Mullaways Medical Cannabis founder Tony Bower on channel 10's The Project

Save Marty from Cancer

Marty is fighting with stage 4 lung cancer that has metastasis to other part of her body. We are simply trying to round up funds to try any method and alternative treatments available to us out there and not just give up. Please help Marty by visiting their Facebook page and donating so that she can live.

Save Marty from Cancer

Medicinal Alchemy - Cannabis Concentrates Tutorial - Amber Glass, Budder, Shatter, Jolly, Honeycomb, Earwax Hashish- Dogon Sirius LLC

 Did You Know?
* Co2 & oxygen extraction techniques do not necessarily yield the best medical cannabis concentrates and extracts.
* Approx. 75% of BHO is composed of fats, waxes, lipids & solids which provide no medical use and can actually be carcinogenic.
* Most medical cannabis concentrates available are full of these same impurities.
* Most medical cannabis concentrates are not fully purged and contain residual solvents which may result in
harsh taste and unhealthy, adverse side effects.
* Approx. 75% of all dollars spent on cannabis concentrate medicine is wasted due to these very simple facts.
 PLEASE VISIT:
Medicinal Alchemy - Cannabis Concentrates Tutorial - Amber Glass, Budder, Shatter, Jolly, Honeycomb, Earwax Hashish- Dogon Sirius LLC

Strong case for legal cannabis in Australia

THERE are many Tasmanians who grow, use and even sell cannabis.

They should not in any way be considered to be acting criminally in doing so because when it comes to cannabis the law is truly an ass with a capital A.

Cannabis should be able to be grown by individuals and businesses. They should have the right to sell their product to manufacturers and distributors, and pharmacists ought to be able to dispense it.

If this happened, thousands of Tasmanians who suffer chronic pain would not have to fear jackbooted police officers raiding their backyards.

And the cannabis which is not used for medical purposes ought to be available to those who want to smoke it.

Just as we allow alcohol to be sold via bottle shops and hotels, and cigarettes through any number of retail outlets, we should allow Tasmanians the right to buy cannabis.

The anti-cannabis brigade, which these days consists of gutless politicians fearful of right-wing media and interest group reactions, and a few police officers stuck in the dark ages on drugs, could not complain about the establishment of a regulated cannabis market. Such a market is a means of ensuring product quality control and taxation.

The California Medical Association, the doctors' union in that state, has recently published a paper on cannabis regulation. The paper's observations are applicable to Tasmania. For example, the comment that "unregulated cannabis continues to be easily accessible, often at low cost", despite the prohibition policies of government is something that we can safely say is the case in Tasmania.

The CMA notes that cannabis can be effective in the treatment of pain, nausea, anorexia and other conditions but it also observes that in the current unregulated market, which politicians sanction in places like Tasmania, the quality and supply issues are variable so that cannabis can cause addiction, memory loss, psychotic disorders and reproductive risks.

Because cannabis is illegal, medical researchers have great difficulty in working on programs to help enhance the positive effects of cannabis on users.

Politicians in Tasmania and other jurisdictions that refuse to allow cannabis to be classified as a drug like alcohol are, in the words of the CMA, perpetuating "the effective prohibition of clinical research on the properties of cannabis and [preventing] the development of state and national standards governing the cultivation, manufacture, and labelling of cannabis products, similar to those governing food, tobacco and alcohol products".

The research that is being carried out is producing promising results. The Daily Mail reported on October 7 that a team from Temple University in Philadelphia have released results of research demonstrating that cannabis stops nerve pain caused by a drug used in chemotherapy.

In fact it is downright bizarre that governments allow tobacco to be sold but not cannabis.

Scott Shane, of Case Western Reserve University, argues not "only does the government's approach make it difficult for people who need physician-prescribed marijuana to get the treatments they need, imposing pain and hardship, but the approach is also backwards. The government supports the sale of cigarettes, which cause cancer, but discourages the sale of medical marijuana, which is used to manage the side effects of the chemotherapy that these cancer patients must endure".

This state of affairs cannot be justified on health or broader public policy grounds. Further, there is an economic opportunity going begging because of the policy of prohibition.

There is an Australian market for cannabis as a recreational drug and as a drug of value in alleviation of pain.

Instead of spending millions of dollars in laughable prosecutions of people who grow, use and sell cannabis, why not use that money to regulate the market?

