Presentations for the Second Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, held in Portland, Oregon - May 2-3 , 2002. Links are to full length on-line videos. Order as appears on DVD set.

Disc # 1:

1. Long term use of Medical Cannabis by Federal Legal Patients - In their Own Words  U.S. government-grown medical marijuana is sent to several patients remaining on the Investigational New Drugs program. In 2002, Elvy Musikka, George McMahon and Irvin Rosenfeld spoke at the Cannabis Therapeutics Conference in Portland, Oregon about their health and experience of 20 years using Medical Cannabis. Hosted by Mary Lynn Mathre, Patients Out of Time.

2. Chronic Cannabis Use Study (Missoula Study) - Ethan Russo, MD presents results of comprehensive physical examinations of four patients receiving U.S. Government-grown medical marijuana over a 20 year period. Even as the federal government calls for more research into medical marijuana, it has refused to study it's own patients, who receive monthly shipments of Cannabis though the Investigational New Drug (IND) Program. Patients Out of Time, hosts of the conference, knew this opportunity for good science shouldn't be missed, so it enlisted the help of doctors and researchers to perform physical and psychological tests on four of the legal patients: Elvy Musikka; Irvin Rosenfeld; George McMahon and a patient with multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Ethan Russo, primary investigator of the study, first presents patient demographics, medical conditions, and dosage levels, then he discusses the tests performed, including: MRI scans; chest x-rays and pulmonary function tests; neuro-psychological exams; endocrine and immune system tests.

3. Medical Cannabis in Canada - Chronic Pain Trial by Mark Ware, MD - Beginning with a history of medical marijuana in Canada, Dr. Mark Ware, associate medical director at McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, discusses methods of using Cannabis - concluding that pipes and vaporizers are superior to "joints".

Dr. Ware then outlines his pilot study of chronic neuropathic pain, calling for more research on benefits and risks of medical marijuana to satisfy medical profession's need for objective science - meeting the "challenges of applying modern scientific methodology to a sacred herb".

4. Cannabis for MS & Spinal Cord Injury, Richard Musty, PhD -

Professor Richard Musty, Pyschology, University of Vermont, presents studies confirming that Medical Cannabis (marijuana) reduces symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.

  5. Cannabinoids and Movement Disorders, Juan Sanchez-Ramos, PhD, MD - An expert in movement disorders like Parkinson's and Huntington's, Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos brings research on the cannabinoid system in brains of rats and humans. Presenting animated graphics on the distribution of cannabinoid receptor CB-1 in the Basal Ganglia, he then describes effects of cannabinoids on normal and abnormal movement. Dr. Sanchez-Ramos explores the re-discovery of cannabinoids as a treatment for movement disorders and their potential as neuroprotective agents, pointing out that N.I.H. holds a patent on neuroprotective uses of cannabinoids.

1. Cannabinoids in Neonatal Development & Pain, Ester Fride, PhD, MSc -

Professor Ester Fride, College of Judea and Samaria in Israel, explains the role of endocannabinoids, the "entourage effect" in the brain and their regulation of neonatal growth, feeding and presense in Mother's Milk. She also describes her work with colleague Raphael Mechoulam in Cannabinoids in pain management, with reductions in central and peripheral pain and the synergistic effect with opioids for analgesia.

2. Ajulemic Acid (CT-3), a Synthetic Cannabinoid, Sumner Burstein, PhD -

 Dr. Burstein, Univ.of Mass Medical School, considers CT-3, a non-psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid, could be treatment for MS, glaucoma, emesis and appetite control, also comparing it to morphine. Dr. Burstein concludes that "CT-3 shows potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models, with no adverse effects - even at dosages many times therapeutic levels".

3. Medical Cannabis Strains - Geoffrey Guy, MD (GW Pharmaceuticals, U.K) -

First discussing CB1 and CB2 receptors; the modulatory effect on dopamine, GABA and glutamate; and cross-talk with other receptors, Dr. Guy then examines Phyto-Cannabinoids (plant based) THC, CBD and others, with GW's success in producing whole extracts from 3 tons/ year of dried marijuana and years of genetic breeding to feature both high THC and high CBD strains. Extracts from these strains are then blended for efficacy and synergistic moderation of side-effects. Dr. Guy then reports on Phase 2 trials, with good results including an "excellent safety profile" and emerging Cannabinoid-Ratio-Specific therapeutic themes.

 4. Cannabis Use with AIDS Patients, Donald Abrams, MD -

After a brief history of marijuana as medicine, Dr. Abrams cites traditional Chinese medicine's preference of a whole natural herb to extracts, postulating several reasons why whole Cannabis is superior to Marinol (synthetic THC). In the early 1990's, Dr. Abrams asked the DEA to import Cannabis from Holland for trials with AIDS patients - denied. Again, for U.S. government-grown marijuana from Mississippi - denied. Then, in 1997, Dr. Abrams submitted a grant request to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for a study on potential toxicity of medical marijuana - this "safety" study was approved and began in 1998. Dr. Abrams fondly remembers his friend "Brownie Mary" Rathburn, whose compassionate volunteer work in San Francisco inspired many people.

 5. Medical Cannabis Providers in Oregon - Eugene Compassion Club - Todd Dalotto, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Eugene Compassion Club (a Patient Service Organization operating under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act) discusses challenges of getting medical marijuana to patients while staying within legal limits of OMMA. Options facilitated for patients by the Eugene Compassion Club:

1. Cultivation education and assistance; 2. Designated caregiver matching service 3. Sharing through the "Access to Excess" program, while on the "path to medicinal independence".

