Anthropology

The link between drug policy and access to medicines

Harmful drug use is certainly a public health problem, but in many countries, drug control policies lean too heavily towards limiting access to medicines for which patients have a legitimate and urgent need.

Drug policy can undermine research that could uncover the medical value of many substances. For example, cannabis and related compounds known as cannabinoids have been shown to treat childhood epilepsy, and relieve pain and nausea associated with cancer and chemotherapy. But the use, sale, and production of medical cannabis remain overly regulated or even unlawful in many countries, and research on their benefits restricted…Some indigenous peoples have centuries-old traditions that involve ritual or therapeutic use of plant-based psychotropics, including psychedelic substances such as ayahuasca and peyote. Research into the medical benefits of these substances is similarly nonexistent or heavily restricted in most countries.

Original Article (Open Society):
The Link Between Drug Policy and Access to Medicines
Artwork Fair Use: Hubertl

Anthropology

Hemp flowing…

Anthropology

There will be oil

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Cannabis goes green

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