We do it with alcohol and, in fact, with all food and beverages -- despite the fact that alcohol and some foods cause us damage to our health if used inappropriately. Why should cannabis be treated any differently?

Tasmania, with its ample supply of land and water, is an ideal place for the growth of a legal and regulated cannabis industry.

We grow poppies in this state for the pharmaceutical industry and have done successfully for a number of years, despite security risks.

Why don't we do the same with cannabis when it so clearly is in the community's interests to stop prohibition and allow for the production and sale of a socially useful product?

The refusal by policy makers and law enforcement agencies to allow for the development of a legal cannabis market is based on prejudice and stupidity.

It makes no scientific sense and it condemns millions of people to a life lived in pain. Tasmania should become the first Australian jurisdiction to end this nonsense. 

Source:

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/10/31/273121_opinion.html

Cannabis Science Releases First Cannabis-Extract-Based Formulation Available Now at Cannabis Therapeutics

Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTCBB: CBIS), a pioneering US biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to announce the successful release of the first Cannabis Science brand formulation. The Company has been receiving a constant flow of inquires via its website, emails, and telephone calls for cannabis-extract based medicines. For example, cancer patients seeking extract-based formulations for topical or internal use have frequently contacted Cannabis Science. Manufacturing and packaging has been completed and is now available through Cannabis Therapeutics for patient usage.

Cannabis Therapeutics
www.cannabistherapeutics.net
907 E Fillmore St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 633-7124

In light of the accumulating anecdotal reports of the successful cancer treatments with cannabis extracts, the Company will continue to keep patients updated on current peer-reviewed scientific literature supporting the historical and modern use of cannabis to treat "tumors”. Unlike conventional treatment, cannabis medicines have an outstanding safety profile allowing patients in states with medical marijuana laws to safely make informed decisions to legally self-administration of various cannabis-based preparations.

The first Cannabis Science Brand extract-based formulation is comprised of high quality oil packaged in oral dispensing syringes for patient self-administration for treatment. This is a critical milestone for the Company in bringing its first formulation to market. Other formulations will be made available soon to medical marijuana patients in Colorado through the Company’s vetted dispensaries. The Company’s intent is to work with specially appointed legal providers and laboratories to expand the availability of its formulations across the United States where legally available.
Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of pharmaceutical grade medical marijuana research and development. The first formulations will address the needs of patients choosing to use concentrated cannabis extracts to treat their ailments. Eventually, all Americans will have access to a safe and effective FDA approved medicine regardless of which state they live in. To maintain that marijuana is a dangerous, addictive drug with no medical value is scientifically absurd. Cannabis medicines, with no effective lethal dose, are far safer than aspirin, acetaminophen, and most other OTC drugs that kill thousands of Americans every year.
The Company works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. In sum, we are dedicated to the creation of cannabis-based medicines, both with and without psychoactive properties, to treat disease and the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance.
Forward Looking Statements; This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.

Source: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/10/27/3603065/cannabis-science-releases-first.html#ixzz1c4ZFy6W4

Cannabis an illegal Cancer Cure = Genocide!

Reposted due to earlier error

Are the figures for schizophrenia going up, as those for cannabis users certainly are. ABC NEWS

 Robyn Williams: A few weeks ago in this program we kicked off a row about dope, Cannabis actually. Does it trigger psychosis or even schizophrenia in heavy users? And are the figures for schizophrenia going up, as those for cannabis users certainly are.

Well, you'd think that's a straightforward question, but no, we found there's disagreement about statistics and their significance.

The same can be heard in the Health Report nearly every week. Yes, avoid coffee or fructose, or cholesterol, or red meat because the stats are worrying. And then Norman Swan talks to ten professors about how the significance of the figures may be in doubt.

So, what do we do? Give up? Well no, instead listen to Professor Geoff Cumming of La Trobe University in Melbourne, who has a book on The New Statistics.

Listen or read full article at  http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/stories/2011/3333636.htm

Cannabis Science Brand Products To Be Released October 2011 - Successful Cancer Treatments With Cannabis Extracts

DENVER, Sep 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cannabis Science, Inc. CBIS , a pioneering US biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to announce shareholder guidance on the upcoming release of the first Cannabis Science brand of products. Cannabis extract-based products will initially be made available to licensed medical marijuana patients in Colorado. The Company is excited to announce that its proprietary brand of pharmaceutical products is nearing commercialization.

It is expected that in October 2011, Cannabis Science will contract the production and manufacturing of its branded products for distribution and sale through selected Colorado State licensed dispensaries. The first products will address the needs of patients choosing to use concentrated cannabis extracts to treat their ailments. For example, Cannabis Science has frequently been contacted by cancer patients seeking extract-based formulations for topical or internal use. Cannabis Science is responding to these patient requests for quality products. In the very near future, Cannabis Science will announce details of availability.

In light of the accumulating anecdotal reports of the successful cancer treatments with cannabis extracts, the Company will continue to keep patients updated on current peer-reviewed scientific literature supporting the historical and modern use of cannabis to treat "tumors". Unlike conventional methods, cannabis medicines have an outstanding safety profile allowing patients in states with medical marijuana laws to safely make informed decisions to legally self-administration of various cannabis-based preparations.

Dr. Robert Melamede Ph.D., Cannabis Science president & CEO, stated, "Based on our continued commitment to educate people about the medical value of cannabis, and increasing shareholder value with revenues, releasing these products is a natural progression for us as the world has it's cannabis awakening. Cannabis Science believes everyone has the right to fair and equal access to cannabis-based treatments worldwide.

We believe marijuana prohibition is unconstitutional. It denies people Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Additionally, furthermore, the current legal status violates the equal protection clause. People have legal access to cannabis-based medicines in some states, while others are criminal for using their medicine. Cannabis Science will remedy this situation through educating the masses and by taking our cannabis-based products through the FDA process for nationwide distribution. Eventually, all Americans will have access to a safe and effective FDA approved medicine regardless of which state they live in. To maintain that marijuana is a dangerous, addictive drug with no medical value is scientifically absurd. Cannabis medicines, with no effective lethal dose, are far safer than aspirin, acetaminophen, and most other OTC drugs that kill thousands of Americans every year.

About Cannabis Science, Inc.

Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of pharmaceutical grade medical marijuana research and development. The Company works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. In sum, we are dedicated to the creation of cannabis-based medicines, both with and without psychoactive properties, to treat disease and the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance.

Forward Looking Statements; This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Cannabis Science, Inc.

Cannabis Science Inc.
Robert Kane
Investor Relations Management
info@cannabisscience.com

The Fountain of Youth: Researchers Identify Mechanism That Seems to Protect Brain from Aging

 copyright University of Bonn

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Mainz have discovered a mechanism that seems to protect the brain from aging. In experiments with mice, they switched off the cannabinoid-1 receptor. As a consequence, the animals showed signs of degeneration -- as seen in people with dementia -- much faster.

The research results are presented in a current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Humans are getting older and older, and the number of people with dementia is increasing. The factors controlling degeneration of the brain are still mostly unknown. However, researchers assume that factors such as stress, accumulation of toxic waste products as well as inflammation accelerate aging. But, vice versa, there are also mechanisms that can -- like a bodyguard -- protect the brain from degenerating, or repair defective structures.

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Mainz have now discovered a hitherto unknown function of the cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1). A receptor is a protein that can bind to other substances, triggering a chain of signals. Cannabinoids such as THC -- the active agent in cannabis sativa -- and endocannabinoids formed by the body bind to the CB1 receptors. The existence of this receptor is also the reason for the intoxicating effect of hashish and marijuana.

Not only does the CB1 receptor have an addictive potential, but it also plays a role in the degeneration of the brain. "If we switch off the receptor using gene technology, mouse brains age much faster," said Önder Albayram, principal author of the publication and a doctoral student on the team of Professor Dr. Andreas Zimmer from the Institut für Molekulare Psychiatrie at the University of Bonn. "This means that the CB1 signal system has a protective effect for nerve cells."

Mice prove their brain power in a pool

The researchers studied mice in different age categories -- young six week old animals, middle-aged ones at five months, and those of an advanced age at 12 months. The animals had to master various tasks -- first, they had to find a submerged platform in the pool. Once the mice knew its location, the platform was moved, and the animals had to find it again. This was how the researchers tested how well the rodents learned and remembered.

