Cannabis Science: Can Cannabis-Based Drugs Slow the H1N1 'Swine Flu' Pandemic?

Chief Science Officer for CSI Dr. Melamede believes the potential for cannabinoids that naturally prevent excessive inflammatory immune responses is enormous.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - The World Health Organization declared a swine flu pandemic Thursday, raising its pandemic warning from phase 5 to 6, making swine flu the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.

Now that H1N1 "Swine Flu" has been elevated to pandemic status, with reports of outbreaks in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, San Francisco, USA-based Cannabis Science Inc. (OTCBB: CBIS.OB) CEO Steven Kubby urges public health officials around the world to "take medical cannabis seriously."

According to the company, which specializes in cannabis research and development for medical purposes, the world may have at its disposal a means of combating the affects of this deadly disease.

Dr. Robert J. Melamede, Director and Chief Science Officer for CSI reports, "Research into use of whole cannabis extracts and multi-cannabinoid compounds has provided the scientific rationale for medical marijuana’s efficacy in treating some of the most troubling diseases mankind now faces, including infectious diseases such as the flu and HIV, autoimmune diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and diabetes, neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, stroke and brain injury, as well as numerous forms of cancer."

Dr. Melamede went on to say, "The high lethality of some strains of flu can be attributed to the excessive inflammatory response driven by Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). Endocannabinoids are nature’s way of controlling TNF activity. Phytocannabinoids can mimic the natural endocannabinoids to prevent excessive inflammatory immune responses."

Upon hearing that WHO had elevated the swine flu to pandemic status, CSI's CEO Steve Kubby said, "Governments all over the world ought to seriously consider the advantages of medical cannabis."

On Wednesday, WHO said 74 countries had reported nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths.

There are over 90 confirmed cases in the United States, with reports of infections in 11 states, and one U.S. fatality, a 23 month old child in Texas. Symptoms include a high fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat and severe respiratory congestion.

Chief Science Officer for CSI Dr. Melamede believes the potential for cannabinoids that naturally prevent excessive inflammatory immune responses is enormous.

He stated, "Based upon recent discoveries regarding the role that endocannabinoid system plays in maintaining human health, we may have a unique solution to the looming threat posed by deadly influenza strains that we believe, if implemented, could save millions of lives."

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gp June 17, 2009 3:35 pm (Pacific time)

correction of previous comment-"Some have been strong and healthy young people, exactly those who seasonal flu goes easiest on."..... the following from the current NEJM "...3 months to 81 years, but 60% were 18 years of age or younger. This age distribution is typical for seasonal influenza; schoolchildren are the group with the highest rates of influenza, and they spread the virus to household contacts."

gp June 17, 2009 2:08 pm (Pacific time)

The swine flu does not always present with a fever and the symptoms vary in severity. Sometimes mild and sometimes severe the prime victims during this first wave seem to be those between 5 and 20. Not all of the deaths have included people with underlying conditions ( underlying conditions are heart disease, asthma, history of smoking, being immuno-compromised, pregnant and on chemo therapy as well as other diseases and disorders. Some have been strong and healthy young people, exactly those who seasonal flu goes easiest on. It is advisable for everyone to think about what they would do if the health system collapses under the burdan of the pandemic. Already there are reports of nurses and other medical workers suffering burn out and lack of adequate masks, swabs and tamilflu. So, if you are interested in stocking up on home remedies and antipyretics and other necessary items you might want to look at the excellent information on FluTrackers.com which also has info on caring for people with the flu, danger signs and symptoms the indicate need to seek medical help, how to stock up in case the transportation system fails and we don't have normal supplies in stores and so on. This flu will likely cause half the population to become infected to some degree or another. Be prepared.

June 16, 2009 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

marijuana probably does help...that is the reason it is illegal...when are people going to understand what is happening? Baxter Corp recently sent a vaccine to many countries that had a live bird flu in it. It was caught by a concerned country. It would have killed millions. Now, Baxter is in charge of this new vaccine. Bet ya didnt know that huh? In 1976, we had a flu virus, the vaccine killed more people than the flu itself. Turn off your tv. I did about a year ago, and I am a new person. I am no longer a slave to the mainstream media misinformation.

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