The LEAF Jan/Feb 2016 | Page 17

Cannabis…   Prohibition of Cannabis or hemp has thrown history and rationality out the window and replaced them with hardline ideology and brute force. Billions of people are unaware of the corrupt conflicts of interest that initiated and sustain the suppression of hemp. Those who disrespect the basic principles of human survival perpetuate artificial divisions. Persecution disguised as protection from evil. Fascist propaganda enforced by those who have a vested interest in petrochemicals. Media hype about the cost of drugs on society, but little  discussion  on  the  cost  of  the  ‘war  on  drugs’  in   social and economic terms. The war on hemp is purely political and has cost the world economy trillions of dollars in trying to enforce prohibition and the loss of industrial economic viability. Where is this approach taking us? Definition: Medicinal Cannabis (Medicinal Marijuana) Refers to the use of cannabis and its constituent cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), as medical therapy to treat disease or alleviate symptoms. The Cannabis plant has a history of medicinal use dating back thousands of years across many cultures. However, its usage in modern times is controversial. Cannabis is one of the most beneficial and therapeutically active substances known to man. Medical Cannabis refers to the use of the drug cannabis as a physicianrecommended herbal therapy, most notably as an antiemetic. Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 4,000 years. Writings from ancient India confirm that its psychoactive properties were recognised, and doctors used it for a variety of illnesses and ailments. These included a whole host of gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, headaches and as a pain reliever frequently used i n childbirth. Due to the prohibition of cannabis however; it's use as a medicine is restricted. Few herbs offer a wide variety of therapeutic applications like these: Relief of muscle spasms Relief of chronic pain Reduction in interlobular pressure inside the eye Suppression of nausea