FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 17, 2008
CONTACT: Bruce Mirken, MPP director of communications, 202-215-4205
DAVIS, CALIFORNIA -- A clinical trial conducted at the University of California at Davis and just published online by the Journal of Pain has demonstrated significant relief of neuropathic pain (pain caused by damage to nerves) stemming from a variety of causes. This is the second study in just over a year to show that marijuana relieves neuropathic pain, which is notoriously resistant to treatment with conventional pain drugs, including opioid narcotics. A UC San Francisco study published last year showed relief of HIV/AIDS-related neuropathy.
   In the new study, 38 patients experiencing neuropathic pain from diabetes, spinal injury, multiple sclerosis and other causes were given marijuana cigarettes of three different strengths: Zero percent THC (placebo), 3.5 percent THC or 7 percent THC. In each session, patients took the same number of puffs, following a standardized procedure to ensure uniformity of the dose received at each strength.
   Both doses of marijuana reduced pain significantly, producing marked declines in pain intensity that lasted over five hours. Researchers Barth Wilsey and colleagues wrote that side effects "were relatively inconsequential," and "psychoactive effects were minimal and well-tolerated." Although the scientists did express caution about the neurocognitive effects of the higher dose -- reflected in lower scores on some tests of memory and problem solving, the study was not designed to examine the potential for marijuana to allow reduced doses of narcotic painkillers that also cause cognitive impairment, a benefit widely reported by patients. For a copy of the complete study, contact MPP director of communications Bruce Mirken at 202-215-4205.
   "This is yet more proof that the American College of Physicians was right that U.S. government policy on medical marijuana is totally divorced from scientific reality," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. "Congress needs to act to end the federal war on medical marijuana, but in the meantime states should act on their own to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest, as several states are considering right now."
   States where legislators are presently considering medical marijuana legislation include Illinois, New York and Minnesota. A medical marijuana initiative has qualified for Michigan's November ballot.
   With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.
2008 global conference on methamphetamine: science, strategy, and response        prague, september 15 â 16
<http://www.globalmethconference.com>
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Abstract Submission Deadline ENDS April 22nd, 2008
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Abstract Submission Guidelines
Topics and areas to be discussed include
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Regional Updates  / Pharmacology / Enforcement Programs  / Clandestine Drug Cleanup / The Matrix Model of Treatment / Women and Methamphetamine / Latest Research /Health Consequences /  Policy  / Prosecution Issues / Trafficking / Toxicology / Innovative Interventions / Replacement Therapies / Prevention and Education / Hepatitis A, B, & C Virus / HIV Risk Behavior / Methamphetamine and Reproductive Health / Treatment / Youth and Use / Patterns of Use / Harm Reduction / innovative Interventions / Use Among MSM / Trafficking  / Community-based Coalitions / Injection Drug Use / Epidemiology
1) Individual proposals for presentations are welcome.
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2) Presentation formats may include
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Individual papers
    Reports on research-in-progress
    Round-table discussions
    Topic-centred workshops
    Or a format more appropriate to your own work.
- Please indicate your presentation format in your proposal.
- Please make sure that your proposal identifies the language you wish to present in.
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3) Please send a 250-word proposal - along with a short bio - to the email address below.
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- Your abstract should not contain more than 250 words
- No abstract will be accepted without a short bio.
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Please send your abstract to [email protected]
The Deadline for abstract submissions is April 22, 2008
Speakers will be notified by May 2nd, 2008
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Do you have a question or concern?
 Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
--
Luciano Colonna
Chair
Executive Program Committee
2008 Global Conference on Methamphetamine
September 15 â16, 2008 - Prague, Czech Republic
www.globalmethconference.com
[email protected]
+00 (1) 801 635 7736 (USA mobile)
+44 (0) 208 987 6021 (London tell)
+44 (0) 208 994 1533 (London fax)
lucianocolonna (skype)
[Courtesy of Americans for Safe Access]
Dear ASA Supporter,
Dr. Donald Abrams of University of California, San Francisco needs individuals who are currently using Oxycontin or MS Contin to join an important medical cannabis study! This research could potentially provide clinical proof that when added to conventional narcotic pain drugs, marijuana can provide added relief and often allow much-reduced doses of these dangerous narcotics.Dr. Abrams has conducted numerous groundbreaking medical marijuana studies and you could be involved in his next historic project! Time is of the essence, be one of two dozen people to impact medical marijuana research for the future.
In order to ensure that this necessary research continues and is a success, Dr. Abrams is seeking out individuals who meet the following qualifications:
To qualify, you must:Be taking either OxyContin or MS Contin (or Kadian) twice daily; Have smoked marijuana at least 6 times in the past; Be willing NOT to smoke marijuana for a month prior to screening for the study; Be willing not to smoke cigarettes at least 2 weeks prior to screening and through the study; Be 18 years or older; Meet some additional criteria;
And you cannot:Be pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; Be on chemo, radiation, or other cancer therapy; Be currently using alcohol or recreational drugs; Have kidney or liver failure, severe heart problems, high blood pressure, lung disease or a severe psychiatric disorder.
The study takes place at San Francisco General Hospital, in the clinical research center, and is a 5-day inpatient stay. Participants may be eligible to receive up to $520.00 for travel reimbursements. You can read more about the study here: www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/AbramsPainStudy
How to Get Involved:
If you meet the qualifications above and are interested in participating in this historical research please contact Paul Couey at: 415-476-9554 ext 315 or e-mail at: [email protected]. Let Paul know you found out about this study from ASA.
If you do not meet the criteria above, there is still an important role for you to play! Please forward this message on to any lists you belong to, any community members you know might be interested, and your family and friends!
If you have questions about the study or need more information, please contact [email protected]Sincerely,
Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access