Resources and Data:

The AMA (American Medical Assoc), Report 6 of the Council on Scientific Affairs (A-01) Full text - Medical Marijuana - Note: This report represents the medical/scientific literature on this subject as of June 2001.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/no-index/about-ama/13625.shtml

"...failure of all approved medications to provide relief has been documented, the symptoms can reasonably be expected to be relieved by rapid-onset cannabinoid drugs, such treatment is administered under medical supervision in a manner that allows for assessment of treatment effectiveness, and involves an oversight strategy comparable to an institutional review board process that could provide guidance within 24 house of a submission by a physician to provide marijuana to a patient for a specified use. "


World Science News

Marijuana may be good and bad
http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/061125_marijuana.htm

Alzheimer's

"A rat study suggests chemicals in marijuana may slow the memory loss of Alzheimer's disease, researchers say. Added to signs that pot-smoking veterans of the 1960s and 1970s drug culture rarely develop the devastating condition, they add, the findings could point to new avenues for Alzheimer's treatment."
http://www.world-science.net/othernews/061018_marijuana.htm


Consumer Reports - Marijuana as Medicine
http://www.medmjscience.org/Pages/history/consumerreports.html

Consumer Reports Recommendations:

The evidence is convincing that long-term regular use of marijuana exposes users to significant risk of lung damage. Many may also suffer subtle but measurable cognitive and motor impairments that persist for weeks after use stops. And, of course, nonmedical use of marijuana is illegal everywhere. However, compared with other drugs of abuse such as tobacco, alcohol and cocaine, marijuana is much less addictive, if at all, and there's no danger of death from an overdose.
 
A number of attempts have failed to isolate compounds from marijuana that would achieve the desired therapeutic effects without making patients high. "It seems that the same neurological receptor controls all the effects, the good and the bad," says Consroe.

Since an unknown but probably substantial number of people are smoking marijuana with the expectation that it will help make their AIDS or terminal cancer more tolerable, Consumer Reports urges the federal government to permit further research in this area, in order to better determine the drug's efficacy and side effects.

In the meantime, Consumer Reports believes that, for patients with advanced AIDS and terminal cancer, the apparent benefits some derive from smoking marijuana outweigh any substantiated or even suspected risks. In the same spirit the FDA uses to hasten the approval of cancer drugs, federal laws should be relaxed in favor of states' rights to allow physicians to administer marijuana to their patients on a caring and compassionate basis."

Copyright Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., May 1997

NORML - The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
http://uncletaz.com/marijuana/marieff.html

The Common Sense Series, MARIJUANA AND THE HUMAN BODY, THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA:

"The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences conducted a 15-month study of the health-related effects of marijuana in 1982. They appointed a 22-member committee to analyze existing scientific evidence bearing on the possible hazards to the health and safety of users of marijuana. The report concludes: "the scientific evidence published to date indicates that marijuana has a broad range of psychological and biological effects, some of which, at least under certain circumstances, are harmful to human health". In a companion report providing policy recommendations to the Academy's National Research Council, regulation of the marijuana market is advocated as the most effective method of controlling marijuana. The National Academy of Science's report rebuts many of the exaggerated claims made about marijuana.

1. Of the 421 chemicals in marijuana, only 61 are unique to marijuana. The chemicals are known as cannabinoids. One of them, delta-9 THC, produces the psychoactive effect and is the focus of most research. The other 360 chemicals in the marijuana plant are found throughout other natural substances.

2. The higher potency marijuana grown in the United States represents about half of all the marijuana consumed here. Because of it's higher potency many smokers use far less of it than less potent marijuana.

3. Differences in dosage and frequency of consumption render comparisons between marijuana and tobacco consumption invalid, despite similarity in the composition of their smoke. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs. Heavy exposure of the lungs to irritation such as smoke increases the likelihood of lung cancer and other lung problems. Marijuana speeds the heartbeat and is unhealthy for people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular ailments.

4. Marijuana does reduce the sperm count and obstruct sperm mobility in males within the normal range. These side-effects do not seem to affect human fertility, and are completely reversible thirty days after cessation of use. Marijuana, like other drugs, crosses the placenta. While the effects of this are unknown and there is no evidence that marijuana causes chromosome damage, we advise women to avoid the use of marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs not prescribed by their physician during pregnancy and nursing.

5. The intoxicating chemical, THC, is broken down by the human metabolism after two or three hours in the body. The by-products of this chemical breakdown are referred to as metabolites. These metabolites are fat soluble, and take 21-30 days to leave the human body via the urine. These metabolites exert no psychoactive effect on the human body.

