Big Pharma set to take over medical marijuana market

[RamboLiberal]

as the federal government is clamping down on medical marijuana dispensaries, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) may be set to give Big Pharma the clearance to take over the market.

In 2007, GW Pharmaceuticals announced that it partnered with Otsuka to bring "Sativex" -- or liquefied marijuana -- to the U.S. The companies recently completed Phase II efficacy and safety trials testing and began discussion with the FDA for Phase III testing. Phase III is generally thought to be the final step before the drug can be marketed in the U.S.

"GW Pharmaceuticals plc (AIM: GWP) today announces the initiation of the Phase III clinical trials programme of Sativex in the treatment of pain in patients with advanced cancer, who experience inadequate analgesia during optimized chronic opioid therapy," GW said in a statement. "This indication represents the initial target indication for Sativex in the United States."

Sativex is the brand name for a drug derived from cannabis sativa. It's an extract from the whole plant cannabis, not a synthetic compound. Even GW defines the drug (.pdf) as marijuana.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/04/20/big-pharma-set-to-take-over-medical-marijuana-market/

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. But marijuana is ...gasp..ILLEGAL!!!!

Man, this throws a whole new curve into the issue.

[truedelphi]

13. I first discovered research in accredited journals

Way back in the nineties. In that case, the research was published in a Journal of Neurology and had to do with easing the tremors and other problems faced by Multiple Sclerosis patients.

The Big Pharma Players are well aware that marijuana is very beneficial,
despite all the press releases they put out saying that it never has been known to have any beneficial effects on humans who are sick. Apparently the researchers at Big Pharma are unfamiliar with Chinese Pharmacopias that list the benefits of marijuana on women patients for cramps faced during menstruation, dating back some five thousand years.

In 2008, out of Italy, came valuable research that one cannibinoid in marijuana can tackle Staph - even Staph that is not responding to traditional antibiotics due to developed resistance. Another cannibinoid was found to wipe out the malarial spirochetes.

[dixiegrrrrl]

14. which is why so many people use it for prophylactic reasons.

:evilgrin:

[truedelphi]

21. Sounds about right! n/t

[JuniperLea]

2. I knew it!

They couldn't stop it, so they took it over!

The only thing is, now that Big Pharma is in on the game, it will be hard to keep people from growing their own.

[cyberpj]

3. We all knew this was coming, right? If it wasn't too late they would try the same with alcohol.

No. Don't take that herb. Take our pill!

[madrchsod]

4. people will still grow their own

and either use it themselves or sell it at a cheaper price than big pharma.

[Sonoman]

5. Sativex is generic, same high every time.

I have at least ten different varietals of this year's harvest. I can choose my buzz.

And I have access to dozens more. Why in the world would I be interested in some generic liquid? I don't know anyone who gives a shit about legal weed. In my town (Sonoma) the cops don't even care about possession unless you are doing something stupid.

Sonoman

[walldude]

16. Careful friend, you are talking about the reality here

and god forbid people learn that there are different types of pot, with different types of highs.

I always love when I read about how pot makes you lazy and unmotivated. One time I tried to inject a little reality and tell someone that it really depends on what kind of weed you are smoking. But you can't explain how a Sativa strain is a more uplifting lighter high and does not make you unmotivated. Or how certain Indica strains will make you melt into your couch.

You see non pot smokers know everything and we stoners are just dumb potheads. :toast:

[Sonoman]

20. Spot-on, walldude.

I actually remember that thread.

Maybe I could send you some fun for free.

Sonoman

[madrchsod]

19. must be nice...

but around here if you stay off the radar no one cares

[DCBob]

6. The was so so predictable.

ugh.

[fascisthunter]

7. yup!

[Donnachaidh]

8. they were waiting till Big Pharma could take it on -- this has always been the plan

The only reason it wasn't legal is because no one (ie elites) could figure out how to make money off of it.

[TheKentuckian]

11. I actually think the bigger reason for prohibition is hemp.

That is too many pockets. Combine plastics, oil, and textiles at least and you have a huge chunk of the economy looking to stifle competition.

This is a safety valve thing. They want to take the cancer patients and other desperate need medical relief to their side of the ledger.

Eventually this might be more widespread but they have to keep the game going, especially with the prison shenanigans and insanity nowadays.

[felix_numinous]

9. Making plant tinctures is simple,

but I bet they will charge a fortune for their 'magic formula'.

[drokhole]

10. This means war.

[Blue Owl]

12. How much you wanna bet they'll find dozens of toxic chemical additives to "enhance" the product.

:eyes:

[sarcasmo]

15. It will be legal once big pharma mass produces the THC pill.

[McDiggy]

18. Actually, THC capsules have been out for a while...

...it's called Marinol. It's FDA approved in cancer and AIDS patients for appetite stimulation and intractable nausea.

And Sativex has been out for quite some time in other countries, notably Canada. The FDA is just now getting around to approving it for the US market.

[WillyT]

17. K & R !!!

:kick: