Open Letter to Illinois Citizens - As submitted to the Chicago Tribune

Illinois is behind the curve in understanding marijuana

In response to the passing of HB 1 through the House on April 17th, even though so many states have already implemented medical cannabis laws, from my research, many people around Illinois simply don't know the facts.

I got involved with drug policy in 2010 by founding a chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy during my time at Northern Illinois University to foster open debate regarding the truth of controlled substances.  I spent three years trying to educate the public regarding the true nature of cannabis and its medical use, and from the comments alone on (the April 17th) article, many still don't know the value of cannabis.

As someone that has spent over three years studying articles, journals, and anything else scholarly regarding cannabis, little has made it to the mainstream media.  While there is abundant evidence that it helps with side effects related to serious diseases, there isn't a single scientific study going on regarding cannabis' ability to directly treat root causes.  That is due to the fact that the federal government refuses to permit these types of studies.  There are plenty of pre-clinical trials going on regarding cannabis' ability to reduce tumor growth, and more and more studies are popping up regarding cannabis' ability to effectively treat a number of diseases that have been historically difficult to treat.

While I personally have never treated anyone using cannabis, I have spent years researching those that have made such a claim.  I have read their books, watched their movies, read their blogs, and even for good measure interviewed them directly, most notably being Rick Simpson for his movie "Run From The Cure".  After each interview I wondered if they would ever get a scientific study dedicated to their claims.  Unfortunately, until the government releases its tight grip around controlling cannabis, these studies will not take place.

For those interested in getting educated regarding the current day research, there are a number of locations online that can be accessed.  The most important is the National Institute of Health page on Cancer and Cannabis (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4) , which echoes the argument that cannabis may prove to treat diseases directly, and not just side effects.  One of the leading researchers from inside this country, Dr. Robert Melameade, professor at University of Colorado, Colorado Spring, is featured in the documentary "What if Cannabis Cured Cancer," which also features some of the global leaders in cannabis science.  It is possibly the most informative documentary I have seen in my years as a drug policy activist.

Even though the scientific community refuses to acknowledge these arguments, it is only a matter of time before the science regarding theendocannabinoid system in uncovered.  Hopefully by then, the naysayers will have figured out how to effectively use cannabis to treat one or more of their ailments.

Jeremy Hartmann Orbach

NIU Students for Sensible Drug Policy Chapter Founder