The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has been called out on what seems to be hypocrisy.
Last week the federal agency declined to reclassify cannabis on the grounds that there is no proof that the plant has any medicinal value and that further testing would be needed to change this decision. Ironically, the DEA has fought the expansion of cannabis research for decades.
Advocates and patients were frustrated to find out that their testimonials are still considered nothing more than hearsay in the eyes of federal officials.
A new campaign on social media has been circulating that sheds light on the contradictory position federal authorities have taken when it comes to cannabis. Advocates are telling the DEA to “talk to the hand” as they post pictures of the number 6630507 written on their palms.
The number is a reference to a federal patent for cannabis from 1999 citing the plant’s “therapeutic benefits.” Advocates noticed the obvious contradiction of the federal government’s stance on cannabis.
The existence of the federal patent “proved there was ample evidence to support the medicinal aspects of cannabis — decades of research,” Amy Hilterbran, advocate and member of the cannabis industry told ATTN. “It proved that cannabis — cannabinoids — were medicinal and effective for numerous ailments, conditions, and that the plant was nontoxic, nonlethal.”
An abstract from the 1999 study was published in 2003. “The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia,” the abstract stated.
There are 25 states (and Washington D.C.) that have already recognized the medical benefits of cannabis. Democratic nominee for president, Hilary Clinton, has supported the idea of rescheduling cannabis.