6. After reviewing all of the evidence, the Academy concluded: 'There is not yet any conclusive evidence as to whether prolonged use of marijuana causes permanent changes in the nervous system or sustained impairment of brain function and behavior in human beings". 'Interpretation of the evidence linking marijuana to "amotivational syndrome" is difficult. Such symptoms have been known to occur in the absence of marijuana. Even if there is an association between this syndrome and the use of marijuana, that does not prove that marijuana causes the syndrome. Many troubled individuals seek an "escape" into use of drugs: thus frequent use of marijuana may become one more in a series of counterproductive behaviors for these unhappy people'."

LEAP - Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php

Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice in 2004. In "Teasing Apart the Developmental Associations Between Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Violence," Wei et al. examined data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study on 503 young males. They concluded:

"Because the proportion of violent individuals who used marijuana frequently was larger than the proportion of frequent marijuana users engaging in violence, and because the prediction of violence from earlier frequent marijuana use was mediated by common risk factors, our results do not indicate that early frequent marijuana use causes later violence. Rather, we conclude that frequent marijuana use and violence co-occur because they share common risk factors (e.g., race/ethnicity, hard drug use). It is important to keep in mind that marijuana has been used for centuries and is the most widely used illicit drug today and that the majority of marijuana users do not engage in violence (Boles & Miotto, 2003). Our findings indicate that intervention with young violent offenders to prevent or treat substance use problems may be more practical than targeting marijuana users for violence prevention."

Jack E. Henningfield, PhD for NIDA, Reported by Philip J. Hilts, New York Times, Aug. 2, 1994 "Is Nicotine Addictive? It Depends on Whose Criteria You Use."  Copyright 2000-2008, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Except for intoxication level, Caffeine has the same numbers as Marijuana for addiction, desire to repeat use over other substances, withdrawal symptom rates, and tolerance levels.  Alcohol ranks significantly higher in all categories INCLUDING intoxication and Tobacco is significantly higher in all areas except slightly higher in desire to use over other subs., and lower on intoxication. Source: http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/node/28
 

The EFFECTIVE NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY 1999
http://www.csdp.org/edcs/

The EFFECTIVE NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY 1999
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  The Effective National Drug Control Strategy is based on empirical evidence and studies which show that the policies recommended will be effective. It explicitly recommends that 2/3 of the entire drug control budget should be allocated for drug treatment and prevention. There are two main goals of the Effective National Drug Control Strategy: 1) reduce the harm caused by drug abuse; 2) reduce the harm caused by existing drug control policies. Within these two main goals, there are a number of objectives. The broad thrust of the Effective Strategy is to move from a law enforcement-dominated strategy to a public health-based strategy. GOAL NUMBER ONE: REDUCE THE HARM CAUSED BY DRUGS IN OUR SOCIETY   Commission a non-partisan panel of experts to evaluate current drug control policy. Reduce adolescent drug use through fact-based education, prevention efforts, and supervised activity programs. Reduce drug problems among all Americans with treatment, education and prevention, with special attention to the specific needs of women. Reduce the spread of HIV and other communicable diseases through healthcare services for drug users. Provide treatment on request as mandated by Federal law since 1988. GOAL NUMBER TWO: REDUCE THE HARM CAUSED BY THE “WAR ON DRUGS”   Reduce crime and violence associated with the illegal drug market. End the racial bias in drug laws, particularly mandatory minimum sentencing. Allow penalties to fit crimes committed, by ending mandatory sentencing and altering sentencing guidelines. Reverse the trend toward cutting school budgets to invest in prisons. Allow doctors greater freedom in dealing with public health issues. Promote health services for all women, not prosecution of pregnant women. Enact “family value-friendly” laws which keep familial and social networks intact. Stop forfeiture abuse, overzealous search and seizure practices, cruel and unusual punishment, denial of legal counsel, denial of benefits, services, and student loans. Reduce corruption of government officials and law enforcement officers. Prohibit the use of military forces against U.S. citizens and in domestic policing. Demilitarize the border with Mexico, end the involvement of U.S. military in counter drug operations abroad, and end support for foreign operations that undermine human rights objectives.