The animals in which the CB1 receptor had been switched off (the knock-out mice) clearly differed from their kind. "The knock-out mice showed clearly diminished learning and memory capacity," said Privatdozent Dr. Andras Bilkei-Gorzo from Professor Zimmer's team, who led the study. So, animals that did not have the receptor were less successful in their search for the platform. "In addition, they showed a clear loss of nerve cells in the hippocampus," he explained further. This part of the brain is the central area for forming and storing information. In addition, the researchers found inflammation processes in the brain. As the mice advanced in age, the degenerative processes became increasingly noticeable.

Amazing parallels with the human brain

The animals with the intact CB1 receptor, to the contrary, did clearly better with regard to their learning and memory capabilities, as well as the health of their nerve cells. "The root cause of aging is one of the secrets of life," commented Albayram. This study has begun to open the door to solving this enigma. The processes in the mouse brains have a surprising number of parallels with age-related changes in human brains. So, the endocannabinoid system may also present a protective mechanism in the aging of the human brain.

The principal author cautioned, "This will require additional research." The scientists would like to better understand the mechanism by which CB1 receptors protect the brain from inflammation processes. And based on these signal chains, it might then be possible to develop substances for new therapies. ScienceDaily (July 13, 2011) — http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712093856.htm

US National Cancer Institute Updates, Confirm Successful Cancer Treatments with Medical Cannabis - Encod.org

Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTCBB:CBIS), a pioneering US biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to report a government released update on cancer treatments using medical cannabis (marijuana)

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional and cancer.gov, updated March 17, 2011, summarizing how the treatment of cancer with cannabinoids goes beyond the simple treatment of symptoms and side effects by exhibiting possible direct anti tumor activities.

“In the practice of integrative oncology, the health care provider may recommend medicinal Cannabis not only for symptom management but also for its possible direct antitumor effect.”

This summary contains the following key information:

• Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years prior to its current status as an illegal substance.
• Chemical components of Cannabis, called cannabinoids, activate specific receptors found throughout the body to produce pharmacologic effects, particularly in the central nervous system and the immune system.
• Cannabinoids may have benefits in the treatment of cancer-related side effects.
• The potential benefits of medicinal Cannabis for people living with cancer include antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief, and improved sleep.
• Though no relevant surveys of practice patterns exist, it appears that physicians caring for cancer patients who prescribe medicinal Cannabis predominantly do so for symptom management.
• Unlike other commonly used drugs, cannabinoids are stored in adipose tissue and excreted at a low rate (half-life 1–3 days).
• Even abrupt cessation of cannabinoid intake is not associated with rapid declines in plasma concentrations that would precipitate severe or abrupt withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings.

Robert Melamede, Ph.D., Cannabis Science’s CEO stated, “As we’ve previously reported, one of the most interesting findings that has emerged since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (marijuana like compounds produced by humans, and all vertebrates) is that cannabinoids have profound cancer-killing and anti-metastatic properties. There is strong scientific support, demonstrated in tissue culture and animal studies, of the potent cancer killing properties of cannabinoids for such deadly cancers as glioma, lung cancer, breast and prostate cancer, leukemias and lymphomas, and as well as skin cancers.

Currently the federal government prohibitionist position on cannabis is hindering the medical community by delaying vitally important clinical cannabis research. I was quite elated when I recently saw that the NCI posted on their webpage “In the practice of integrative oncology, the health care provider may recommend medicinal Cannabis not only for symptom management but also for its possible direct antitumor effect.” I foolishly thought that finally there would be official recognition of the modern peer reviewed science that shows the cancer killing properties of cannabinoids. Sadly, this statement was removed, without comment, within hours of its posting.”

Dr. Melamede goes on to say “Clinical trials are desperately needed. Cannabis Science is actively working on arrangements that will allow us to perform the necessary clinical trials to verify, or not, the numerous anecdotal reports demonstrating what appears to be cancer cures. These observations are occurring with greater frequency since numerous states have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Cannabis in various forms has been used by different cultures for thousands of years as a viable medicine for numerous ailments. In fact, some biblical translations even indicate that cannabis (keneh bosem) was a component of the “Holy Anointing Oil.” Current cannabis science simply provides evidence that supports the widespread historical use of oral, cannabis-based medicines that was driven by it’s success in treating illnesses.”

Published on Thursday 1 September 2011 00:19, by Martin Steldinger . Modified on Thursday 1 September 2011 00:18
http://www.encod.org/info/US-National-Cancer-Institute.html#.TnwWQPXEvbJ.blogger

Cannabis should be licensed and sold in shops, expert says

Leading cannabis researcher calls for legalisation with controls similar to alcohol and tobacco.

