NORML Weekly Press Release

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Ste. 710
Washington, DC 20036
202-483-8751 (p)
202-483-0057 (f)
www.norml.org
foundation@norml.org


March 9, 2000

Researchers Link Marijuana And The Suppression Of Multiple Sclerosis

    London, England: Researchers at the University College of London have 
found a link between marijuana and the suppression of multiple sclerosis. 
    The research, led by David Baker, studied mice suffering from chronic 
allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal autoimmune model for multiple 
sclerosis, and said a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 
ameliorated the mice's symptoms by reducing tremors and spasticity. The 
compounds injected into the mice stimulated Cannabinoid receptors on the 
surface of nerve cells.
    Testing on humans has not begun, but the results from this latest study 
are encouraging.
    "This lends credence to the anecdotal reports that some people with 
multiple sclerosis have said that cannabis can help control these 
distressing symptoms," said Lorna Layward, one of the study's authors and 
head of research at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and 
Northern Ireland.
    "This study is reassuring to anyone who is a recreational user and also 
has multiple sclerosis," said multiple sclerosis specialist Denis J. 
Petro, M.D.
    For more information, please contact Denis Petro, M.D. at (703) 528-2647.


Hawaii House and Senate Pass Separate Medical Marijuana Bills

    Honolulu, HI: Separate medical marijuana bills in the Hawaii Senate and 
House passed this past Tuesday. Both bills are now awaiting committee 
designations in the opposite chambers. 
    House Bill 1157 and Senate Bill 862 would both allow for the 
acquisition, possession, cultivation, distribution, transportation and 
the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Patients would be allowed to 
possess up to 10.5 ounces of marijuana. 
    The legislation would allow for the medical use of marijuana with a 
doctor's recommendation, for patients who suffer from such medical 
conditions as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, a chronic or debilitating 
disease, wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe 
muscle spasms including multiple sclerosis, or any other medical 
condition approved by the department of health.
    The Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (D-District 14) 
passed by one vote (13-12) and the House bill sponsored by Rep. Calvin 
Say (D-District 18) passed 32-18. Gov. Ben Cayetano has said he favors 
medical marijuana so a veto is unlikely.
    "It is encouraging that state legislatures are beginning to approve the 
medical use of marijuana," said Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director. 
"With polls showing 73 percent approval nationwide for medical use, 
elected officials are finally listening to their constituents."
    For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Executive 
Director at (202) 483-5500; Donald Topping, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii 
President at (808) 988-4386. To view SB 862 or HB 1157 visit: 
www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/docs.asp?press1=docs


Industrial Hemp Legislation Introduced In Kentucky

    Frankfort, KY: A bill has been introduced in the Kentucky House of 
Representatives which would legalize industrial hemp cultivation and 
establish an ongoing study of the crop's potential.
    House Bill 855, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barrows (D-District 56) and Rep. 
Roger Thomas (D-District 21), is now in the House Agriculture and Small 
Business Committee. The bill would require the Kentucky Agricultural 
Department to license hemp farmers and inspect industrial hemp crops to 
ensure the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels will be less than one 
percent.
    Because tobacco acreage has declined by 65 percent over the last two 
years, supporters of the bill suggest that farmers who grow industrial 
hemp could benefit tremendously from the crop. They also look to a 1998 
University of Kentucky study that determined a legal hemp industry could 
reap hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars. 
    "We're at a point in time with our agricultural economy that I think 
it's time for this bill," Barrows said. 
    For more information, please contact Scott Colvin, NORML Publications 
Director at (202) 483-5500;  Rep. Joe Barrows at (606) 873-9768; or Rep. 
Roger Thomas at (270) 563-4576. To view HB 855 visit: 
http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/00rs/HB855.htm.


NORML Launches Radio Ad Campaign In New Mexico

    Washington, DC: NORML launched a radio advertising campaign in Santa Fe 
and Albuquerque this week, stating "Every 54 seconds another American is 
arrested for smoking marijuana...Governor Gary Johnson is right; it's 
time we stopped arresting adults who smoke marijuana responsibly."
    The ad is intended to build support for Gov. Johnson's call to legalize 
marijuana, citing the failed drug war and the absurdity of arresting 
otherwise law abiding marijuana smokers. Listeners are encouraged to 
visit NORML's website (www.norml.org) where they can contact the governor 
and state and federal legislators. They are also referred to NORML's new 
state affiliate in New Mexico. 
    NORML will soon be providing similar public service announcements to 
radio stations around the country.
    For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Executive 
Director at (202) 483-5500. 

-End-


Las Vegas NORML
P.O. Box 34473
Las Vegas, NV 89133
Ph: (702) 380-7869
www.lvnorml.com

                  |                           
                 |.|
                 |.|                 
                |\./|              
                |\./|
 .              |\./|               .  
 \^.\          |\\.//|          /.^/   
  \--.|\       |\\.//|       /|.--/    
    \--.| \    |\\.//|    / |.--/      
     \---.|\    |\./|    /|.---/       
        \--.|\  |\./|  /|.--/
           \ .\  |.|  /. /              
 _ -_^_^_^_-  \ \\ // /  -_^_^_^_- _   
   - -/_/_/- ^ ^ |  ^ ^ -\_\_\- -
                   |                   
                   I
                   \

• Crazy Atheist Libertarian
• Government Snitch?????
• David Dorn
• Fat Blond Guy
• Crazy Atheist