CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta Gets It Right
Last night, as part of the ongoing “AC 360″ series on marijuana, Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighed in on marijuana’s medical benefits and health risks. The transcript of the show is here (scroll down about 2/3 through the page to get to Dr. Gupta).
It’s no secret that we haven’t always been thrilled by CNN’s coverage, but Gupta — given time constraints that inevitably truncated his answers a bit — gave a balanced, accurate assessment of the science of marijuana that was remarkably solid, much more so than one usually sees on TV. Among other things, Gupta explained about the cannabinoid receptors in the human brain and noted:
For example, someone who’s having terrible malnourishment or terrible nausea as a result of chemotherapy or the effect of HIV/AIDS, using marijuana could stimulate appetite. Neuropathic pain, Anderson, something I deal with quite a bit as a neurosurgeon. It’s that lancinating nerve pain that’s often caused by trauma or some sort of injury or surgery. Sometimes it can be very refractive to pain medications. Marijuana can help there, as well.
Multiple sclerosis, something else that I treat. That’s something that can cause significant tremors, for example. Marijuana can help.
Gupta did discuss pulmonary risks of smoking and the possibility of dependence, but in a factual, non-hysterical way that made it clear that dependence rates for marijuana are far lower than for other drugs, including alcohol.
There were rumors for a while that Dr. Gupta might be appointed U.S. Surgeon General. I’m starting to wish he’d gotten the job.
P.S. It does appear that I’ll be on CNBC tonight, around 8:45 p.m. Eastern time, though as of this writing it’s unclear who, if anyone, I’ll be debating and how broad the discussion will be.
Tagged with: Bruce Mirken and Media and Medical Marijuana and science by the author
33 comments
I have said in other posts that it is imperative that the Gateway theory, if brought up in debate, need to be shot down with the citation of facts from the sources that have debunked it.
I would have to agree, guptas comments last night were very fair. Though I am very disappointed by a blog post made today on the ac360 blog. If you haven’t had a chance to laugh at it yet you can see it here;
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/18/legalize-pot-why-not-legalize-being-a-loser/
That my friends is some lousy reporting. Its discriminating, derogatory, and condescending.
Someone on a post a few days ago said we should all join together and post comments on the ac360 blog to express our view point. I just wanted to say i don’t know if that would be beneficial because 1. the reporting hasn’t been the greatest as you can tell by the link i provided and 2. We may be helping cnn by visiting there site .. leaving comments.. ect ect Not to mention they care closely moderating the comments and only accepting and posting the comments they see fit. I’ve attempted to leave 2 comments on the ac360 blog that where very appropriate but where pro-marijuana based which did not get approved.
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What i am realy disgusted about in the whole medical marijuana debate that constantly getas ignored is that there are p0eople like myself who have high blood pressure and conditions other than my own who can benefit from medical marijuana but are CUT OUT by these supposedly “wonderful” bills that allow only people with “debiltating conditions” or “pain” to get medical marijuana. I am sick and tired of being cut out and being told that I’m not worthy of qualifying for medical marijuana. Prop. 215 in California allows for patient definition of their condition. There is some possibility of getting my medicine there. The problem is thatI live in New York in which the propsed bill will cut me out. How do you call a bill which needlessly cuts patients out a “model bill”? Why do some have compassion for people with other ailments but not my own? Such “compassion” is fake compassion. I feel like I’m in a pot part filled with bullies who laugh when I object and think there funny when they pass me over. IT IS NOT FUNNY. Do you expect me to pretend that I’m not sick and that I should just wait for non-medical legalization to happen before I can legally get my medicine? Since non-medical legalization won’t happen any time soon the restri9ction of medical marijuana to those only have so called “debilitating conditions” permanently cuts me out. Not only is it insulting to me to say that I’m not sick butI, unlike others have to wait for eons before a non-medical legalization bill is passed so I can get my medicine. I also object to those morons who say I should just get my medicine illegally. I WANT TO GET MY MEDICINE LEGALLY, NOT ILLEGALY! I have lost all hope. Whatever happensI’m a looser. If the republical Reganite fascists win nobody gets anything. If the current New York legislation passes I’m cut out. Just who is the desparate moron who decided that p-people like me need to be sacrifical lambs just so that some legislation can pass. The only solution for people like me is to, if I’m lucky and not cut out there too live in California and get my medicine there. Or better yet The best solution — if it is a legal possibility for Americans to live in the Netherlands– to move to the Netherlands. Whatever the case, MPP has to stop advocating that the people who qualify for medical marijuana only have “debilitating conditions”. Apparently there are those who have compassion for others but not for me! Why? MPP get your act together.Stop telling me to wait for non-medical legalization in New York–it’s not happening anytime soon. One last thing. Stop calling non-medical marijuana “recreational marijuana”. The term “recreational marijuana” is a slurr. It is used by prohibitionists to demean all cannabis users. I support genuine medical marijuana legislation that includes ALL people in need, religious marijuana legalization and non-medical marijuana legalization. I’m glad DR. Gupta spoke about the issue but until we stop cutting people like me out there will be no justice for all potential medical mariana patients like myself, not just some medical marijuana patients. Is it any wonder that I’m angry and bitter?
I just left a massive comment on that horrible horrible article for CNN that James mentioned above. I hope they approve it but i highly doubt it since it has facts, including all the facts about Marinol that they don’t tell you about. I will sum that article up for you folks: Anyone who smokes or has ever smoked pot is a loser. That is almost a direct quote from it, that is how sad it is.
Besides that pathetic journalism that I just read on ac360, I think this week long segment has been mostly on the positive side. Or at least putting cannabis in a more positive light. I start with the first night with the Ethridge interview vs the “hidden” women interview. The latter was more or less a complete joke, the lady was bi polar and probably shouldn’t even been given that as a medicine. Even her take on it was positive until her episode… but I think that suicide attempt was about a lot more than just cannabis consuming. How she hid her face during the interview also makes me question that whole segment anyways. The debate was good wish it was longer though. The opponent’s are using the “social cost” argument a lot now but I just can’t buy that, there is no evidence of that. The story with the first doctor was also really positive side of things. The dispensary was nice it gave a lot of people who watch CNN and don’t follow this reform a better look into “consuming” cannabis not just smoking it. Then of course out of nowhere who comes out and actually has some positives things to say about cannabis Dr Gupta. If I recall in the past when he spoke it was mostly BS and negative. I would hope to see the next two days of this show to really go with the Legalization end of it and step away from medical. I could go on and on about everything going on with cannabis in the news and media but I’ll shorten it up. Keep doing what your doing MPP.
Legalize It, Regulate It, Tax It
Come Together
…a complete dork. Vegas has the o/u at 97 for the number of times his lunch money was stolen in school.
But seriously, was his selection of the DEA, prosecutors and police —all of whom benefit financially from prohibition–his paradigm of journalistic excellence?
wade-#4
I couldn’t agree more, but I’ll do ya one better: All marijuana use is medicinal. What the hell is ‘getting high’, other than trying to improve your take on this existence. I have put up with bipolar III my whole life, and that is nowhere near getting put on the list of acceptable ailments. We are getting left out at this point, but the absurdity of the situation is requiring taking baby steps as opposed to no steps at all. Not that I like it, either, though.
Dr. Gupta’s reporting was very good. He’s been getting more familiar with the subject all the time.
The other article that was mentioned above is clearly intentionally inflammatory hate speech. We need to let CNN know that we will not tolerate them publishing hate speech towards cannabis users under the guise of reporting.
I suggest boycotting CNN (lock it out on your cable/dish receiver) and letting them know that we will not be tuning back in until Drew Griffin is fired and CNN issues a formal apology for his hateful comments.
Contact CNN here:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/
Wade, In my opinion its of more importance for the legalization for recreational use. I am very aware of the significant medical benefits that marijuana has for the sick. But in my opinion legalizing and classifying it as a Medicine is not in the best interest for either the patient, the average user, the supplier, nor for the business side. Your situation is a perfect example. The doctors handing out prescriptions for medical marijuana for any reason discredits the medical legitimacy and puts all the hard work we have all put into passing such bills at risk. Unless it could be classified as a “universal” medicine for ailments like .. aspirin or something to that nature ( But in my opinion this will never happen). Also i believe that the number of users for recreational use are high, Passing bills that allow only individuals with specific ailments to use for medicinal purposes would still limit individuals that arnt sick, or that are sick but arnt classified as worthy. Im pro legalization for medicinal purposes, but I believe legalizing for recreational use is more beneficial. Imagine that pot is legalized in every state for medicinal purposes only for the before given ailments (cancer, aids ect ect). We would still be in the same predicament, without a prescription (which they would make very hard to get) we would be breaking the law.
Cannabis Pundit You are exactly right. We shouldn’t stand for such hateful one sided reporting. Maybe this would be a good opportunity for the MPP to create a campaign/project. Where users send CNN and who ever else letters, emails ect ect complaint letters. also maybe A petition to have Drew Griffin fired.
Good job bruce
did anyone else watch cnbc tonite?? score another one for our side!!!! great job Bruce…. I know how hard it was for you not to tear your sides open laughing…I know I was
Wow, who screwed up over that at CNN to let Dr. Gupta be honest?
C’mon, it must be a mistake.
#4-Wade
Sir you’ve struck a familiar nerve with everyone here! I couldn’t agree with you more myself. A simple explaination is that this whole process is taking baby steps to reach complete legalization of MJ. It’s frustrating to the bone but what we’re experienceing is the only recourse we have to work with at present. Today dispenseries, tomorrow (in the near future) you’ll be able to buy MJ at a retail outlet most likely run by your State. Hence, don’t waste your time and money becoming a dispensery owner, things are changeing very fast and they may soon be replaced by State Distribution Centers.
My personal recommendation to you and others like us is to be patient for the rest of 2009 and see where all this is going and how far. Click on my screen name if I can be of assistance to you.
I have been Inspired by what went on in Iran why cant MPP and other marijuana groups organize a public protest on the steps of Congress, A Non-Violent silent smoke out vigil a sit down lets say and Speak to the nation about legalization. I am a graphic arts designer and will produce posters and other necessary propaganda free of charge.
Z-Liberator
mahrion@mail.com – please contact to offer any response.
Wade #4, I totally agree. I have two conditions that cannabis is of great help. I would use it illegally but fear the dogs would be beating my door down in a heart beat. I have tried Rx meds but they cause more problems than they help with,if you call it help. I’m just sick of not feelin good. Sick of people tellin me Rx is my only choice. Sick of being looked at as if I’m a loser. Ya and people wonder why I’m so angery and bitter too. GEE I WONDER!
Dr. Gupta did a great job of putting some myths down. We need more DR.s telling the truth.
I hope this bill going to congress passes. I’m not getting my hope up though! just to be let down. Dont need any let downs. COME US GOV! STOP SCREWING WITH OUR LIVES! PASS ALL THE LAWS YOU WANT TO KEEP KIDS SAFE! LET US LIVE>>>LEAVE US ALONE!
I also thought Dr. Gupta did a reasonable job. It’s difficult to turn a complete 180 on an issue, however, he seems to be getting some insight to how false his beliefs are and how much research and facts are available for offering details into the positive attributes of cannabis.
However, Anderson Cooper is another story. Is he going to “pot” or just another hand puppet for CNN?
Here’s a letter I wrote to him.
Mr. Cooper,
What is going on with you? Since you’ve began “America’s High…” I’ve seen you with a different face. Where is your objectivity? Where is your consideration of others?
First, let me begin with you and CNN’s take on Paul Stanford. Your thoughts and beliefs are not based on facts and are indeed slanderous once the facts are looked at. A pusher? Really? What about all those pharmaceutical companies using billions of dollars pushing drugs while using CNN as an outlet? Is that not pushing? Your definition of “pusher” is strange. You should probably offer your apologies.
Second, is your blog an outlet for CNN’s and CNN correspondents’ personal beliefs and opinions without objectivity and consideration of others….
Here is your tip for getting a blog posted..”5. We like criticism. We’re big fans of the 1st Amendment – we use the free press every day. We aren’t afraid of criticism in your comments, but let’s keep it intelligent and thoughtful, perhaps even constructive.”
Yet, look here:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/18/legalize-pot-why-not-legalize-being-a-loser/
Is this intelligent, thoughtful or constructive? I think no. However, according to the 1st Amendment, he has a right to say this. But, should you post it? So, it’s alright for CNN and CNN’s correspondents to call millions of people losers and have it posted on your blog?
I had a deep respect for you, but I see a conflict of interest while your job and responsibility is to provide honest, objective and consider reporting. However, you’re doing nothing as such. What a disappointment. I’m one viewer that will turn away from CNN and what you all represent. I can’t believe you are buying into what you are “pushing”.
Below is the link of the video of Bruce on CNBC:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1157659519&play=1
Great job Bruce on CNBC. You did an outstanding job. Thank you for all the hard work you do for the public and the cause. The gentleman hosting the show was very pro legalization, which is amazing, usually the host is bashing anyone for legalization.
Good grief! I just seen your spot on cnbc bruce! If allopponets did us a favor as terrance did,it would be legal. This guys not all there. He said cannabis has medical properties but he does want people to smoke it , yet we can smoke our selves into a grave with cigs? IS he serious? Well hell if thats the case,make it legal and I’ll buy a vaporizor! Man these drug warriors are digging thier own grave ! Here’s a shovel….
This is another step in the right direction. Another nail in the coffin against marijuana prohibition.
God and that guy was from New Jersey? I’m embarrassed for my state.
Gupta made a fatal mistake, learned from it, educated himself, and came clean. If he had been nominated, he would never have sat down and had the conversation. At least not an honest one.
What exactly is it about God’s will for people to live in freedom with liberty, as acknowledged and cited in the Constitution of the United states, that prohibitionists object to? If they think their will is superior to that of God, I’ll go out on a limb here, they are wrong. I’ve got an idea, how about prohibitionists just mind their own damn business!
Mike, Prohibitionists are about using the Law to take our freedoms away. You’re free to love Jesus, just not the Greatest Plant he ever made!!!! God is about you having a choice, his people, How I love them from a distance, are about taking your choices away, because if they can’t have fun smoking weed, then they will do their best to see that you get to suffer too, oh yes, they want you to feel their pain!!!!
Christian brothers and sisters!!!! Smoke a joint or Take a big rip on an ice filled bong!!! Then you will understand what the people in Washington do not want you to know. That’s Freedom in the here and now. Go on now, time to be free America!!!
Dr. Gupta should pay more attention to the real health issues occurring at his workplace. Plus, Tonny Maddox and Phil Kent should be more concerned in the credibility of CNN and TBS in general since CNN fired an employee who was dying of a tumor. Mario Vela couldn’t read well, think well or speak well, neither speak his mind when CNN sent to him a termination of employment package lifting his medical benefits and more. What a company!! RIP Mario Vela. This video of Mario should be a remainder of what companies should not do to employees. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV_ngsdcwFo
I generally do not watch the news because it is typically full of deception and driven by a profit motive. When I do (rarely) watch, I stick with Fox. As I have been reading the comments about the CNN broadcast pertaining to marijuana, what I see is the profit motive evolving. Consider that about 37,000 children die about every 2.5 days from starvation. I do not believe that you will see this stat on any of the major news channels. My personal health conditions would easily qualify me for medicinal marijuana use. I have tried it and can say that it gave some real effective relief for many of my health issues. I personally do not like the effect of being stoned. However, a small amount seemed to do the job without getting wasted. I do not use marijuana because it is illegal. I am not the judge of anyone. I absolutely think that our prisons are overrun with people who should not be there. I think that anyone who is in prison simply for using marijuana is a total waste of tax payer dollars.
I WAS impressed with the quality of the facts Sanjay Gupta presented, but was also fairly dismayed at some of his conclusions. His stated position that pot is not good for you was based far more on his prejudice than upon the facts he gave. He believes that smoking (pot) should not be recommended, apparently for the damage it logically “would be expected” to do, this despite the virtual absence of data that supports that conclusion. According to the best scientific findings, pot clearly does not cause any of the serious, life-threatening diseases tobacco causes. Pot does NOT cause lung cancer, emphyzema or heart disease. Granted it can be a bit hard on the mucous membranes – the most serious disease pot can be shown to cause, in the heaviest users, is bronchitis.
The fact is, regarding disease effects as predicted by tobacco use, is that they are barely comparable. The average cigarette smoker inhales one ounce (one pack) of tobacco per day. Typically a pot smoker inhales that much in a month (or more). Even if pot IS 4x as rich in toxic tars as tobacco, as some claim, but which I doubt (as tobacco has been bred for centuries to be tar, and so nicotine rich), the typical pot smoker inhales less than 1/7 as much tar as a cigarette smoker. THAT may very well account for why pot does not cause serious disease. As pot strains are developed that are richer in THC, less smoke is inhaled to achieve the same effect, and pot becomes even safer.
Show me the harm from pot smoking. There is very little to show. Then let me show you the harm from prohibition!
WHY do I think Dr. Gupta’s conclusions are skewed, given his sound data? He doesn’t see too much clear harm done by pot, in the data, but as a public figure, who is trying to walk a thin line between medical honesty and pandering to officialdom, he minces his words quite a bit. He wants all those job, interview and speaking invitations to keep rolling in. He doesn’t want to offend the establishment too much…
But he’s a step in the right direction. He wants to tell the truth. He may give us opinions which defy logic, but at least he does not lie to us about the facts.
Adult American should be permitted to chose marijuana over alcohol. Barring the legal consequences, it is a wise and respectable choice.
The comments were overwhelmingly in support of legalizing on those AC360 blogs. I left two comments myself, and neither were allowed. I didn’t break any of their rues, and my comments were no different then many the other comments leading me to believe that they had a lot more pro legalization comments then their blog even showed which was probably over 95% for to 5% against.
I found the series very biased towards the prohibitionists side. The first show was the only one where they represented both sides decently, then it took a turn for the worst.
One day 2 they labeled Paul Stanford “a legal pot pusher”
Day 3 they showed nothing but an outdoor grow in the forest, and mentioned nothing about the fact that the grows were the result of prohibition. Tell me where both sides were on that show.
Day 4 they showed an indoor grow, and the only people you heard from were the DEA. Again show me where both sides were.
Day 5 was just a repeat of the dispensary from I think day 2.
Gupta didn’t take the propaganda route, but he said there are other more proven drugs that work better, as if there haven’t been thousands of studies proving the efficacy of marijuana.
Marijuana is for loosers? What does he consider a “LOOSER”? I have consumed cannabis for 41yrs. I am NOT psycologicaly dependent on it. I do not spend the grocery money on it, and starve my family so I can get “high”. I have never lost a job because of it. I have never been arrested for it. It actualy saved my life. It gave me a safer alternative to drinking, I was not a very nice drunk. Does he think we are loosers because some of us have not become rich, or famous? Does he think we are loosers because we don’t live in big fine houses, and drive expensive cars? If so, I guess that makes ME a “LOOSER”. I live in a rather modest single family home, I drive a seven year old pick up truck, and the only money I have is from my social security check. Such a “LOOSER”. Well my SS money can pay all my bills, and still have a bit left over for fun, and unexpecteds. OH I’m soooo depressed, I’m such a “LOOSER”. I am not ashamed of the life I have led, I enjoyed the hell out of it. I am not concerned about my life as it is now, I am quite proud of it in fact. Mr. Griffin you can KMA.
please cHeck out Dr. Bob for a concise, scientifically proven explanation on wHy nicotine causes cancer GrowtH in tHe lunGs and cannabinoids does not.
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