Todd also discusses most common medical conditions among Oregon's medical marijuana patients; reports of reductions of harmful prescription drugs and their side effects; and the success of medical marijuana in helping narcotic addicts to beat their addictions - calling marijuana a "gateway out of addiction".

Disc # 3 :

1. Cannabis Hemp Pests and Diseases, with Robert Clarke, BS - International Hemp Association member and Director of Pharmtex Consultants, Robert Clarke has studied Cannabis (marijuana) in U.S. and Amsterdam, The Netherlands, working with Hortapharm to develop reproducible strains for Medical Cannabis developers, like GW Pharmaceuticals. Co-author of "Rational Biological Control of Hemp Diseases and Pests", Clarke presents slide show of insect pests and natural solutions.

2. Medical Cannabis Historical Review, with David Bearman, MD - Dr. Bearman, of Goleta, CA, begins with ancient medicinal herbals in China and India, citing many uses for ganja(marijuana); then to Middle Ages, early America and extensive use of Cannabis in 18th century medicines; implementation of laws that restricted Cannabis as medicine; the "Reefer Madness" aspect and testimony at 1937 Marijuana Tax Act hearings; the inclusion of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970; findings of the Shaffer Commision in 1972; and the removal of Cannabis from the Investigational New Drugs program in 1991.

3. Anandamides & Glaucoma, David Pate, PhD, MSc -

Dr. Pate demonstrates that Anandamide, the "Bliss Molecule" naturally occurring in the body, has potential as an isolated compound to lower inter-ocular pressures. Also, Anandamide has neuronal protection properties: NMDA hyper-excitability blockade; Microcirculatory stimulation; Apoptosis suppression; Free-Radical scavenging; & TNF - alpha inhibition.

4. Transdermal Cannabinoid Patches, with Audra Stinchcomb, PhD -

Associate Professor at University of KY, College of Pharmacy, Dr. Stinchcomb describes research funded by the American Cancer Society for alternative dosage systems, specifically in appetite stimulation and chronic pain relief, with controlled release reducing side effects of Cannabinoid treatment.

5. Hemp Oil & Foods, with Mary Beth Augustine & Don Wirtshafter -

Intergrative Nutritionist Mary Beth Augustine,R.D. compares nutritional characteristics of Cannabis Hemp seed oil, rich in EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)necessary to a healthy diet, with other healthy plant oils. Then Don Wirtshafter, founder of the Ohio Hempery and co-author of the first Hempseed Cookbook, tells benefits to the economy and environment from hemp agriculture. Don then hands out hemp food samples to the audience at the 2002 Cannabis Therapeutics Conference in Portland, OR.

Disc # 4 :

1. Medical Cannabis for Pain in Oregon, with Stuart Rosenblum, MD - Presenting a clinical case study, "Medical Marijuana in Pain Management", Dr. Rosenblum, Director of a pain clinic, describes pilot study focusing on mood, pain and memory, working within Oregon's medical marijuana law.

2. Medical Cannabis Providers in California - Valerie Corral & WAMM - Co-Founder of the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM) in Santa Cruz, CA, Valerie Corral speaks to the Second Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics in Portland, OR, May, 2002. WAMM, a collective of patients and caregivers, was formed in 1993, especially to enable patients the means to grow their own medicine, with wheel chair accessible paths through the Cannabis garden. An epileptic herself, Valerie and her husband Mike developed strains of medical marijuana over a 27 year period and WAMM conducts research on the efficacy of these strains for different medical conditions, with a peer reviewed study in 2001.

WAMM conducts a "Hospice Caring Project" - meetings and volunteer efforts that are "transformative" to both patient and caregiver. Also, Valerie tells of political efforts WAMM has conducted in implementation of Prop. 215.

3. Medical Cannabis Providers in Canada - BC Compassion Club Society - Hillary Black, Founder and Co-Director of BCCCS in Vancouver, British Columbia, impresses conference attendees with the innovative programs that have made the BC Compassion Club respected by patients and government officials alike.By integrating natural health care in its wellness center with medical marijuana, BCCCS promotes a "holistic approach to healing and living".

Core values of BCCCS: Compassion; Diversity; Empowerment; Natural Health Care; & Alternative Solutions.

4. State Medical Marijuana Programs 2002 - California, Colorado & Hawaii - Moderated by Donald Topping, PhD, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, three states with Medical Cannabis programs are represented at the 2002 Clinical Cannabis Therapeutics Conference in Portland, Oregon.

First, Michael Aldrich, PhD, Executive Director of C.H.A.M.P.(Californians Helping Alleviate Medical Problems)describes problems in implementing and amending Proposition 215, which made medical marijuana legal in California. Dr. Aldrich oversaw changes to the law that allow a primary caregiver to be the director of a dispensary and he insists that decentralized growing and distribution is superior to a State-only system.

Then, Gail Kelsey, BS, registry administrator for Colorado's medical marijuana program (Amendment 20, backed by Coloradoans for Medical Rights, was ratified by the voters in Nov.2000), says progress is slow since the law was implemented in June, 2001.

Lastly, Pamela Lichty, BA MPF, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, describes problems implementing Hawaii's Medical Marijuana law, signed by Gov. Cayetano in June of 2000 and believes that apprehension by patients and physicians could be relieved by moving the program out of the Dept. of Public Safety (a law enforcement agency) and into the Dept. of Public Health.

5. Medical Cannabis in Hawaii, by William Wenner, MD - After educating himself about Medical Marijuana, Dr. Wenner, a surgeon with a background in addiction treatment, now legally recommends Cannabis to over 200 patients in Hawaii, involving chronic, severe pain; neuropathy; spinal cord injury; fibromyalgia and others.