Gupta: ‘I am doubling down’ on medical marijuana
I am more convinced than ever that it is irresponsible to not provide the best care we can, care that often may involve marijuana.
I am not backing down on medical marijuana; I am doubling down. […]
Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance, defined as “the most dangerous” drugs “with no currently accepted medical use.”
Neither of those statements has ever been factual. […]
Terms matter, too.
We are talking about a medicine, known scientifically as cannabis. In order for people to start thinking of this substance as a medicine, perhaps we should start calling it by its medical name, something that was suggested to me by medical marijuana advocates pretty much everywhere I went this year.
I’ve tried to pull together these latest developments in our new documentary, “Cannabis Madness.” […]
I know the discussion around this topic will no doubt get heated. I have felt that heat. But I feel a greater responsibility than ever to make sure those heated discussions are also well-informed by science.
And, with that: I hope you get a chance to watch on March 11 at 10 p.m. Eastern.
Nice.
Science? But those DEA guys said that they are using science too. Is somebody lying (Or required to lie)?
DEA science: if a single bird flies west after a loud bang, then logic dictates that marijuana is addictive and deadly.
I will double down with you Sanjay,,I will piss off twice as many prohibitohes tomorrow.
aye… a worthy endeavor Oldfarticus, I’ll join ya in that.
Seems there’s a slogan in there somewhere. “for a healthier, happier life, eat well, take your vitamins, exercise and piss off a prohibitch every day.”
This is very good news! It’s nice to see someone doubling down on truth for a change instead of all those lies we’ve heard all our lives. I don’t have cable TV so I don’t have CNN but I’ll watch it online as soon as it’s available. GO GUPTA!!!
🙂
thud, Thud, THUD!
yeah… it’s starting to FEEL like we’re on a freaking 300 mph train… and sitting here thinking about I’d say we’re right on schedule too. Ever since Al Gore invented the interwwweb information dissemination has increased exponentially.
The Media Awareness Project (http://www.mapinc.org) was our first www drug policy ‘broadcaster’ with the DrugNews archive actually reaching the WH. Of course the ONDCP tried to copy the effort and failed miserably (proof that gummint jobs create amotivation). And a heartfelt hat tip to Matt Elrod, Mark Greer, Rich Lake, Jo-D, Kirk Muse, JayB and a whole host of others that have quietly and humbly gone about their business fighting against the tyranny of the drug war. When this is all old history MAP will be counted as one of the best weapons our side ever had. If you can, drop some spare change into their tip jar (yeah, the one w/ handwritten note scotch taped to it that says “propinas”, yeah that one…)
And that MAP note was just to say that now we are at the point where the info we’ve gathered and stored and shared and that whole list of talking points that we all pretty much agree upon is being consumed – out there! Mr and Mrs J.Q. Public are seeing first hand now how deep this caca is. Information is now being consumed exponentially. How can anyone watch Doc Gupta’s first special and not have little Charlotte just take over the heart? She brought tears to this old man’s eyes.
FTWOD
Well, February was fun. March seems to be starting off pretty well. Let’s all get out there and encourage the prohibs to speak up even more. I swear their hot air is supplying 1/3 of the power driving the engine that pulls this train… which makes us alternative energy, eco-friendly!
Somebody can make something up and send it to Chief Poostrip, he’ll quote it if it’s outrageous enough. (which begs the question, do we have an insider on their writing staff?) hee…
Meanwhile, down in the Sunshine State;
Florida legislature joins southern push for marijuana reform
http://tinyurl.com/mhboqk4
Excerpt;
“We have evidence of benefits,” Republican state Representative Cary Pigman, an emergency room physician, said of the substance known as cannabidiol, or CBD. “We have no evidence of harm.” [emphasis mine]
(Cary Pigman, you’re a brave man to keep that name. I would’ve changed it to Mike or Jerry or…)
Yeah, no evidence of harm regarding CBD. You’ll be extolling the virtues of THC one of these days as well. Yes, you will.
Now, also in the linked article are the serial restricters, “…no THC, no smoking, BLAH, BLAH BLAH…”.
But a southern push? Grab your hard hats, folks. Stuff’s coming down.
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Hey, they’re even doing that in Georgia. The United State, not the country that used to be part of the USSR. It really emphasizes that it’s never been about anything other that a petty, tinhorn dictatorial desire to keep people from getting high.
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for putting the needs of people ahead of the destructive policies of the moral authoritarians.
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Isn’t it just the greatest thing that Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent? I mean really, who else on this planet is in a better spot to make a difference on this subject? He’s a compassionate scientist who is widely known and respected, and already has a broad platform from which to speak.
I’m loving this so much. thud, Thud, THUD.
true. we need to steer him toward brain cancer.
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Apparently you haven’t bumped into any of the racist buffoons who compare him to Dr. Nick.
Please keep in mind that the sycophants of prohibition assign credibility by how closely the person mirrors their beliefs. Dr. Gupta had a highly reliable opinion when he agreed with them. As soon as he changed his mind he became a cartoon character. The whys and wherefores are irrelevant from the prohibitionist perspective.
