No shocker here. I’m truly enjoying watching these corrupt fools lose this argument with the American people. :nannah:
Even as Americans are gradually embracing recreational use of Marijuana, its opponents are strongly against the drug’s use, either for medicinal or recreational purposes. Interestingly anti-marijuana advocates have been increasingly citing ‘expert opinions’ from academic researchers to curb the relaxation of norms that govern the consumption of marijuana. However, majority of the researchers who have advocated against legalizing pot have also been on the payroll of leading pharmaceutical firms with products that could be easily replaced by using marijuana.
Anti-marijuana advocates have always stressed that pot is too dangerous, risky, and untested. They have based these allegations on quotes by leading scientific researchers, but these ‘researchers’ have always been financially supported by leading pharmaceutical firms. Moreover, when these individuals have been quoted in the media, their drug-industry ties have not been revealed, reported Vice.
Dr. Herbert Kleber of Columbia University has impeccable academic credentials. He has been strongly advising against the use of marijuana, either as a prescription drug or as recreational substance. His theories have been widely published and quoted by leading publications. He has always stressed that marijuana is strongly addictive and a major cause of public health issues. However, what’s conveniently left unsaid is that Kleber has served as a paid consultant to leading prescription drug companies, including Purdue Pharma, Reckitt Benckiser and Alkermes.
His affiliations with these companies need to be categorically mentioned owning to the products these companies make and promote. Purdue Pharma makes OxyContin. Reckitt Benckiser produces Nurofen, a powerful and hugely popular painkiller and last but not least, Alkermes has recently come up with a powerful new opioid called Zohydro.
Dr. Kebler is ably joined by Dr. A. Eden Evins, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, who is a regular outspoken critic of efforts to legalize marijuana. She is a permanent board member of an anti-marijuana advocacy group called Project SAM. This group has been cited by leading media outlets criticizing the wave of new pot-related reforms. Openly criticizing the use of pot, she once told the Times,
“When people can go to a ‘clinic’ or ‘cafe’ and buy pot that creates the perception that it’s safeâ€
But it is vital to highlight that Eden has strong ties with Pfizer and DLA Piper. Moreover, she has received grant/research support from Envivo, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer. Another strong anti-marijuana advocate, Dr. Mark L. Kraus has served on the scientific advisory panel for painkiller companies such as Pfizer and Reckitt Benckiser in the year prior to his activism against the medical pot bill.
The painkiller market is a $7.3 billion behemoth. Marijuana is an organic alternative that proponents argue offers equal or better and longer-term relief from pain and anxiety. While few American states have started to allow use of marijuana for recreational purposes, will these opponents hinder broader-scale adoption of the natural product?
Free da weed, mon! :weedspin :Smokey: :weedspin