Global Ganja Report

A government-sponsored study published recently in The Open Neurology Journal concludes that cannabis provides relief to some chronic pain sufferers and that more clinical trials are needed—directly challenging DEA classification of the drug under "Schedule I," that reserved for substances with no medical uses. The study, sponsored by the State of California and conducted at the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, calls the Schedule I placement "not accurate" and "not tenable."

Reacting to the study, Paul Armentano, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), told Raw Story July 3 that it clearly proves US drug policy "is neither based upon nor guided by science."

"In fact, it is hostile to science," Armentano said. "And despite the Obama Administration’s well publicized 2009 memo stating, 'Science and the scientific process must inform and guide decisions of my Administration,' there is little to no evidence indicating that the federal government’s 'See no evil; hear no evil' approach to cannabis policy is not changing any time soon."

President Barack Obama's March 9, 2009 "Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies directed the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to "develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making."

Graphic of THC molecule from Lycaeum