Network of Reform Groups: Common Sense for Drug Policy, Falls Church, VA * The Council on Illicit Drugs, Washington, D.C. * Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI*Drug Policy Forum of Texas, Houston, TX * Drug Policy Foundation of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM * Drug Policy Reform Group of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN * Drug Reform Coordination Network, Washington, D.C. * DrugSense, Porterville, CA * Efficacy, Hartford, CT * Family Council on Drug Awareness, El Cerrito, CA * Family Watch, Washington, D.C. * Floridians for Medical Rights, Miami, FL * Forfeiture Endangers American Rights, Washington, D.C., * Human Rights and the Drug War, El Cerrito, CA * Marijuana Policy Project, Washington, D.C. * Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse, Mosier, OR *  Multi-Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, Charlotte, NC * National Alliance of Methadone, Advocates, New York, NY * National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Washington, DC * The November Coalition, Colville, WA * The Rights Organization, Humbol dt County, CA * ReconsiDer Forum on Drug Policy, Syracuse, NY * Virginians Against Drug Violence, Crewe, VA

Written by: Kevin B. Zeese and Paul M. Lewin - With substantial assistance from:

Allan Clear, Harm Reduction Coalition; Chris Conrad, Family Council on Drug Awareness; Scott Ehlers, Drug Policy Foundation; Dave Fratello, Americans for Medical Rights; Tom Gordon, Forfeiture Endangers American Rights; Brenda Grantland, Forfeiture Endangers American Rights; Lisa Haugaard, Latin America Working Group; Rachel King, American Civil Liberties Union; Marc Mauer, The Sentencing Project; Mikki Norris, Human Rights and the Drug War; Eric Sterling, Criminal Justice Policy Foundation; Julie Stewart, Families Against Mandatory Minimums; Kathleen Stoll, Center for Women Policy Studies; Chuck Thomas, Marijuana Policy Project; Sanho Tree, Institute for Policy Studies; Joycelyn Woods, National Alliance of Methadone Advocates; Kendra Wright, Family Watch; Jason Ziedenberg, Justice Policy Institute of the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice
http://www.csdp.org/edcs/

Cannabis for Migraine Treatment: The Once and Future Prescription?

Author:  Ethan B. Russo, M.D. Date:  1998
Summary:  A medical journal article on the history of marijuana and headache pain; urges more modern research in this area
http://www.medmjscience.org/Pages/history/russo.bhtml

"Other medicines that are far more potentially damaging than Cannabis remain in our pharmacopeias because of recognized medical indications: opiates for pain control, amphetamines for narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc. Thalidomide, which was banned due to its role in birth defects, may be effecting a therapeutic revival. Even the lowly leech is once again the object of serious medical investigation. This study will examine the history of Cannabis use for one indication, that of headache treatment, its scientific rationale, and possible future as an alternative therapeutic agent."

"As late as 1915, Sir William Osler, the acknowledged father of modern medicine, stated of migraine treatment (Osler, 1915), 'Cannabis indica is probably the most satisfactory remedy. Seguin recommends a prolonged course.' This statement supports its use for both acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine."

"In 1916...Dr. Dixon, Professor of Pharmacology, Kings' College, and the University of Cambridge (Ratnam, 1916)...stated, 'In cases where immediate effect is desired, the drug should be smoked, the fumes being drawn through water. In fits of depression, mental fatigue, nervous headache, feelings of fatigue disappear and the subject is able to continue his work refreshed and soothed.' "

"Another trial involved oral THC in cancer patients (Noyes et al., 1975a). They observed a trend toward pain relief with escalating doses...10 mg. of oral THC vs. 60 mg. of codeine, and 20 mg. of THC vs. 120 mg. of codeine relieved the subjective pain burden of patients by similar decrements."

"In a forensic review (Mason et al., 1985), the issue of marijuana's effect on driving was addressed, and it was indicated that isolated reports of adverse outcomes secondary to impairment by Cannabis as a sole inebriant were rare. The authors concluded that there was no suitable correlation between plasma or blood levels of THC and the degree of apparent impairment a human might exhibit."

"Smoking of massive Cannabis doses daily for a prolonged period produced lower intraocular pressure, serum testosterone levels, and airway narrowing, but no chromosomal aberrations, or impairment of immune responses were noted (Cohen, 1976). Other "marijuana myths" were unsupported by careful review of the literature. While aggravation of pre-existing psychotic conditions by marijuana use was documented, no cause and effect relationship was noted."

"In 1988 action was initiated through the DEA to reclassify marijuana to Schedule 2, potentially making it available for prescription to patients. The DEA administrative law judge, Francis Young, reviewed a tremendous amount of testimony from patients, scientists, and politicians in rendering his ruling. Although a medical indication of marijuana for migraine was not considered, its use was approved as an anti-emetic, an anti-spasticity drug in multiple sclerosis and paraplegia, while its utilization in glaucoma was considered reasonable. He stated, 'By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within a supervised routine of medical care.' "

CounterPunch Magazine
http://www.counterpunch.org/gardner03022009.html

Judge ruled Marijuana is Medicine

Judge Washington's decision in United States v. Robert Randall

"Reports from the President's Commission and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare have concluded that there is no conclusive scientific evidence of any harm attendant upon the use of marijuana. According to the most recent HEW study, research has failed to establish any substantial physical or mental impairment caused by marijuana. Reports of chromosome damage, reduced immunity to disease, and psychosis are unconfirmed; actual evidence is to the contrary."

