The Society for Neuroscience has recently shown how MMJ stimulates the same brain area as morphine to kill pain, but uses a different biochemical mechanism, one that avoids morphine's side effects of tolerance, dependence, withdrawal and nausea.
Other clinical studies have shown MMJ to be effective against nausea from chemotherapy. It has proven to be lifesaving as an appetite stimulant for patients with AIDS Wasting Syndrome.
Now that research is allowed, more studies are underway at the National Institute of Health, and The National Institute of Drug Abuse. We are starting to understand why people consistently report relief from using marijuana as medicine.
Club Mission - Out of Necessity
The Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Club is an expedient, emergency measure to provide MMJ to those suffering from conditions that MMJ can help. Proposition 215 permits patients to use MMJ but many particulars are confusing and there are gray areas regarding interpretation and implementation. Yet there are two things everyone can agree upon; these might serve as starting points:
1. Patients and doctors have a constitutional right to talk about marijuana, and open and free discussion about MMJ will lead to the best possible health care. Many patients have decreased their use of prescription drugs, avoiding unwanted adverse effects after trying MMJ.
2. Patients, with medical authorization, can grow their own plants for medicine, or if they are themselves unable to do so, a caregiver can do it for them. But for many it is impracticable to grow your medication. It is not easy to grow anything; you have to know your crop well, and be good at it. And where can one grow a marijuana plant these days? Certainly not in the backyard.
The Ukiah Club fills an urgent need to get MMJ to people who are suffering and want relief right now. The Club arranges for growing, processing, and dispensing until legal authorities can do so. Our mission is to answer a need in our community that would otherwise go unanswered, except on a criminal level. In other words, we offer a legal, safe, caring way for patients to get a medication. Otherwise, most would have to hang out in the street.
Peace in the Valley
The Ukiah Club is dedicated to honoring Proposition 215 in the most responsible way. Local authorities have supported the Club both explicitly and implicitly. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has taken a courageous and progressive step by unanimously passing a resolution in support of the voters and Prop. 215, and specifically in support of the Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Club. Local law enforcement has given us tacit approval by allowing us to stay open. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve the community. Many have expressed their gratitude and encouragement, and that has made it all worthwhile.
Now as we enter the new year, we would like to make a plea for peace. It is time to stop talking drug war, and talk peace. It starts with understanding and dialog.
Let's talk about marijuana as medicine. Let's bless the Earth it comes from. Let's pray for peace in our valley.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1998
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited