Letter: Medical Pot Offers Hope For Autistic Children

[Michael Komorn]

In the United States, and in Michigan, autism is growing. In fact, it is growing at such an alarming rate that it has just recently been identified as a significant public health issue, due to statistics provided by the Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, a nationwide federal program that tracks autism rates around the country.

 

Estimates show that autism rates have risen in every report since tracking began in 2002, from 1 in 150 in 2002 to 1 in 68 in 2010. There is not a cure, however, new studies show, autism can be treated.

 

Some 800 pages of research along with 75 peer review articles on cannabis as a viable option for the treatment of autism were recently gathered by Dr. Christian Bogner, a prominent pediatrician currently in practice with one of Metro Detroit’s largest health systems, and presented to LARA, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

 

This data is part of a new, thoroughly researched petition to add autism to the list of conditions, which can be treated with medical marijuana. On July 31 in Lansing, the Michigan Medical Marijuana Review Panel voted yes to recommending medical cannabis as a legal, permissible treatment for all autistic patients. This would include pediatric and juvenile patients under the age of 18 with approval from two physicians. That recommendation is currently being considered by Mike Zimmer, director of LARA, a Gov. Rick Snyder appointee. The fate of thousands of autistic children now rests in his hands.

 

It has been a long and difficult road. Initially, and despite what can only be described as overwhelming evidence, LARA, tasked with addressing petitions for new conditions, initially refused to hold a hearing or even consider the petition. As a result, attorneys Tim Knowlton and myself, the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, and Cannabis Patients United, sued LARA in Ingham County Court. It was only after nearly a year of litigation and foot dragging that LARA ceded its position. Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office “defended” LARA’s position by delaying for months, only yielding after the petitioner filed her brief with the court, days before oral arguments. Meanwhile, parents are treating their autistic children, typically orally in tandem with olive oil or other edible sources.

 

Today, we are at a crossroads. A pivotal moment in history.

 

All too often the issues regarding medical marijuana are politicized. What is at issue here is the right and desire of parents to protect and treat their children, without fear of breaking the law. What would each of us do for our children if similarly afflicted? In particular when there is medicine available that has already proven effective in treating epilepsy and autism? Our families should have choices. Michigan’s parents and their children should have hope.

 

Michael Komorn, president, Michigan Medical Marijuana Association

 

http://www.detroitne...ldren/32279201/

[Indigro]

I heard this afternoon on local NPR that administrator at LARA unilaterally overturned the petition to have autism added to the list, despite patient and parent advocacy, despite unanimous agreement of the panel, despite the efforts of Mr. Komorn in drafting the addition. And the 'reason' for the denial was a lack of scientific evidence and study on the matter, despite governmental efforts that prohibit such research and study. There wasn't a dedicated piece on the matter, just a tid bit of local news that got aired.

 

A little depressing.

 

I do have to contend that we have a very likely cause, and that these contributing factors have been known for decades... The unregulated and massive use of industrial and commercial chemicals in practically every product manufactured or consumed in thr American economy. The farce of our regulatory agencies in protecting American consumers (and children) from the vast economic empires of massive corporate entities. The only reason we do not have definitive study and proof of a causal link is because of the efforts by American corporate enterprises against such study. But the rise of the modern day chemical revolution has to have unintended consequences, and very likely it is a complex interplay of a myriad of industrial chemicals we are all constantly exposed to. 2cents.

 

Definitley a bad situation all the way around.

[bobandtorey]

Thank you

 

And the 'reason' for the denial was a lack of scientific evidence and study on the matter  <  Imo this sounds like the day of the Tax stamp back then as many here know you could use cannabis if

 

you had a Stamp but no one could buy the stamp same trick but different people 

 

P.S. Just  reading the reasons why it wasn't added you can tell who wrote it ....Billy Bong himself 

 

 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=MfghDPl5Cbk

Edited August 28, 2015 by bobandtorey

[bobandtorey]

Mike Zimmer

 

 

[t-pain]

Careful Bob, you run into slander if you post like that

[bobandtorey]

 

Satire is used in many works of literature to show foolishness or vice in humans, organizations, or even governments - it uses sarcasm, ridicule, or irony. For example, satire is often used to effect political or social change, or to prevent it.

Satire can be used in a part of a work or it can be used throughout an entire work.

[bobandtorey]

Careful Bob, you run into slander if you post like that

I am sorry next time i will think about it before i post i was just upset because of all the work others had to do i will give him another call Monday and talk to him

[t-pain]

http://reset.me/story/could-cannabis-treat-autism/