But scientists from Queen Mary's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, have devised a method of harnessing the pain relieving qualities of cannabis, whilst controlling the psychoactive effects of the plant - the "high", disproving the claims of Mayor Giuliani once and for all.

The team of scientists, led by Prof Maurice Elphick and Dr Michaela Egertová, explain in their research paper this week how a new protein called a 'cannabinoid receptor interactive protein' mimics the affect of THC.

It does this by suppressing the brain's cannabinoid receptors.

It 'fools' the brain into generating more of the cannabinoids that exist normally, delivering the beneficial effects without getting 'stoned.'

"There has always been a hope that it would be possible to use the effects of the drug medicinally," explained Prof Elphick.

"But as there is only one type of receptor that 'connects' with THC, you get the pain relief, but also the 'high'."

"Now, things have taken a dramatic step forward."

Listen to the experts
Doctors, scientists and medical patients, have long known of the beneficial qualities of the much maligned cannabis plant.

But politicians, law-makers and law-enforcers alike, have simply ignored the findings of the medical experts, as well as the cannabis consuming patients themselves, who have reported a higher quality of life since being able to use marijuana as living medicine.

In light of these new findings from London, it would be a great gesture if one of the Republican candidates so dead set against medical marijuana, (John McCain and Mitt Romney also oppose medical marijuana with every ounce of their being, along with Giuliani), were to recognize this research and admit they were wrong.

Black or Red Rudy
Either that, or accept the challenge set by a marijuana reform organization in Washington (Marijuana Policy Project), which offers a legal maximum $10,000 dollar campaign donation to the candidate who proves his own theories on medical marijuana.

So far, only Texas Republican candidate Dr Ron Paul, overtly supports the use of medical marijuana.

But with literally millions of cannabis consuming voters eagerly awaiting the presidential primary's at the start of 08, thats a position which is sure to change.

PR.CannaZine

Canna Zine - Daily zine for the cannabis scene