Editor's note: Don't miss "Weed 2: Cannabis Madness: Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports," at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
(CNN) - It's been eight months since I last wrote about medical marijuana, apologizing for having not dug deeply into the beneficial effects of this plant and for writing articles dismissing its potential. I apologized for my own role in previously misleading people, and I feel very badly that people have suffered for too long, unable to obtain the legitimate medicine that may have helped them.
I have been reminded that a true and productive scientific journey involves a willingness to let go of established notions and get at the truth, even if it is uncomfortable and even it means having to say "sorry."
It is not easy to apologize and take your lumps, but this was never about me.
This scientific journey is about a growing number of patients who want the cannabis plant as a genuine medicine, not to get high.
It is about emerging science that not only shows and proves what marijuana can do for the body but provides better insights into the mechanisms of marijuana in the brain, helping us better understand a plant whose benefits have been documented for thousands of years. This journey is also about a Draconian system where politics override science and patients are caught in the middle.
Since our documentary "Weed" aired in August, I have continued to travel the world, investigating and asking tough questions about marijuana.
A small range of youngsters, teenagers, and young adults who took antidepressants like Citalopram throughout clinical studies became suicidal . Children, teenagers, and young adults.
http://citalopramwirkung.de
Dr. Gupta, I am a 62 year old male. have had 3 cervical fusions in the mid-eighties, with complications. most recently I had a joint replacement for my right thumb. the 3 fusions left me with horrible chronic pain on my right side. also have scoliosis and sciatica. I am on lots of drugs including fentanyl, which I regret. However, I use a very small amount of cannabis at night, at home by myself . It does help, but I live in Texas! I rely on the help from others but it is not consistent. respectfully, Mike D. Tilton- Lubbock, Tx.
To bad marihuana isn’t as useful as Viagra and breast implants, and all of the other useless implants people get for medical purposes. Doctors waste so much time doing useless procedures with real health consequences. How do we feel about Viagra and breast implants? How do female doctors feel about these issues also? I am tired of the male politicians, police, and DEA point of views. Most males would recommend any poison to enlarge a prostate or a breast, but God forbid a plant, to treat real illness!
My wife died from Breast Cancer in 1986. Pot was the only drug that made her life comfortable during her treatments for Chemo. For a while smoking pot the tumors on her lungs either got smaller or disappeared. Somebody in the government or big pharma is lying.
Dr. Gupta: Don't you need to hold off? Medical researchers need to confirm whether or not POT can contribute to respiratory diseases or cardiac conditions??? The jury is out!
Reblogged this on DrMattsPlan and commented:
Worlds most popular neurosurgeon doubles down on the positive effects of medicinal marijuana.
cant your crew make some shows that confirm that marijuana works as medical supplement that works with no side effects .