 Cannabis is no more dangerous than tobacco or alcohol, according to Professor Pertwee.

Cannabis for recreational use should be available in shops under similar restrictions to those used to control the sale of alcohol and tobacco, according to Britain's leading expert on the drug.

Under one scenario, people would be able to apply for a licence to buy cannabis products once they reach the age of 21, provided they have the approval of a doctor, he said.

The drug would be regulated by a body that ensures the quality and safety of the products before they go on sale.

A rethink of the laws surrounding cannabis and related products was necessary to take cannabis out of the hands of criminals, said Roger Pertwee, professor of neuropharmacology at Aberdeen University.

In the 1970s, Pertwee co-discovered THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.

Speaking ahead of a talk this week at the British Science Festival in Birmingham, Pertwee said: "In my view, we don't have an ideal solution yet to deal with recreational cannabis. We should consider licensing and marketing cannabis and cannabis products just as we do alcohol and tobacco.

"At the moment, cannabis is in the hands of criminals, and that's crazy. We're allowed to take alcohol, we're allowed to smoke cigarettes. Cannabis, if it's handled properly, is probably not going to be any more dangerous than that."

The government upgraded cannabis to a class B drug late last year against the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. The council's chairman, Professor David Nutt, was sacked after criticising the government's drugs policy, a move that prompted five others to resign in protest.

Possession of class B drugs, which include amphetamines, such as speed and barbiturates, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison plus a fine. Dealing the drugs can lead to a 14-year prison sentence. The most recent Home Office figures show there are 158,000 convictions for cannabis possession a year.

Pertwee said he wanted to reopen the debate on cannabis, saying he favoured legalisation if the drug was well regulated. He added that healthier alternatives to smoking cannabis were available.

Outlawing the drug forced users to either grow it illicitly or buy it from an illegal dealer. "They have no idea what the composition is, what has been added to it, and they are at risk of being invited to take other drugs," he said.

Attempts to relax the ban on cannabis have been countered by concerns that it can cause schizophrenia in a minority of people who are susceptible to the condition. Pertwee said it might be possible for doctors to assess people's backgrounds and risk of mental health problems before allowing them to buy a cannabis licence.

"You would need a minimum age of 21, but I would go further: that you have to have a licence. You have to have a car licence, you have to have a dog licence; why not a cannabis licence, so you can only take it if it's medically safe for you to do so?" he said.

Nutt, who is a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, said: "I welcome this attempt by the UK's leading expert on cannabis to bring rationality to the debate on its legal status.

"As cannabis is clearly less harmful than alcohol, criminalisation of people who prefer this drug is illogical and unjust. We need a new regulatory approach to cannabis. The Dutch coffee-shop model is one that has been proven to work but some of Professor Pertwee's new suggestions may well have extra benefits and should be actively debated."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/sep/14/cannabis-licence-legalisation-pertwee

THC and cannabinoids are antioxidants

I was looking around on pubmed.com and was somewhat surprised to find out that THC and cannabidiol, the primary cannabis cannabinoids, are powerful neuroprotective antioxidants. I also stumbled upon an article that describes how cannabidiol is a medication-strength antipsychotic, and counteracts the anxiety or paranoia that can be caused by THC.

THC and cannabidiol are powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants. A 2007 scientific article written in part by the National Institutes of Health states that “cannabinoid, as components of the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant, are known to exert potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic effects...” “Cannabidiol, one of the most abundant cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa with reported antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects is well tolerated without side effects when chronically administered to humans...” The study concluded that cannabidiol can help to protect against diabetic comlications and atherosclerosis and that “this is particularly engouraging in light of the excellent safety and tolerability profile of cannabidiol in humans”. Pubmed ID 17384130
Another study, titled “Cannabidiol and THC are neuroprotective antioxidants” found that “cannabidiol protected neurons to a greater extent than either of the dietary antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol or ascorbate (vitamin C).” And that the antioxidant effects seen in the studied cannabinoids is “a common property of classical cannabinoid structures”. “The psychoactive principle of Cannabis, THC, also blocked glutamate neurotoxicity with similar potency to cannabidiol.” Pubmed ID 9653176
An additional study, “Comparison of cannabidiol, antioxidants, and diuretics in reversing binge ethanol-induced neurotoxicity” showed that cannabidiol can indeed protect neurons from alcohol-induced damage. Pubmed ID 15878999
Another 2007 study found that THC inhibits lung cancer cell growth, migration, and metastasis. Pubmed ID 17621270
There is also the argument that cannabis causes psychosis. While pure THC has been shown to cause acute psychosis, cannabidiol is a powerful antipsychotic and negates the negative effects of THC, as stated by the 2006 article “Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug”. Pubmed ID 16612464 

