Hundreds of thousands of patients benefit from the therapeutic effects of cannabis. But why is November 15th Medical Marijuana World Day? In which countries is medical research permitted? Medical Marijuana is here to stay.
The applications of cannabis in the health field have been well-known since time immemorial. Accepted in traditional Eastern medicine, only in recent decades has the plant been scientifically analyzed, which has led to the demonstration of the beneficial effects of cannabinoids in the treatment of serious diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, the antitumor effect in glioblastoma, its effective combination in chemotherapy treatments, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anti-inflammatory therapies, antioxidant, etc.
The development of cannabis-derived drugs is a fact that is already alleviating the symptoms of sick people in many countries around the world.
Why is November 15th Medical Marijuana World Day?
While World Cannabis Day is April 4th, it refers to the plant in general and is mainly recreational, but medical cannabis also had to have its day. Hundreds of cases of people who have been deprived of their medicine for being considered illegal, with cases that have resonated internationally like that of Robert Randall. Randall was the founder of the Therapeutic Cannabis Alliance and became the first legal cannabis user in the United States (after 1937). Randall used his medical need for this substance to treat his glaucoma as a legal defense when he was accused of illegal cannabis possession. The case “United States vs Randall” was the first case in which a medical user won a trial and the first time the need for a defense against crimes of marijuana possession or cultivation was brought to the table.
In 1994, a series of events occurred that determined the choice of date. On September 11 of that year, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) announced its new board of directors. This organization, created in 1970 in Washington, from the beginning promoted citizen participation in the repeal of cannabis prohibition. The new management included the participation of scientists and even a Nobel laureate (Kary Mullis, 1993 Chemistry). Some famous NORML members include Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson, Greta Gaines, Tommy Chong, and Hunter S. Thompson.
On September 17, the fifth NORML march for the legalization of marijuana in Boston took place. Newspapers echoed the news, emphasizing the fact that the legalization of medical marijuana was being delayed.
Meanwhile, in England, on September 19, the decision of the Liberal Democrats was elevated to be the first political party in UK history to support the legalization of cannabis. In Canada, a pro-legalization demonstration takes place in Place Berri, Montreal. The Quebec Anti-Prohibition League mobilizes more than 500 people. Seven of them are arrested by the police and accused of possession. It's October 2nd. Days later, Section 462.2 of the Canadian Criminal Code was overturned by Judge Ellen MacDonald, for being unconstitutional. This section was a censorship law that prohibited pro-cannabis advertising and any other literature or paraphernalia. The case was brought by Umberto Iorfida, spokesperson for Canada NORML.
The wave spread to Australia, where HEMP Australia and NORML Australia carried out mobilizations in the country's seven most important cities. A representative stated that the study carried out by the National Working Group on Cannabis showed that prohibition laws had failed and that 75% of the population was in favor of decriminalization and self-cultivation. It was October 20th.
On November 1, the Constitutional Court of Colombia abolished the law that prohibited the possession of one ounce (28.70g) of marijuana, hashish, or cocaine for self-consumption, alleging the right of individuals to personal development. The sale remains illegal.
On that day, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) demanded a legal opening from the US government for scientific research in the therapeutic field of cannabis. In turn, and taking into account the long chain of related events, they declared November 15th as International Medical Cannabis Day.
Sources: Cannabis.es and Canamo.cl
Article: www.comocultivo.com
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