In 2017, Canadian researchers also published
a study on 122 subjects in Vancouver over a
three-year period that found intentional use of
cannabis consumption to curb crack cocaine
cravings resulted in reduced usage.
"Given the substantial global burden of
morbidity and mortality attributable to crack
cocaine use disorders alongside a lack of
effective pharmacotherapies," the researchers
wrote in the journal Addictive Behaviours.
"We echo calls for rigorous experimental
research on cannabinoids as a potential
treatment for crack cocaine use disorders."
It all adds up to a timely re-evaluation of the
pro-prohibition argument as Canada prepares
to finally end that approach to cannabis after
nearly a century.
"Given the expansion of cannabis legalization
throughout North America, it is encouraging
that cannabis use was associated with slower
time to initiation of injection drug use in this
cohort,” the BC scientists concluded their
2018 study. "This finding challenges the view
of cannabis as a gateway substance that
precipitates the progression to using harder
and more addictive drugs."
Somewhere in America, there is a family, not unlike yours. They live in a house, just like yours.
It is filled with laughter, love, rubber balls bouncing off walls and children running up and down
stairs and halls. This house smells like Sunday pancakes and weekend barbecues. Just like yours.
Somewhere, in the middle of nowhere and right next door, a child is seizing. Time is running out.
Somewhere, a father spends countless hours in the basement growing hope. He is methodical,
scientific, and keeps meticulous records until he gets it just right. He’s a scientist, doctor, botanist
and pharmacist. He is an outlaw. Not because he wanted this. No one wants this life. Parents do
what is necessary to save their children. The love of a child is bigger and more powerful than any
law or government.
Somewhere, a child is one year seizure free. There will be no announcements. No celebrations.
Only quiet gratitude and knowing. No regrets.
By Nichole Montanez (USA) 2018