by Sombrero

http://boards.cannabis.com/medicinal-cannabis-health/127362-thc-cannabinoids-antioxidants.html

Medical Cannabis to treat Autism

HYDROPONIC OR ORGANIC What's the difference?

I am sick of seeing uneducated people telling me Hydroponics is bad. Im here to show you it is NOT bad just different.

HYDROPONIC OR ORGANIC  What's the difference? by Roger H. Thayer

I'd like to have a dollar for each time I've been asked, "Is it organic?", since I started in the hydroponics business in 1972, I'd be rich! Is hydroponics organic? Is it chemical? What are the similarities and the differences? These questions have never really been answered to the satisfaction of most people as evidenced by the fact that I am asked the same questions today as often as I was nearly 20 years ago. Many people are confused by the word "organic" as it means different things to different people.

To the farmer, the word organic means no pesticides or herbicides. No potentially toxic or hazardous materials are to be used on crops to control bugs, weeds and diseases. To the gardener, the word usually means all of these things, plus that no unnatural or manmade chemicals are to be used. Only "organic" fertilizers and natural controls. They must: be made by nature, not by man.

To the chemist, on the other hand, the word "organic" means something totally different. In chemistry there are two distinct branches: inorganic and organic chemistry. Inorganic chemistry deals with non-living materials.

Organic chemistry focuses on the carbon and carbon containing compounds, typically associated with life. Biologists and botanists, and others who deal with the life sciences, are stuck in the middle. When they deal with chemists and other scientists, they have to adhere to the chemical definition of organic. When they talk to the farmer or gardener, they have to talk in different terms. To them, organic means "natural," not carbon based. They can say one thing, but really mean something else.

There is really no difference between an atom, mineral or the element itself. What matters is whether or not they are in a form that is non-harmful and that can used by plants. If so, they are beneficial whether natural or manmade. Plants do not take up carbon at the roots, they get all they need from the CO₂ in the air, so the term "organic gardening" is confusing. The same minerals are needed in either hydroponic or organic growing. These minerals are provided to plants in the organic garden as they are released from organic matter by the action of microbes, worms and bacteria. In hydroponics, these same elements are provided by water soluble mineral salts.

In hydroponics, mineral elements are provided by the use of mineral salts. These may be either naturally derived of manmade, but most have been purified and processed so that they are water soluble and in a form that can be used by plants. Many start out as mined minerals or naturally concentrated deposits that are dissolved and processed into compounds with a definite molecular structure and composition. In the refining process, these mineral salts are usually purified to remove heavy metal contaminants and toxic substances that could harm plants or people. Since the chemical composition is precisely known, different mineral salts can be combined to form a balanced hydroponic nutrient. When dissolved in the proper proportions with a good quality water, a hydroponic nutrient solution can provide all of the mineral elements needed for plant growth without soil. By its nature, the hydroponic methods eliminates much of the uncertainty and guesswork found in organic growing. Some adjustments are normally made for proper pH, controlling nutrient concentrations (parts per million) and to maintain balance between the nutrients provided. These are usually easy adjustments and within the control of the grower. In a well-built hydroponic installation, all conditions are controllable so optimum plant growth can be achieved, even surpassing nature.

But is it organic? Can a hydroponic plant nutrient be classified as organic? Probably not, unless you go back to the chemical definition of the word, that is a substance that contains carbon. By this definition, many "chemical" nutrient formulas would be considered organic. These include the chelated trace elements as well as urea, which contains carbon in the form (NH₂)CO₂. It is also possible to define a hydroponic nutrient solution as organic by drawing on the definition many people use that organic is "natural".

Most of the mineral elements used in hydroponics start out as mined rock or mineral deposits which are as natural as the earth itself. The important point is that it is not the elements that are different in organic and hydroponic growing, it is how these elements are obtained and delivered to the plant.