The Report of the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse:

"The 1933 Report of the 'Military Surgeon' stated, regarding marihuana use among the soldiers in the Canal Zone, that:

Marihuana as grown and used on the Isthmus of Panama is a mild stimulant and intoxicant. It is not a 'habit forming' drug in the sense that the derivatives of opium, cocaine, and such drugs, are as there are no symptoms of deprivation following its withdrawal.  Delinquencies due to marihuana smoking which result in trial by military court are negligible in number when compared with delinquencies resulting from the use of alcohol drinks, which is also classed as a stimulant and intoxicant (Geller and Boas, 1969: 147).  The report went on to say that marihuana presented no threat to military discipline, and 'that no recommendations to prevent the sale or use of marihuana are deemed advisable.' "

Common Sense for Drug Policy
http://www.csdp.org/news/news/nixon.htm

The Nixon White House tapes from 1971-1972 demonstrate that the foundation of the modern war on marijuana was Nixonian prejudice, culture war and misinformation. CSDP's Doug McVay spent several days at the National Archives listening to the Nixon White House tapes to find conversations about drug policy, especially regarding the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse ("the Shafer Commission"), appointed by President Nixon. He found: Nixon blaming calls for marijuana legalization on Jews; Nixon blaming the decline and fall of ancient Rome, and of the Catholic Church, on homosexuality; and Nixon criticizing the CBS sitcom "All in the Family" as a show which promoted homosexuality. (Check out some of these transcripts.)

More importantly, Nixon made clear several times that he wanted a report which supported his views and 'tough on crime' policies, no matter what the facts might be. To his credit, Governor Shafer delivered instead an honest report, with conclusions based on all the evidence -- even though at the time he was being considered for a federal judgeship (needless to say, he didn't get it).

"At a critical juncture when the United States decided how it would handle marijuana, President Nixon's prejudices did more to dominate policy than the thoughtful and extensive review of his own Blue Ribbon Commission," observed Kevin Zeese, President of Common Sense for Drug Policy. "If we had followed the advice of the experts rather than Nixon's prejudices we would have less marijuana use, be spending less money on marijuana enforcement and many million less people would have been arrested." Since the Commission issued its recommendation that marijuana offenses not be a crime, fifteen million people have been arrested on marijuana charges.

Highlights of Nixon comments on marijuana:

Jews and marijuana: "I see another thing in the news summary this morning about it. That's a funny thing, every one of the bastards that are out for legalizing marijuana is Jewish. What the Christ is the matter with the Jews, Bob, what is the matter with them? I suppose it's because most of them are psychiatrists . . ."

Marijuana compared to alcohol: marijuana consumers smoke "to get high" while "a person drinks to have fun." Nixon also saw marijuana leading to loss of motivation and discipline but claimed: "At least with liquor I don't lose motivation."

Marijuana and political dissent: ". . . radical demonstrators that were here . . . two weeks ago . . . They're all on drugs, virtually all."

Drug education: "Enforce the law, you’ve got to scare them."

DrugLibrary Drug News - gives the name and dates on reports on Marijuana and other Substances:

List of Reports and their Summary
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/studies.htm

The LaGuardia Committee Report on Marijuana
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/lag/findings.htm

The National Academies Press
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309071550&page=244 
(=244 is the starting page it goes to 276) it's a long read!  In summary, all 5 organizations recommended further testing of Marijuana as a medicine for several different conditions and diseases.

Appendix E, Recommendations Made in Recent Reports on the Medical Use of Marijuana

Recommendations from five recent key reports pertaining to the medical use of marijuana are listed by subject in this report.  The 5 key reports are from: 

Health Council of the Netherlands, Standing Committee on Medicine. 1996. Marihuana as Medicine. Rijswikj, the Netherlands: Health Council of the Netherlands.     Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs. 1997. Report to the American Medical Association House of Delegates. Subject: Medical Marijuana. Chicago: AMA.

Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs. 1997. Report to the American Medical Association House of Delegates. Subject: Medical Marijuana. Chicago: AMA.

British Medical Association. 1997. Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis. United Kingdom: Harwood Academic Publishers.

National Institutes of Health. 1997. Workshop on the Medical Utility of Marijuana. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health.World Health Organization. 1997. Cannabis: A Health Perspective and Research Agenda. Geneva: WHO.