Conflict of Interest Much?

"Last October, the Harper government appointed Bernard Prigent to the governing council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the federal agency that distributes about a billion dollars annually for health research. That appointment was met with near-universal condemnation from medical ethicists, because..."

Best. Fan Page. Ever.

I "Became a Fan" of this Facebook Page at about 2 p.m. this afternoon and was the 350th. member to join.

As of 11:45 p.m. tonight it's up to 5, 881 Fans. I've been having a hoot reading the comments.... and I'm suddenly craving some deep fried goodness.

One Ring to rule them all!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. ;-)






















Oh the fun things we can make on the Internets!

Look! Over There! A Shiny Thing!!!"

My Comment addressing: MinisterialSpinWatch: Justice Delayed? Don't blame the Senate. "Justice" Minister Rob Nicholson, spin master extraordinaire, once again trumpets the old "Tough on Crime!" roar the Conservatives love oh-so-much! We all know the Senate didn't *stall or "gut the bill" . (Read here and here about the amendments made to Bill C-15, this is not gutting, this is trying to fix what is already supremely flawed!) And we also know that the biggest roadblock to Conservative crime bills has been TWO Tory prorogations and one election. Nice try Rob, but we ain't fooled. Your attempt at distraction = FAIL. And if you have to depend on a stacked Conservative Senate to pass your crime bills, well, that certainly is a dangerous agenda for all Canadians.

Comment by MaryJCannabian

Bill C-15 is a terrible piece of garbage that never should have made it to the point it did in the first place. Because it's a "crime" bill, the Liberals do not want to fight it because the Tories will accuse them of being "soft on crime". It's all quite ridiculous really, because it is not being soft on crime, fighting the bill is being "Smart about Crime". Unfortunately, The "Tough on Crime" Conservative Mantra resonates with the sheeple that would compare someone who grows two cannabis plants with a child abductor.

I've read Bill C-15, and watched the Senate Committee hearings and read the transcripts when I missed a meeting or two. For any sane and at least half educated person who heard all of the testimony you'd shake your head in disbelief that the Tories even had the audacity to draft such idiotic, draconian, failure inducing legislation.

I wonder how Canadian parents are going to feel when Under Bill C-15 their 18 year olds are sentenced to TWO YEARS in jail for passing a joint (Trafficking) to a 17 year old friend. Bill C-15 takes away all discretion from judges and your precious little Johnny will be in the slammer for a Mandatory Minimum Sentence thanks to Stephen Harper and his punish happy "Justice" while at the same time Steve can sing about gettin' HIGH with his friends at an arts gala, the same thing Johnny did.

From: Calling the Tories Out on Bill C-15 - "The Politics of Fear"

"the Conservatives are intent to supply more "criminals" to fill all the new prisons they plan to build, and the only "evidence", which they failed to produce after repeated requests, is Canadians (all of us?) supposedly asked for Bill C-15. That's it."

FYI, right on the StatsCan Website you will find that crime in Canada has declined over the last 2 decades after its highest level in 1991. I feel that whenever the Tories have the heat on them they love to preach they're "Tough on Crime!" it's like Rudy Giuliani's "9-Eleven!".... The Tories are creating fear among the political apathetic - "Vote for us or you'll be a victim!"... "We're the only party who cares about crime!" .... Yeah, like other parties & people aren't concerned about crime... whatever Steve.

Look! Over there! A shiny thing!


"Incarcerex" - Harper and Nicholson love a good distraction. I'm sure Richard Colvin would agree.

*****

Bill C-15 is not dead - it's on life-support during the Harper prorogue. The Conservatives will be trying to revive this beastly legislation when parliament resumes, do your part to Kill Bill C-15 and put it out of its misery for good. Write your MP's and Canadian Senators to politely ask them to not pass Bill C-15. WhyProhibition.ca has a handy dandy e-mail form pre-addressed to all the Senators in each province for your convenience. Pass It to the Left.

*****

*STALL (from above)
The week of June 25th. senators voted to delay their decision regarding Bill C-15 by a 38-33 vote. Justice Minister Rob Nicholson ranted, accusing Liberal senators of blocking the Conservatives agenda. The following is an excerpt from a June 22nd. feature article from Cannabis Culture magazine:

Conservative Justice Minister Rob Nicholson lashed out at the Senate today, accusing them of blocking the Conservatives so called “law and order' agenda.

Nicholson specifically targeted the Senate for failing to act fast enough on C-15, the Conservatives' bill that includes mandatory minimum prison terms for drug offenses and has been almost universally criticized by criminal justice experts. The bill, which took more than 14 weeks to pass the House of Commons, has been in the Senate for less than two weeks and has already passed First Reading.

Despite the passing of the bill by Liberals in the house, Senate Liberals seem to be standing up to the Conservative bullying.

