We believe there is an undeniable growing sentiment to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Although there is very compelling scientific research into the potential medical benefits of cannabinoids, there has been a paucity of clinically-directed research to show the benefits of marijuana/cannabinoids.

Numerous studies have concluded that therapeutic marijuana/cannabinoid use is not harmful, yet clinical benefit has yet to be confirmed through research.  The reasons for this lack of therapeutic confirmatory research have more to do with governmental and pharmaceutical company apathy and indifference  than the ability to conduct such research.   It is our belief that confirmatory studies should be conducted for the benefit of patients who can be helped by medicinal marijuana/cannabinoid use.

These studies can be conducted if the research effort is not dependent on funding by the government or pharmaceutical industry.  That is why we are taking the case to the public and focusing on private funding by individuals interested in discovering the truth about medicinal marijuana/cannabinoid use.  We need your help to obtain the funding necessary to conduct much needed research.  No donation is too small.  Collectively we can obtain the funding required to get this important work done.  Our initial research program, which requires immediate funding, includes:

• A prospective study among HIV-infected individuals who smoke marijuana on a regular basis but are not yet eligible for anti-retroviral therapy or have decided to stop taking anti-retrovirals. A collaboration is being pursued with well known investigators in the HIV research arena.

• Scale-up  the synthesis of one of our two lead compounds.We will need at least 20 grams for the prospective studies which include:

• A one year study with non-human primates to study the effects of the lead compound in the treatment of SIV disease.
• A study with mice infected with a lethal influenza A strain to determine if nasal administration of the drug  will prevent the damaging immune response in the lungs of the infected animals.

• Formulation of the drug by various routes of administration: oral, nasal spray and suppository.

With your help, we will be able to conduct a robust research program that will demonstrate clearly the benefits of medicinal marijuana and also lead to the development of non-psychoactive derivatives.  These will be available to the wider public who might not have a favorable view of marijuana nor want to experience the mind altering effects regardless of its potential good. Please contact us directly if you are interested in supporting this research effort.