Medical Marijuana

Cannabis and Alzheimer's: The Good and Bad, Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kV2fAsEaIzg/UgPxDKtgQ5I/AAAAAAAAAsY/LVh-JQ-vgoE/s1600/alzheimers-disease.jpgThe Good

Recent evidence espoused by the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Florida suggests that relatively small amounts of THC may slow or even halt Alzheimer’s disease. Not being an actual scientist by any stretch of the imagination, I will attempt to explain.

There is a protein in our brain called amyloid beta that, when it gets to a certain critical mass, is one of the factors that causes Alzheimer’s disease. THC somehow decreases the amount of amyloid beta and stops production of this protein.

Author of the study, Professor Chuanhai Cao, had this to say, “THC is known to be a potent antioxidant with neuroprotective properties. This is the first report that confirms THC decreases levels of the amyloid beta protein, protecting against the progression of Alzheimer’s.”

While researchers are quick to say that this does not mean people should just go out and smoke weed, they are encouraged by the prospect of their findings and hope to make “safe, legal and useful” treatments for Alzheimer’s.

I do often wonder why they are so bent on finding “safe and useful” synthesized forms of cannabis when one could likely smoke or eat the whole plant and see some benefits as well. But, again, I’m no scientist and I’m positive there are aspects of this notion about which I am completely ignorant.

The Bad

The New Mexico Secretary of Health just summarily rejected the addition of Alzheimer’s to the list of medically approved conditions for which cannabis can be used, despite a unanimous vote in favor of its addition by the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Advisory Board.

Jessica Gelay, a policy coordinator for Drug Policy Alliance, said, “It is really unfortunate that New Mexicans suffering from Alzheimer’s related dementia, which often leads to a refusal to eat and combative moods, will not be allowed to seek relief from medical cannabis. There are no curative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, and, as the peer-reviewed evidence submitted to the department of health shows, there is reason to believe that medical cannabis could be helpful for people afflicted with this terminal condition.”

Director of DPA’s New Mexico office, Emily Kaltenbach, commented, “In contrast to Secretary Ward’s decision, the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board’s action recognizes the debilitating impact neurodegenerative diseases have on New Mexico’s increasing elderly population, and recognizes that medical cannabis should be part of a larger comprehensive approach to support our elders’ quality of life. New Mexico has a long history of respecting our elders and the board’s compassionate recommendation to add these conditions is rooted in the great values of our state, we are sorry that the secretary did not agree with the board’s recommendation.”

Sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back with this stuff. When will authorities stop trying to derail the cannabis train? There is no stopping this change. Regardless of recreational use, sick people (and those who love sick people) will do just about anything to be well or manage their suffering. Laws don’t mean much when you’re watching someone you love deteriorate.

I have stated many times that I used cannabis for medical purposes long before it was legal and I wouldn’t think twice about returning to the black market if prohibition were reinstated. Following the strict letter of the law means less than nothing when your quality of life is on the line. What’s worse is that no compelling arguments can be made against freeing cannabis. No amount of burying your head in the sand or curmudgeonly behavior will stop the cannabis glacier from carving out a new path for itself. Those in power should get on the bus or get steamrolled as it passes them by.