“They want to appear to be tough on crime,” Senate Opposition Leader James Cowan said. “If they were really serious about this, they would have introduced these bills at the beginning of the session and processed them through the House and gotten them to us before the end of the session.”

Cowan said other bills have taken several months to pass the House, but Nicholson is demanding they pass the Senate in only two or three days.

“We’re not going to be pushed into doing that,” Cowan said, suggesting the Conservatives are trying to distract attention away from the economy and the isotope shortage.

Critics of the bill say evidence overwhelming shows mandatory minimums simply don't work, can be extremely expensive to enforce, and cause more harm than good.

“Rob Nicholson has ignored the preponderance of scientific evidence and international experience, and now he is ignoring the Constitution”, said Kirk Tousaw, Executive Director of the Beyond Prohibition Foundation. “C-15 has profound implications for our criminal justice system and provincial budgets, the Senate has a constitutional obligation to study the implications of this bill, especially considering that the Conservatives did not.”

“For Rob Nicholson to attempt to push through a bill he could not produce a single piece of evidence to support is absurd”, (Marc) Emery said, “The Conservative Party may take it's cues from the Republicans, but thankfully, the Senate does not”. ~ Read the whole article here.

***

Of the 16 experts called to testify on C-15, 13 called for the outright dismissal of the bill. When prompted, the Conservatives declined to provide evidence for the bill, and instead accused the opposition of being soft on crime.

***

Update 2/2/2010: Well, well now, what's this we hear about Mr. Nicholson?

"Geneviève Breton, Mr. Nicholson's (Niagara Falls, Ont.) director of communications, said in an email to The Hill Times that the justice system and the drug world are different than they were 22 years ago, and therefore the government's response has also changed."

Hmmm.... but what about this? Just sayin'....

UPDATE #2, May 2010: Bill C-15 has been reintroduced as Bill S-10 by the HarperCONS, please read up on the new incarnation of this disastrous bill.

I also encourage you to read and bookmark this awesome blog, "Tracking the Politics of 'Crime' and Punishment in Canada - Commentary that aims to make sense of recent developments in the politics of 'crime' and punishment in the Canadian context", it really is top notch when it comes to the Tories and their favourite law n' order distractions.

A phenomenal informational post is "Crime' and Punishment Bills Represent 32% of Government Legislation Tabled This Parliamentary Session". It reads in part:

"The current minority Government of Canada has an ideological addiction to incarceration. Despite the known harms - economic, political and social - they turn to punishment in their time of need. The Conservative legislative agenda does not serve Canadians, it serves themselves."

And again, don't forget to stay updated at whyprohibition.ca and cannabisfacts.ca

Question Answered - Cannabis Fights Cancer

.


I responded in the comment section following the Baltimore Sun article: Not enough evidence that Cannabis has medical benefits?:

Well, of course there is always truth number 1 - the US blocks major studies wherever it can....

Read for yourself, and ask yourself how you feel about a possible cancer fighter being denied to us. Even if you have never lost someone to cancer, chances are you will, don't you want every option available to battle this insidious disease?

Pot Shrinks Tumors; Government Knew in '74

"In 1974 researchers learned that THC, the active chemical in marijuana, shrank or destroyed brain tumors in test mice. But the DEA quickly shut down the study and destroyed its results, which were never replicated -- until now."

".....The ominous part is that this isn't the first time scientists have discovered that THC shrinks tumors. In 1974 researchers at the Medical College of Virginia, who had been funded by the National Institute of Health to find evidence that marijuana damages the immune system, found instead that THC slowed the growth of three kinds of cancer in mice -- lung and breast cancer, and a virus-induced leukemia."

The DEA quickly shut down the Virginia study and all further cannabis/tumor research..."

Marijuana cures cancer – US government has known since 1974
"The term medical marijuana took on dramatic new meaning in February 2000 when researchers in Madrid announced they had destroyed incurable brain cancer tumors in rats by injecting them with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis."

"The Madrid study marks only the second time that THC has been administered to tumor-bearing animals; the first was a Virginia investigation 26 years ago. In both studies, the THC shrank or destroyed tumors in a majority of the test subjects."

Unlocking a Cure for Cancer - With Pot
Who could imagine that cannabis might one day offer hope as a cure for cancer? The United States government, that’s who.

For the past 30 years, U.S. officials have willfully ignored clinical research indicating that marijuana can inhibit the growth of certain type of malignant tumors. However, the recent publication of a trio of clinical studies and a pair of scientific reviews have effectively blown the lid off "Cancergate," and revealed that pot’s medical value may be far greater than ever presumed.

THE EMERGING EVIDENCE

Last year, five scientific journals published prominent articles trumpeting cannabinoids (compounds in marijuana) as potential anti-cancer agents.

