February 17, 2006 - Is it not amazing how scientific research continues to show us all, almost at a weekly pace, something new and potentially therapeutic about the cannabis plant?

If a medical or biomedical explorer emerged from the jungle today with a plant that has numerous
therapeutic benefits, was non-toxic, is an excellent source of fiber, fuel and fabric, and could
possibly help medical patients worldwide with cancer, that person and plant would be cheered around the world.

Sadly, and with high irony, that plant does exist in our lives, it is called cannabis and possessing it in most of America will be met by fierce governmental opposition and intervention--not reward or recognition. However, it appears that science (and rational thinking) may just win the day here.

"Cannabinoids possess anticancer activity [and may] possibly represent a new class of anti-
cancer drugs that retard cancer growth, inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and the metastatic spreading of cancer cells." So concludes a comprehensive review published in the October 2005 issue of the scientific journal Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry.

Not familiar with the emerging body of research touting cannabis' ability to stave the spread of
certain types of cancers? You're not alone.

For over 30 years, US politicians and bureaucrats have systematically turned a blind eye to
scientific research indicating that marijuana may play a role in cancer prevention. Fortunately,
scientists overseas have generously picked up where US researchers so abruptly left off,
publishing dozens of studies on cannabinoids' anti-cancer properties in the past few years.

NORML highlights this research in a new report, "Cannabinoids As Cancer Hope," by NORML
Senior Policy Analyst Paul Armentano. You may read the full report and citations online at:
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6814