COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 20, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTCBB:CBIS), a pioneering US biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, notes with great sadness that a widely prescribed medication has been linked to both suicides and sudden death among veterans suffering from PTSD. Numerous veterans who have contacted Cannabis Science have confirmed these problems.
According to an article by Martha Rosenberg, originally published on Alternet.org and published in March on NewsBlaze.com, at least 87 military men have died in the past six years while prescribed Seroquel and similar drugs. http://newsblaze.com/story/20100324080950rose.nb/topstory.html
Rosenberg reported, "Death certificates and other records collected by veteran family members suggest more than 100 similar deaths among Iraq and Afghanistan combat vets and other military personnel, many on PTSD cocktails with Seroquel and other antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, sleep inducers and pain and seizure medications."
Although not approved for PTSD, Pentagon purchases of Seroquel nearly doubled between 2003 and 2007. Elspeth Ritchie, medical director of the Army's Strategic Communications Office, told the Denver Post the drug is "increasingly utilized as an adjunct for PTSD." Seroquel had almost $5 billion in sales last year.
Dr. Robert Melamede, PhD., Cannabis Science President and CEO, noted, "Of course, after more than 5,000 years of use, cannabis has not been shown to have caused a single death, and it is now widely -- but illegally -- used by veterans and others with PTSD as we have reported. It is shameful that those who deserve the best treatment available are being denied access to cannabis while they are given a cocktail of powerful drugs that seems to be killing them."
On March 31, Cannabis Science issued a press release calling for public support for vets after the New York Times reported that VA Doctors are prohibited from "recommending" cannabis for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Also, Cannabis Science has previously reported that Dr. Mitch Earleywine, PhD., of the State University of New York (Albany) has surveyed over 1,300 veterans and others who find cannabis very helpful with PTSD.
Cannabis Science Chief Financial Officer Richard C. Cowan stated, "Due to the magnitude and nature of the problem, it is clear why we are focusing our initial FDA pharmaceutical products on PTSD. The fact that Seroquel had $5 billion in sales last year is a strong indication of the potential market for Cannabis Science products."
One of Seroquel first backers, Richard Borison, former chief of psychiatry at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, lost his medical license, was fined $4.26 million and went to prison for a swindle involving Seroquel's original clinical studies.
And last year, Seroquel manufacturer AstraZeneca agreed to pay $520 million to settle suits pertaining to clinical trials and illegal Seroquel marketing.
Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science is at the forefront of pharmaceutical 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 Exchange Act of 1934. A statement containing words such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," 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.