These include:

• Clinical trial data published in January 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Society of Clinical Investigation that found cannabinoids significantly inhibit skin tumor growth in mice. Investigators of the study concluded, "The present data indicate that local cannabinoids administration may constitute an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer."
• Clinical trial data published in the March 2003 issue of The FASEB Journal that found that the "local administration of a non-psychoactive cannabinoid inhibits angiogenesis (tissue growth) of malignant gliomas (brain tumors)."
• A clinical review in the October 2003 issue of the prestigious journal Nature Reviews Cancer that concluded that cannabinoids’ "favorable drug safety profile" and proven ability to inhibit tumor growth make them desirable agents in the treatment of cancer. According to the review’s author, tumors inhibited by cannabinoids include: lung carcinoma, glioma, thyroid epithelioma, lymphoma/leukemia, skin carcinoma, uterus carcinoma, breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, and neuroblastoma (a malignant tumor originating in the autonomic nervous system or the adrenal medulla and occurring chiefly in infants and young children).
• Clinical trial data published in the November 2003 issue of the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics that found the administration of the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits the growth of human glioma cells both in vitro (e.g., a petri dish) and in animals in a dose-dependent manner. Investigators concluded, "Non-psychoactive CBD produce[s] a significant antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting a possible application of CBD as an antineoplastic agent (something which prevents the growth of malignant cells.)"
• And finally, a clinical review in the December 2003 issue of the journal Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets that summarized "the demonstrated antitumor actions of cannabinoids," and elaborated on "possible avenues for the future development of cannabinoids as antitumor agents."

AND SUBSEQUENT MEDIA BLACKOUT

Despite these stunning findings, media coverage of them in North America has been virtually non-existent. As noted by Richard Cowan, editor of the website MarijuanaNews.com, "The New York Times, The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times all ignored this story, even though its newsworthiness is indisputable: a benign substance occurring in nature destroys deadly brain tumors."

Why the media blackout? For starters, all of these studies were conducted overseas. And secondly, not one of them has been acknowledged by the U.S. government.

U.S. KNEW IN ’74... AND AGAIN IN ’96!

This wasn’t always the case. In fact, the first ever experiment documenting pot’s anti-tumor effects took place in 1974 at the Medical College of Virginia at the behest of the U.S. government. The results of that study, immortalized in an August 18, 1974 Washington Post newspaper feature, were that "THC slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and a virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36 percent."

Despite these favorable preliminary findings, U.S. government officials banished the study, and refused to fund any follow up research until conducting a similar – though secret – study in the mid-1990s. That study, conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program to the tune of $2 million concluded that mice and rats administered high doses of THC over long periods had greater protection against malignant tumors than untreated controls. However, rather than publicize their findings, government researchers shelved the results – which only became public one year later after a draft copy of its findings were leaked in 1997 to the journal AIDS Treatment News, which in turn forwarded the story to the national media.

Nevertheless, in the nearly eight years since the completion of the National Toxicology trial, the U.S. government has yet to fund a single additional study examining pot’s potential as an anti-cancer agent.

SCIENCE IGNORED NO MORE

Fortunately, researchers at Madrid, Spain’s Complutense University, School of Biology have generously picked up where U.S. researchers so abruptly left off. In 1998, the research team – led by investigator Manuel Guzman – discovered that THC can selectively induce program cell death in brain tumor cells without negatively impacting the surrounding healthy cells. Then in 2000, Guzman’s team reported in the journal Nature Medicine that injections of synthetic THC eradicated malignant gliomas (brain tumors) in one-third of treated rats, and prolonged life in another third by six weeks. A commentary to the study noted that the results were the first to convincingly demonstrate that cannabis-based treatments may successfully combat cancer. Read the whole article by Paul Armentano on Lew Rockwell. ~

Cannabis is the only medicine that needs special permission from the DEA to study in the US (Law Enforcement making medical decisions?). Read about the fight Dr. Lyle Craker has had to go through with the DEA.

For tonnes more proof that Cannabis is indeed medicinal, please read the articles: "International Researchers Reveal Medical Cannabis Breakthroughs!" (October 12, 2009) which actually ends with "I can only hope the mainstream media picks up on these scientific breakthroughs and lets the public know." and "The Miracle of Cannabis".

I have a stake in this fight, my Mother is battling Cancer, it started in her lung and has now travelled to her brain. I am furious and heart broken that her life, as well as the lives of millions of others are deemed worthless by our governments, all so they can continue the lies started in the 20' and 30's that "Marijuana (Anslinger's term - not mine, the proper medical term for the plant is Cannabis sativa L) is bad".

