No Evidence That THC Is
Addictive Says Maker of Marinol
After 9 Month Study Including Law Enforcement
(Ed. note: This press release says that the
principle active ingredient in marijuana is not addictive, but says
"cannabis-dependent populations have demonstrated no interest in abuse of
Marinol." What if a report came out that said that "opium-dependent
populations demonstrated no interest in abuse of morphine?" Of course, that would not
happen because opiates are very physically addictive.
This announcement is actually strong evidence for two points. First, that
"cannabis dependence" is really a psychological compulsion, not a physical
addiction. Not party line. Second, that THC by itself is actually unpleasant for many
people. That is why it has a low "abuse potential" and also why it is not the
best medicine for people who are already depressed. Of course, THC is not the only
therapeutic agent in cannabis, so this means nothing for people who need an
anti-spasmotic, for example.
However, in that regard, I can hardly wait to see the results of the tests to use THC
for "the treatment of agitated behavior among people suffering from dementia."
I think that a lot of marijuana use by emotionally or mentally disturbed people is
actually attempted self-medication that should be directed rather than discouraged -- and
certainly not forbidden by law.
Remember, for a pharmaceutical to be approved, it does not have to be proven to be
effective for everyone. Marinol does work for some people. After it has been approved for
one use, it can generally be prescribed for anything.)
See
Perhaps The
Single Most Damning Article On Medical Marijuana Fiasco I Have Ever Read – Without
Intending To Be
and
British Firm To
Spend Huge Sums To Turn Medical Marijuana Into An Expensive Pharmaceutical While Arrests
Continue
June 17,1998
Company Press Release from Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
New Research Confirms Safe Use of Marinol®(dronabinol) for HIV and Cancer Conditions; No evidence of abuse or addiction reported by health or law enforcement
officials—
CHICAGO, June 17 /PRNewswire/ --
Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: UMED - news) announced today that San Francisco
researchers evaluating clinicians’ experiences with Marinol® (dronabinol) use have
found no observed cases of abuse among patients, confirming its safety in the treatment of
appetite loss in people with HIV, and vomiting and nausea in people with cancer. Study
findings were presented today by Sarah Calhoun, president and research director, Haight
Ashbury Free Clinics, Inc., San Francisco, in conjunction with the College of Problems of
Drug Dependency’s Annual Scientific Meeting being held in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Marinol® is the only legally-available synthetic form of THC, the primary psychoactive
component present in Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana). The new
Marinol® study, which was conducted nationwide over a nine-month period, included the
collection of experiences among researchers, physicians, addiction medicine specialists
and law enforcement personnel.
"This study can help allay the fears of some clinicians and patients who may be
worried about the dangers of using a product like Marinol®," Calhoun said. "We
feel this product has very low abuse potential."
Among the findings:
- There is no evidence of Marinol® substance abuse or diversion (transferring from legal
to illegal channels)
- Marinol® use remains within the therapeutic dosage range over time
- Cannabis-dependent populations have demonstrated no interest in abuse of Marinol®
- Based on information gathered from law enforcement officials in major cities throughout
the United States, there is no street market for Marinol® and no evidence of any
diversion of Marinol® for sale as a street drug
- Marinol® does not provide effects that are considered desirable in a drug of abuse
"This study is an important validation for the many patients who are currently
receiving clinical benefits from Marinol®," said Ronald Goode, Ph.D., president and
CEO, Unimed Pharmaceuticals.
"Unimed also seeks to extend its benefits with new
clinical trials to study Marinol® for the treatment of agitated behavior among people
suffering from dementia."
In addition to the evaluation of Marinol®, Unimed has completed patient enrollment in
its pivotal phase III clinical trial for Androgel® (testosterone gel), the first hormone
replacement gel to treat testosterone deficiency in younger men, and plans to file a new
drug application (NDA) in late 1998 or early 1999. Unimed also is conducting phase III
clinical trials of Andractim® (dihydrotestosterone gel) to treat older male testosterone
deficiency and plans an NDA filing in late 1999.
Unimed is an emerging, Chicago-area pharmaceutical company that develops and markets
pharmaceutical products to address unmet medical needs in endocrinology, urology,
hematology, oncology, HIV and other infectious diseases.
Unimed currently markets Marinol® as an appetite stimulant for
people living with HIV and antiemetic for people with cancer,
(Ed. note: A pill for people who are vomiting. No wonder they
need the DEA to sell it for them.)
Anadrol®-50 (oxymetholone) for the treatment of anemia, and Maxaquin®
(lomefloxacin HCl) for both complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections as well
as the treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
SOURCE: Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
More Quotes and News:Unimed Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:UMED
- news)
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