cannabisnews.com: Medical Cannabis Offers Alternatives





Medical Cannabis Offers Alternatives
Posted by CN Staff on May 07, 2006 at 12:28:08 PT
By Harriet Steinberg 
Source: Canyon News
California -- For anyone who is facing chemotherapy, or is suffering from severe pain and other symptoms, you may be interested to learn more about Medical Marijuana. After nearly a decade of training and work in the ER, Dr. Craig S. Cohen was ready for something new. “I have followed the Medical Cannabis movement from the sidelines,” he says. “I now joined those physicians who make it a practice to discuss Medical Cannabis with their patients.”
Many people are not aware that although Medical Marijuana or Medical Cannabis is not legal in many states, it is fully legal in some counties in California, despite the efforts of the federal government trying to stop it. Medical Marijuana became legal in California in 1996 when a Bill known as The Compassionate Use Act was passed. It is also known as Proposition 215. Dr. Cohen says that many people with Cancer have trouble eating because of the medication that they are taking. “Drugs taken for Cancer or AIDS,” he says, “can cause nausea or anorexia, and some drugs can make a patient constipated.” Some people with AIDS lose their appetite and lose a tremendous amount of weight. Because of the negative after effects from drugs or chemotherapy, Dr. Cohen feels very strongly about the use of Medical Marijuana. He tells his patients that there are many ways that they can use marijuana besides smoking it. He suggests to them to add it to their butter or put it into their tea. They can even mix it in a batter when making cookies. “It’s a delicious combination,” Dr. Cohen said. He then continued,  “Patients with serious medical problems come to see me, including HIV, AIDS, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Pain, and Glaucoma.” Although he does not recommend the use of cannabis for recreational use, he does not form any personal judgment if individuals do use it for such a reason.Dr. Cohen related that he strictly adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Medical Board of California. Each of his patients can expect a thorough medical history and a physical exam before making a recommendation. “I discuss the gargantuan health risk smoking presents to everyone, and recommend use of tinctures, teas, edibles and vaporization,” he stated.Victoria Pellikka, a retired school teacher, after having breast cancer, went for her first chemotherapy treatment. She became so sick after this treatment. “My oncologist ordered a very expensive pill,” she said, “and it didn’t help.” Her friend, who tried to help her, made a recipe with marijuana mixed with butter, and cooked it in a tub. She spread it on her toast and it made her feel better. Pellikka went for her chemotherapy once a week for a month. “I took one piece of toast with the butter after my chemo and it helped,” she said.A patient of Dr. Cohen said that the recipe made with marijuana works well for him. “It has more of an impact than smoking it,” he remarked. At the dispensary, he pays approximately $50 - $100 a month for this product. He said that California State gives each county the right to decide whether they want the drug to be legal or not.Dr. Cohen said he gets great satisfaction helping his patients feel better. To learn more about Dr. Cohen and Medical Marijuana, go to Dr. Cohen’s website at: http://craigscohend.com/Source: Canyon News (Beverly Hills, CA)Author: Harriet Steinberg Published: May 7, 2006Copyright: 2006 Canyon NewsContact: newsroom canyon-news.comWebsite: http://www.canyon-news.comCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #8 posted by whig on May 07, 2006 at 18:56:41 PT
Great interview!
"The vote heard 'round the world.""By the way, the first dispensary's in Bakersfield."Still listening...
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on May 07, 2006 at 18:25:18 PT
New Kubby Interview Online
Free Talk Live Interview at the top of FTL home page: http://freetalklive.comDirect link to the .mp3: http://freetalklive.com/files/stevekubby.mp3
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on May 07, 2006 at 17:04:05 PT
lombar 
Whig explained the difference between Kennedy and Limbaugh very well. I know how bad having a conservative in power is. We have one now too. He is on his way out and your country hasn't even got settled in to a conservative leader. It will be very hard for you but hang on. It will ultimately get better. I think it will be hard until after Vancouver hosts the Olympics. Oil is an issue too. If we get the consevatives down here out of power it might help you up in Canada.
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Comment #5 posted by lombar on May 07, 2006 at 17:01:36 PT
Limbaugh was always spewing polemic trash
I don't disagree. However, it is just theatrics. It is better to be hated than ignored. Especially in show business. He is just another example of the people getting their noses rubbed in it.
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Comment #4 posted by whig on May 07, 2006 at 16:50:40 PT
Persecutors
Limbaugh is a persecutor. He is a hypocrite and he would punish others for the very things he has done, and for which he seeks mercy.Kennedy is not a persecutor. He has not condemned others for his own failings. He has not sought to punish others for what he seeks treatment for.There is a difference. To a large extent, we ought to be judged by our own standards. It is not even the hypocrisy which is so bad, but even in the revelation Limbaugh does not recant, he does not say he was wrong, he does not admit that others ought to be given mercy and treatment. What kind of judgment will he face when his time is done?
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Comment #3 posted by lombar on May 07, 2006 at 16:50:22 PT
FoM
If it had have been one of us, we would still be scrubbing the fingerprinting ink off. The officer was told NOT to take a breath sample... TOLD. I always thought that US police had NO CHOICE but to charge if they see evidence of a crime(I guess only if you are non-white or poor). In Canada, a constable has discretion. It is not him or his behavior that is in question but how the system treats people two different ways. So he ate humble pie because his supporters would crucify him otherwise. The news is just a part of the show, the real story is not ANOTHER drunken Kennedy ... Don't mind me. The last week or so I have been very depressed. The Conservatives up here are ignorant globalists intent on the dismantling of Canada as we know it. We here are not unfamiliar with the government lying to preserve an agenda, they do it about cannabis all the time. The depressing thing is that its not an isolated event.. almost NOTHING in the mass media is useful for any real critical thinking about society, the state, the path we are currently treading. Once there is no free press, despotism is not far behind. Or perhaps the despotism is the reason there is no real free press anymore... the entrenched ruling elite who do not get charged even if guilty. The rest of us little people just grist for the mill.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on May 07, 2006 at 16:18:43 PT
lombar
I watched his comments on the news and he did a good job of admitting he needs help. He has had trouble even with Cocaine. What was good was he asked for the passing of a bill to help people who have mental health problems. He is bi-polar too. He acted way differently then Limbaugh. Kennedy was very humble about his problem. I think his honesty might help treatment as an alternative to jail along.
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Comment #1 posted by lombar on May 07, 2006 at 16:02:37 PT
How long will the US people be blind
... to such OBVIOUS and BLATANT double standards? A normal person would STILL be in JAIL! No charges laid??? Two sets of rules.KENNEDY WILL ENTER REHABCongressman Says He Can't Recall Auto AccidentWASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Friday he was entering treatment for addiction to prescription pain medication, a decision made after a highly publicized car crash near the Capitol that the congressman said he cannot recall.Kennedy, D-R.I., said he would seek immediate treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.He announced his decision to reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference. He walked in alone, gripped the lectern, cleared his throat and began haltingly.Kennedy, who has struggled with addiction and depression, said he had checked into the Mayo Clinic over the Christmas holidays and returned to Congress "reinvigorated and healthy.""Of course, in every recovery, each day has its ups and downs, but I have been strong, focused and productive since my return," Kennedy said. 
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