Aha! That’s the problem…
The D.E.A. have been relying heavily on Séance.
I knew it was just an 80 year silly misunderstanding. Why would anyone pay billions in tax money to complete blundering idiots? They just haven’t connected yet. Probably got a few wrong psychic numbers. If they knew it was Science research, they would have agreed it wasn’t a menace. As if none of it had to happen. Someday we can look back at this and get a good chuckle. Oooopsi, their bad. 20 million criminalized, thousands dead and millions incarcerated. People still going without relief for their ailments or as an alternative to the white powders, fossil fools and booze. Second thought. Fry the bastards!
Sanjay Gupta
Heh…the best part about this, guys and gals, is that there is another big, thundering, foundation-shaking thud just around the corner. Who wants to start a pool on how many States have Medical, decrim or full legalization measures on ballots this year? This is starting to be TOO much fun!!!
SUUUU-WEEEEET! Here’s a nice editorial published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette. By a forensic pathologist, more medical testimony for us to cite! Whooda Thunkit? We’re MAINSTREAM! http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2014/03/02/Mythology-of-marijuana-Cyril-Wecht/stories/201403020015
And some theme music, to enhance your reading experience: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37lZg6CD_6k
sniff… that’s beautiful man…
let me repeat that, for those of you on drugs:
gosh Harry gets two mentions in the media in one day, not bad for a dead career prohibitch. The doc did a great job on Harry but mine was short and sweet:
The ghost of Harry Anslinger attired in jackboots still stalks the halls of power in DC.
and it’s only March! My head may explode if this gets any better. C’mon Calvina, speak up gal! Let’s hear it Dr Eric “Darth” Voth. C’mon Linda Taylor, go protest in front of cameras again. (I’d post the link but Duncan hates it when I do that)
Now I have a morphing in my brain of the little cannabis train, chuggin’ hard up the hill, I know I can, I know I can, the engineer stoking the engine with giant sawn and split doobs… choo choo!
Now all the other voices want in on it… crikey, what a din!
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Just because I got violently ill when I accidentally ended up looking at her centerfold picture in the Christmas 2013 issue of “Prohibitionist Stud” magazine? It’s still cheaper than syrup of ipecac and just as reliable.
You should keep in mind that I am first and foremost a pragmatist.
This is what I wrote when I posted the article to FB:
Quotes from Harry Anslinger:
“Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing.â€
“Marihuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.â€
Why did no one, especially members of congress before whom he made these statements, ever ask him “Well which is it, Harry? Does marihuana cause violence or pacifism? It can’t cause both, they are opposite reactions, so which statement is the truth, hmmm? Perhaps neither is the truth, perhaps you are just insane?”
Good points about medicinal cannabis, but still anti-legalisation.
Y’all’ve been skipping class again eh? Cyril was/is a Pittsburgh Hometown favorite. He and SF’s Dr. Dean Edell have been outspoken on cannabis for decades before Ganjay.
The mythology of marijuana
drugwarrant March 3, 2014 at 2:35 pm
Let’s get past the propaganda and allow doctors to prescribe marijuana, argues forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht March 1, 2014
Why Did Feds Persecute Celebrity Expert Cyril Wecht? Who’s Next?
Why was Wecht indicted on the fax charges? He says the Bush DoJ targeted him for his politics. This coincides with a nationwide study that showed a 7:1 pattern of DoJ investigating Democrats.
Derp. I linked that because the article is new. Dated March 2, this year. Those look…old.
The mythology of marijuana was March 1, 2014. Posted on March 3, 2014 at 2:35 pm on the Gary Shepard thread. The side post Cyril Wecht’s being hassled is old, but was included for extra points on the pop quiz.
I know, let me guess, the dog ate your homework.
I stand corrected, but the problem, DdC, is your habit of linking, and re-linking the same material over and over. As well as the run on posts with endless old citations that you use when you think you’re correcting someone else on the couch. It causes link fatigue, and as a result, I have again taken to ignoring them for the most part. I’m not trying to be snide, or to incite a fight. Just trying to make a suggestion. I think you have a lot to offer, sometimes you just offer too much. If you were to stop linking the same things, I’d be clicking through the links you do leave more often. So, you’re right. Peace.
Sounds more like your problem than mine. I’m fine with what I post. The refs back the original topic to avoid taking self proclaimed excerpts words for something. No one said you have to do a damn thing DC, why whine about it? Take it or leave it. I only mentioned it is old news and was posted before and missed. Like the old news Correa post I’ll be trashing in a few moments.
Since it has no merit to you anyway, I see no reason to cry about it. They’ve been the same format since 96. Not one was ever posted so you would have an easier time understanding it. Actually you never entered my mind. As for your opinion I don’t think I ever ask for it, not once. Save it. Pay attention and you won’t have to whine later. Not PC enough? Good, I hate PC. No Peace without Justice and Truth and they don’t come from appeasing pleasing compromising PCness.
