The number one physical problem with hashish, according to what appears to be Scientology (as opposed to Narconon), is the:
accumulation of toxins in the fatty tissues, brain, and sexual organs.
- from http://www.notodrugs-yestolife.org/page03.htm
Comment from Joe Cisar
"Accumulation of toxins in the fatty tissues" is a myth derived by L. Ron Hubbard (probably from the effects of certain pesticides) to promote Scientology's "Purification Rundown." It has absolutely nothing to do with hashish. Medical advice given by Hubbard or his followers is potentially dangerous to follow. It's nothing less than a sales gimmick. When Hubbard's medical advice does not work, as is known in advance it will not, it is anticipated that you will go to your nearest Scientology center, where hard-sales specialists will give you assurances that Hubbard's bad advice could not possibly have been bad, then try to sell you the next step in the Scientology "Bridge."
The following article has nothing to do with Scientology, but is presented to demonstrate that scientific testing of hashish and marijuana is taking place. The point is to show that no serious scientific testing has ever been done by Scientology for any other reason than to increase its own sales.
Zurich, Switzerland
January 10, 2000
SonntagsZeitungMedical researchers test Cannabis
The healing power of hemp is being widely test in Switzerland.
by Nik Walter
Cancer patients, partially paralyzed and people who suffer with multiple sclerosis (MS) can all be successfully treated to alleviate temporary unbearable pain if they drink hemp tea or smoke a joint. This illegal self-medication, as those in pain are aware, alleviates suffering. Cancer patients who could not eat anything suddenly get back their appetite and put on weight; partially paralyzed people and MS patients relax and have fewer muscle cramps; asthmatics, after a cup of hemp tea, can breathe more easily, and a joint helps many patients simply enjoy a sounder sleep.
According to studies, the addiction potential is minimal
The list of healing effects grows rather quickly. Therefore the medical researchers' interest in the hemp plant and its active ingredient, the so-called cannabinoids, is hardly a surprise. "Medicine should not ignore the potential good," said oncology chief doctor Thomas Cerny of the St. Gallen canton hospital. And pharmaceutics specialist Rudolf Brenneisen of Insel Hospital in Bern thinks that cannabis sativa is simply "the most fascinating medicinal plant I know of." It is also one of the safest. In contrast to aspirin or other "harmless" medications, not one fatal case is known that can be linked directly to the consumption of cannabis. Moreover, the addiction potential of cannabis, as shown by several studies, is minimal. However, the consumption of cannabis products here in Switzerland is prohibited, even for therapeutic purposes. This annoys Brenneisen, "It is inconceivable that a medication that helps patients has been criminalized." Brenneisen is regarded as one of the leading Swiss cannabis experts, and he is responsible for the multiple effects of the (still) illegal drug being clinically tested in research medicine. Altogether there are currently four studies being conducted in Switzerland to test the various aspects of the healing effects of cannabinoids, especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the prime ingredient.
- The study that has progressed the furthest is one on partially paralyzed people in the Basel rehabilitation clinic. There a team under chief doctor Ulrike Hagenbach is testing the use of THC for the relief of painful muscle cramps, called spasms. The study has not yet been concluded, but the cannabis report of the Federal Commission for Drug Issues has already mentioned "many promising first results" in May 1999.
- A similar study has been going on since March 2000 in the Bern clinic in Montana with a total of 50 MS patients. Under the overall control of the anthroposophically inclined European Institute for oncological and immunological Research in Berlin, clinic chief doctor Claude Vaney is testing a natural hemp extract produced by the Waleda company.
- Also in the scope of this study coordinated from Berlin, Thomas Cerny is administering either synthetically produced THC or the Weleda hemp extract to St. Gallen canton hospital cancer patients who suffered radical decreases in weight and loss of appetite. The study in progress is being conducted on a double blind basis as are the others. Neither the patients nor the doctors know who is getting THC, hemp extract or placebos.
- the effect of Marinol THC medication as a pain reliever is currently being tested by a team under Rudolf Brenneisen at the Bern Insel Hospital on 12 well people. The evaluation has not been concluded, and the results seem rather moderate, said Brenneisen, "Marinol is no miracle drug."
THC may be used in Switzerland only for research.
Unlike the USA for instance, where Marinol may be prescribed for loss of appetite and as an anti-nausea medication, THC products in Switzerland may be used only for research. In certain cases, such as for strong spasms, patients may apply to the federal department of health (BAG) for an exception. However, Marinol is very expensive. So MS patient P.M., who takes four capsules of Marinol every day (5 milligrams each) to relieve his cramps, has to hand over up to 60 franks a day (about 45 USD) for his daily dose. Fortunately health insurance covers about 90 percent of the cost. Otherwise he would have to follow the advice he once got from a doctor, "Go buy a joint!"
Several researchers trying out an inhaling device
Unlike P.M., many patients complain that Marinol taken orally does not have the same effect a joint does. That may be because natural cannabis contains many different ingredients, while Marinol contains only THC. Also, the way the ingredient gets into the blood stream may cause this. Unlike a joint, where the ingredients get into the blood very quickly through the lungs, oral medication takes much longer going through the stomach-intestinal tract. "Oral consumption is hard to calculate and is therefore not optimal," said Claude Vaney from Bern Clinic. This is really a sensitive issue for medical researchers. Many doctors know that a joint brings their patients relief, but for medical reasons they prescribe capsules; they do not want to prescribe smoking. Therefore many researchers, including a doctoral candidate under Rudolf Brenneisen, are trying out an inhalation spray. This, according to the stated goal, causes the ingredients to be taken into the lungs without the disadvantages of smoking. Brenneisen hopes the devices will be ready for clinical testing in one or two years.