Yesterday I mentioned Medical Cannabis to someone, who immediately stated that she didn't agree with it because "it puts holes in your head". It saddened me that the prohibition propaganda machine is indeed working, but I will continue to write and rally and petition for the legalization of Cannabis, because someone I LOVE more than life itself deserves to have her life SAVED. She deserves to have every medicine, even if it is not a Big Pharma synthetic in her arsenal, and if a natural plant can help her then whatever ignorant words and laws politicians say and enact is non-existent in my consciousness.


"The Holy Grail of Cancer Research"

Addendum: Read more, educate yourself about cannabis research and also how to spot propaganda when you see and hear it.

To learn more about Cannabis fighting Cancer check out:

Google search "Cannabis inhibits cancer"

Published Study Shows How Cannabis Inhibits Brain Cancer

Medicinal Cannabis, Cancer and Rick Simpson by Jeffrey Dach MD

Cannabis Use with Cancer - : "... The real excitement comes with the growing evidence that cannabis may actually treat cancer by acting as a perfect chemotherapy medication which kills the cancer cells but not the healthy ones. Back in 1974, researchers at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond inadvertently found the THC slowed the growth of cancer cells in mice with cancer of the lung, breast and a virus-induced leukemia. Their funding ended since the original goal was to determine its harmful effects to the immune system. In 2000 Guzman and his research team in Madrid, Spain demonstrated that injected THC could shrink or destroy brain cell tumors (Glioma) in rats. The 1974 studies were never published and in recent years there has been little coverage in the U.S. about Guzman's work."...

Inhibition of Breast Cancer Aggressiveness by Cannabidiol

Marijuana and Lung Cancer: Another Marijuana Myth Goes Up in Smoke
Epidemiological data presented last May at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) concluding that smoking marijuana, even long-term, is not positively associated with increased incidence of lung-cancer, is just the latest in a long line of government claims regarding the alleged dangers of pot to go – pardon the pun – up in smoke.

Cannabis chemicals stop prostate cancer growth

Active Ingredient in Marijuana Kills Brain Cancer Cells

Pot Shows Promise as Cancer Cure

"Not familiar with clinical research about marijuana's potential anti-cancer properties? You're not alone."

Cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink, halts growth of blood vessels
"Researchers in Spain have discovered that a cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink by halting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumors with life. Cannabis has chemicals called cannabinoids, these are the chemicals that could effectively starve tumors to death, say the researchers. "

Cannabis Cures Cancer - "Run From The Cure" The Rick Simpson Story

Post Updated March 12th, 2010.

Jumping Back In

A Happy New Year to all my Awkward readers out there! I know I've been M.I.A. these past couple of months so here's a little rundown of the crazy end to 2009:

1. My Mom had her cancer surgery in November, she was a trooper and walked out of the hospital a week to the day after having half her lung removed. At 76 years old, the Doctors and Nurses were amazed with her recovery. Tough old Irish gals are hard to keep down! I spent 3 weeks with her while she recovered, I was due to spend some time in the home I grew up in. I hadn't been back so much since my Dad died 3 years ago as it had just felt too hard to be there without him, but for my Mom I'd do anything. My wonderful Husband did an awesome job holding things down on the homefront while I was gone and it was heartwarming to hear my kids tell me they missed me while I was away at Gramma's.

While the surgery went amazing, upon post-op testing we have now found out the cancer may have spread. She is now seeing 2 more specialists and will be commencing radiation treatments this week. I pray she can conquer cancer, maybe you can say a little prayer for her too. Her primary cancer doctor has also given her the go ahead to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card - he believes in it - Hallelujah! She's never tried Cannabis in her life but is willing to give the edibles a go - she wants to be around for her grandkids she says. *sigh...* ...cancer really is an evil bitch.

2. I had been so worried to distraction that I hadn't realized that the reason I was so extremely exhausted and was craving orange juice so bad was not because my blood sugar was out of whack, (which happens because of my PCOS) but because I was knocked up! Yes, my darling Hubby and I are blessed to be having another baby this July. We're all very excited and my Sons can't wait to find out if they are getting a sister or a brother. My 5 year old said he wonders if it will be a boy, girl, or madam. My 7 yr. old is hoping the baby is born on his birthday as my due date is only 4 days prior. I'm starting to feel better, but I gotta say November, December and nausea really kicked my ass!

3. My computer crashed. I only hope I will never have to deal with Dell Tech again! I'm back online now after about a month and minus the dollars I had to spend on a new hard drive. Give me a bit - I've got alot to catch up on - but I will be jumping back in.

I've decided to not do a 2009 review as right now I'm just thankful to be getting back into the swing of things. Life - its got its ups and downs and all arounds - but I guess that's what makes it interesting!

All the best to everyone in 2010, may it be Happy, Healthy and Hempy!

Pass It to The Left,

MaryJane