My comment (awaiting moderation):
“There simply is no rational reason, medical logic or justifiable legal basis for the refusal of the federal government and most states to decriminalize marijuana. It should be moved from a Schedule I category”
Absolutely correct!
“and allowed to be manufactured by pharmaceutical companies in the same controlled fashion that opioids and other dangerous drugs are handled commercially throughout the country.”
Absolutely wrong!
The pharmaceutical industry is the absolute LAST industry that should be allowed to control this non-toxic herb, it is that industry (allied with the alcohol and petroleum industries) that has contributed the greatest amount of money to maintaining prohibition while they scramble to find a way to patent the plant’s medicinal properties. Free the plant for everyone. Treat it like wine, allowing people to produce a reasonable number of plants for their own personal use, while relying on the medical marijuana producers to keep producing strains for certain medicinal uses as well as for certain kinds of “highs” (from couch-lock to active and everything in between) and developing other methods of ingestion than smoking and new forms of edibles. And keep the damn government OUT of it other than collecting sales taxes and business/income taxes on the producers and retailers.
Getting the real truth to people about marijuana is essential. Lack of it (the truth) is what got things this way. You can’t lie and have anyone believe you if everyone already knows the truth. Prohibition of marijuana is accomplished by lies and fear. I am glad to hear that Dr. Gupta has been doing his homework.
I hope the good doctor and his compadres understand this:
“End the Drug War: The American People are Not the Enemy”
http://tinyurl.com/kpzbnp2
By Doug Bandow at Cato Institute blog
“Drug use is bad. Arresting people for using drugs is worse. With the states of Colorado and Washington leading the way, the federal government should drop criminal penalties against those who produce, sell, and consume drugs.” … “American governments at all levels should terminate the Drug War. It is time to stop treating the American people as the enemy.”
Medical acceptance only will never stop the destruction caused by prohibition. The social and political destruction caused by keeping marijuana federally illegal. Can you see that far yet, Dr. Gupta?
I am sure looking forward to his next special.
if he did a show about the univ. of virginia study in the 70’s, that might open some eyes. strange that the silence was so total.
well, what’s Doc Gupta’s contact info? Send it to him. In fatc if everybody sent the article to CNN…
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n572/a11.html
i guessed sanjaygupta@cnn.com and sent it to him, we’ll see whether it goes through.
You know, Allen, back in the 60’s I had some experience guiding some friends back from their psychedelic journey’s when they became a bit lost. It sometimes seems similar here. Guiding the uninformed and deceived back to some real sense and common ground. That’s a good idea, Allen!
Very nice selection thelbert!
More than strange. I’ve said it before that the journalist that digs into that story is going to find a hidden mountain of skullduggery. Said journalist stands to win a Pulitzer Prize for exposing how one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history was buried…on our dime and our time.
When I think of all the friends that I have lost to cancer over the years, and then recall that we may have found a cure for it in 1974, well…jail for the perps isn’t enough. Heads on pikes would be more appropriate.
If they’re suppressing the cure for cancer, imagine what else. I read recently that the NSA had 650 MHz processors in the mid-60’s. Snowden is just the latest in a series of things hidden by the government. Look up Operation Greenstar and AT&T and how they were using parallel construction in the 60’s.
That what makes me hate people like Sabet. He’s literally shilling on behalf of cancer, and seems to enjoy it.
I borrowed your words and wrote to CNN (http://www.cnn.com/feedback/show/success.html):
I was going to add they should check out Granny Stormcrow’s list, but decided this was enough to begin. Someone else might want to suggest that list or send them the links to the many studies done on cancers.
Courtesy of The Onion, results from a new marijuana study are in (you can skip the intro);
http://tinyurl.com/ofbuwcx
(thank you Onion People).
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It appears that we have made a very good friend. A very, very long winded friend. I’d hate to run into him at a cocktail party and get buttonholed. I’ll bet he would just blather away nonstop without giving me a chance to politely excuse myself. Blah blah blah blah blah. No doubt.
There are so many strange things happening WRT cannabis law reform lately. Does anyone else wonder if the hippies have finally figured out how to spike the public water supply with LSD? What’s next? Will they actually succeed in levitating the Pentagon?
These are interesting times.
There is one bit here that strikes me as the most ‘THUD provoking’:
I just – “felt a great disturbance in the Farce, as if millions of Prohibs suddenly cried out in terror & then their heads exploded. I believe something truly awesome has happened.”
Said “research” would require rescheduling, No?
Therefor, the Drug Czar would -(for the most part)- be freed from his legal obligation of lying about now obvious ‘untruths’… You guys see where I’m going with this right?
In the future, looking back it could be the most broadly consequential part of this. Well, it would of course be 2nd as compared to the following:
It’s hard to imagine any more compelling examples of why we should change our ancient cannabis policies than her story, Except for the many possible (but as yet untold) stories of others similar to her’s.
It’s very good to see Dr. Gupta’s support. But at the same time he’s spreading alarmist BS about electronic cigarettes and their [lack of] utility as smoking cessation aids. I don’t think he really goes where the science follows, but rather where it’s trendy to be atm.
Still, better than nothing I guess.