Pros and cons. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to both organic and hydroponic growing. land is still available for conventional agriculture. With proper techniques and care, organic growing can yield good, nutritious crops on a large scale with minimal expense, although it can be labor intensive. Organic growing has an element of uncertainty, as already mentioned, but with care and knowledge, that can be kept to a minimum. Still, optimal mineral and element composition is going to involve guesswork unless expensive chemical soil analysis is routinely done and soil amendments are used to correct deficiencies. Most of the amendments used in modern agriculture happen to be the exact same mineral salts that are used in most hydroponic nutrient formulas. The advantages of hydroponic growing are increased yield through complete nutritional and environmental control, the absence of competing weeds and soil-borne diseases, increased crop density and reduced water consumption. With recycling systems, hydroponics uses one-tenth the amount of water used by irrigated agriculture. Growing media are easily sterilized and conditions can be altered quickly to suit specific crops or the growth stage of a particular crop, such as during flowering or fruit production.

The main disadvantage is the initial set-up cost. The cost of a good installation is fairly high, but if quality materials are used that cost can be spread out over many years. What about using hydroponic nutrients in an organic or soil garden! There are many advantages to this kind of hybrid application, combining organic compost with hydroponic nutrients similar to Mittleider Gardening. Care must be taken not to overdose the plants with such a system. If a full-strength chicken manure is used with a full-strength hydroponic solution the plants can be burned. Handled properly the system could eliminate mineral deficiencies. Plants grow faster and healthier as long as pH, drainage and water/nutrient retention are adequate. Because the plants are healthier they are able to ward off insects and diseases, further enhancing yield.

Hydroponics University

Hydro-U is a service of Simply Hydroponics and Organics On-line as part of our consumer education program. We welcome your feedback. Your input is what makes this site work. Please contact us with any questions or ideas.

http://www.simplyhydro.com/hydvsorg.htm

If the truth won't do, then something is wrong!

Those were the furious words of my Grandfather to my Mother. I had walked in from joyfully stuffing my face with red raspberries in the garden, straight into "war zone"! My gentle Grandfather in a fury, his hand raised! Mom was just beginning to shrink back away from him. They saw me and quickly sent me away. But it was too late, the scene and the words were seared into my 5-year-old brain. That was over 55 years ago, but I still remember it clearly. My Grandfather was a Minister, one very short step away from God in my young mind. It was one of those life changing moments. It is still rare for me to tell a lie. I never found out what my Mother's lie was.

As I child, I suffered a traumatic head injury. Another child tried to murder me with a hammer. I was left with frequent migraines. At 19, like many rebellious teens, I tried cannabis. It took about a year for me to make the connection between using cannabis and the absence of my normally frequent migraines. I have used cannabis ever since.

I am an avid reader. While perusing an old book on herbal medicine, I read how the little old ladies of Mexico made and used a cannabis/tequila rub on their arthritic hands. Then I met Joey, an epileptic musician. He told me another interesting fact - when he had pot he could cut his medication in half! On a camping trip years later, I smelled an unmistakable odour. Following my nose, I was totally shocked to find a grandmotherly lady in her 70s puffing away on a delicate oriental pipe. "Parkinson's. And the pot's way cheaper than the pills!" Her nephew kept her well supplied, she said. We had a nice chat about various medical uses of cannabis.

Epilepsy, Parkinson's, Arthritis, and my Migraines! What else was it good for? Yet every news article on cannabis that I saw, claimed one new horror after another. Men grew breasts and were impotent. Women became sterile, or miscarried. It made you crazy and murderous. Made you lazy and do nothing. It caused cancer and heart attacks...What I had learned on my own and from others and what I was being told in the press were so different!

What was the truth? I began researching. I printed the first studies up and kept them in a notebook, just as a personal reference. The notebook quickly filled. I started a Word file of the URLs and on July 30 2007, I posted it. It continues to grow.

Here's some of what I have found. All I've done is copy the URLs, then put them all in some semblance order for everyone to use as a reference. Please feel free to share this list with anyone who could benefit from it.
By Dragonfan Owner of  http://grannystormcrowslist.webs.com

You can find the full list here:

http://grannystormcrowslist.webs.com

Read this and most importantly share this with everyone you can