while i should be used to this already, having lived in a capitalistic society my whole life, i am still shocked and appalled at the thought that medical research is driven by DRUG companies that want to make money INSTEAD of being driven by scientists and doctors who want to CURE patients. for example, the debate over whether or not marijuana should be legalized for MEDICINAL PURPOSES. thousands of testimonials don't mean a hill of beans in the 'scientific' world however the studies that have suggested that this plant which has been used for thousands of years by various cultures for a multitude of ailments really DOES have medicinal value are NEVER taken to the next step due to the lack of funding AND the obstacles that testing with an illegal substance present. while i have enjoyed smoking for relaxation and 'recreational' purposes in the past, it sickens me when i think about all those who are suffering that could be helped by this plant. the hypocrisy of it makes me vomit as there are THOUSANDS of drugs prescribed daily to millions of people that have FAR WORSE SIDE EFFECTS than those present with marijuana. and those drugs are prescribed for things that are not debilitating; chronic pain, nausea, seizures, anxiety - these are all things that greatly affect the quality of life, the ability to make a living, care for oneself and children, spouses, parents, etc. for example, there are plenty of medicines that are so damaging to your liver and kidneys that patients must be tested every 6 months. it makes no sense to me that drugs that have the ability to permanently damage your organs [and these are necessary for LIFE], that side effects like those are considered OK by the drug company and FDA standards BUT the incidental 'high' one MAY get from marijuana is a big NO-NO, no matter how great the benefits are.
i have seen first hand the ravages of chemo therapy and radiation and i have witnessed first hand the wonders marijuana can do for regaining one's appetite and overcoming the constant nausea that comes from a treatment that is basically KILLING parts of your insides. the attached video was very informative on the current state of the campaign to legalize medicinal marijuana. hope you get a chance to watch and be informed. THE DRUG COMPANIES SHOULD NOT DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES HAS ACCESS TO WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE HEALTHY, TO LIVE BETTER.
link for PBS video http://watch.montanapbs.org/video/1825223761/
photo credit:
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2009/09/chronic_city_summing_up_the_ev.php