly Said to Know of Prozac Risks: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BRITAIN_PROZAC?SITE=VTBUR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULTProtest the rigged election...ATTENTION: NATIONAL MOBILIZATION ALERT IN EFFECT! GET ON THE BUS - TO COLUMBUS JAN 3, 2005: http://www.donotconcede.comOhio Recount a Sham, Public Protests Needed: http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=4914Protest Stolen Election 2004: http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/ProtestStolenElection2004.htmlCobb Calls for New Recount - Congress Urged to Reject Ohio Electoral Votes: http://www.votecobb.org/The 2004 US Elections - The Mother of all Vote Frauds: http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/2004votefraud_review.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by herbdoc215 on December 31, 2004 at 14:40:20 PT Hope, you forgot Cabbage and Corned beef Thats one of the biggest things I've always missed about the culture I grew up in, coming from a big family we always had traditional meals at holidays; with many forgetting the reasons why they are still carried on...in the case of the New Years meal it was so you would'nt be broke all year was what my Grandma used to say. Never being able to go home again or see family is a hard price to pay. I think it's probably harder on my family than it is me with none understanding the zest with which the gov't is chasing me when even talking on the phone with me brings danger for them? I am going to go force myself to go thru the hell of another inquisition again next year, by winning my appeal I got the right to have my entire life put on trial again is all! The only reason I'm quixotically charging the windmill yet again is in the hope that if just one of us can crack this dam then Canada will finally see the justice of our plight and give us refuge from this storm. With the stories of Prison abuse/torture that come out of AmeriKa everyday now, the tide of opinion here about it being a 'safe country' is being held in an entirely new light. There may be a chance in a million now compared with 1 in a Trillion beofre Bush started showing the true face of the New World Order recently. I am really scared of what the gov't would do to us now after all I've heard about lately? Peace and Happy New year, Steve Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 12:45:08 PT The GCW I agree but I wish we could get them to see. That's a New Year's wish. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by The GCW on December 31, 2004 at 12:31:26 PT FoM, Cannabis NEVER Causes Violence.In fact, cannabis helps treat violence.Read about 2 paragraphs down on this:http://www.ukcia.org/research/TheUseofCannabisasaMoodStabilizerinBipolarDisorder.htmlThe Use of Cannabis as a Mood Stabilizer in Bipolar Disorder: Anecdotal Evidence and the Need for Clinical ResearchLester Grinspoon, M.D. & James B. BakalarPublished in Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Volume 30 (2), April - June 1998, pp. 171-177. Abstract-The authors present case histories indicating that a number ofpatients find cannabis (marihuana) useful in the treatment of their bipolardisorder. Some used it to treat mania, depression, or both. They stated thatit was more effective than conventional drugs, or helped relieve the sideeffects of those drugs. One woman found that cannabis curbed her manicrages; she and her husband have worked to make it legally available as amedicine. Others described the use of cannabis as a supplement to lithium(allowing reduced consumption) or for relief of lithium's side effects.Another case illustrates the fact that medical cannabis users are in dangerof arrest, especially when children are encouraged to inform on parents bysome drug prevention programs. An analogy is drawn between the status ofcannabis today and that of lithium in the early 1950s, when its effect onmania had been discovered but there were no controlled studies. In the caseof cannabis, the law has made such studies almost impossible, and the onlyavailable evidence is anecdotal. The potential for cannabis as a treatmentfor bipolar disorder unfortunately cannot be fully explored in the presentsocial circumstances.[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article is based in part on materials thatappear in the revised and expanded edition of the authors' book, Marihuana,The Forbidden Medicine, republished in 1997 by Yale University Press, NewHaven and London. While the interviews have previously appeared in print,they provide a reference point for the authors' discussion of cannabis'potential role in the treatment of bipolar disorder as it appears in thistheme issue. In their revised and expanded book, Grinspoon and Bakalardiscuss a wide range of what they refer to as "Common Medical Uses" and"Less Common Medical Uses" for cannabis. The former include treatment forthe nausea and vomiting of cancer chemotherapy, glaucoma, epilepsy, themuscle spasms of multiple sclerosis, paraplegia and quadriplegia, the weightloss syndrome of AIDS, chronic pain, migraine, rheumatic diseases, pruritus,PMS, menstrual cramps and labor pains, depression and other mood disorders.The latter include treatment for asthma, insomnia, antimicrobial effects,topical anesthetic effects, antitumoral effects, dystonias, adult ADD,schizophrenia, systemic sclerosis, Crohn's disease, diabetic gastroparesis,pseudotumor cerebri, tinnitus, VIOLENCE,... 420Cannabis, given the chance may help heal the nations. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Hope on December 31, 2004 at 09:43:47 PT Well....here we are all again celebrating another New Year together. If our mission had been accomplished it would be wonderful. As of yet...it's not...so it's still CannabisNews. Maybe next year we can change our cause to amnesty for cannabis prisoners.As it is, I'm glad I have friends who are with me in this. I treasure you all. No one else here in my household is really as gung ho for the purpose as we are. It's nice to know you guys are around and we can stay in touch.Thanks FoM. Thanks everyone. Here we go again.Has anyone made a list of any advances, real or imagined...that we've made this year?Happy, healthy, and busy New Year's everyone. And oh yes... PEACE!Got to get some black eyed peas cooking for this evening and tomorrow.Cow peas (black-eyed peas) for most people are cattle food...here they are a New Year's tradition for luck. Even pea haters are urged to eat just one for luck.Peace and freedom and prosperity to all of you!Bliss, Love, and Joy! [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 09:14:15 PT mayan and everyone Happy New Year to you and everyone on CNews. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on December 31, 2004 at 08:15:24 PT Off Topic: Cannabis NEVER Causes Violence Lilly Documents Link Prozac to Violence, Medical Journal Says http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aQxm3TSWPCug&refer=us [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by mayan on December 31, 2004 at 05:22:03 PT Wow! It has snowed in the United Arab Emirates! Things are getting very weird!UAE sees first ever snow: http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,11813241%255E1702,00.htmlHappy New Year to all! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Craiig on December 31, 2004 at 05:21:52 PT poppycock It's funny how they have no comment on laws that they support and merely apply whatever laws there are, but when it comes to something that would reduce their powers of corruption or anything they suddenly find their vocal chords.But big up to Columbia for being on the right track. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by mayan on December 31, 2004 at 04:11:39 PT "Dr." Boehm? Not! Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm, who opposed his city's ordinance, said he would fight against a similar state law."My concern is with the fact that it cannot be prescribed, so there's no clear direction as to what a physician's recommendation really is, and what makes that valid and not valid," he said.Sure Boehm, just try to obfuscate the issue. A physician's recommendation is a physician's recommendation. It's as simple as that. What will make it valid is the law that will pass against your ignorant will. And aren't you supposed to enforce the laws instead of make them??? All of Missouri will follow Columbia's lead!Some links to chew on...Insanity - 55 Years In Prison For Selling Marijuana: http://rense.com/general61/insane.htmRecord marijuana hauls, tricks expected: http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=local&story_id=123104a4_potseasonCop arraigned on drug charges: http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/123104/new_20041231003.shtmlThe vote fraud must be exposed...Candidates Want Second Ohio Recount: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=694&u=/ap/ohio_vote&printer=1Ohio's official non-recount ends amidst new evidence of fraud, theft and judicial contempt mirrored in New Mexico: http://www.freepress.org/departments/display/19/2004/1057Jesse Jackson on why he thinks John Kerry really won the election: http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/123104V.shtmlOhio Update: http://www.votecobb.org/ [ Post Comment ] Post Comment