COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTCBB:CBIS), a pioneering U.S. biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to report that Germany is becoming the latest country to approve medical cannabis.
Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster, which provides media services throughout the world, has reported that "the German health ministry has announced plans to legalize medical use of marijuana, prompting praise from advocates for patients with chronic pain and terminal illnesses."
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5921523,00.html
According to Deutsche Welle, Health Minister Philipp Roesler said, "The plan could be carried out by a simple change in the ministry's policy, and that no change in German law was necessary." He added that "because many other European countries already allow medical cannabis, the process in Germany could go 'quickly in comparison.'"
DW's report explained, "Many health professionals consider marijuana useful for the relief of nausea and the stimulation of appetite in chemotherapy or AIDS patients, and for general pain relief. But medical marijuana has been effectively illegal in Germany, with only 40 patients in the entire country having obtained cannabis prescriptions . . . . Health professionals and advocates for the seriously ill welcomed the change, with Eugen Brysch of the German Hospice Foundation saying cannabis can play 'an important role' in the treatment of the critically ill."
Cannabis Science President and CEO Dr. Robert Melamede, PhD., whose mother was German, remarked, "Germany's recognition of the medical value of cannabis coincides with our plans for expansion into Europe. We hope that America is not going to squander its lead in medical cannabis research, but Cannabis Science will certainly work with German and other European researchers and clinicians to develop medical cannabis products that meet the needs of patients around the world."
According to DW, Gerhard Mueller-Schwefe, president of the German Society for Pain Therapy, "The policy change would open up new drug therapy options for patients with chronic pain diseases like multiple sclerosis, and that it's time to bring cannabis out from the shadows."
Richard Cowan, Cannabis Science CFO, added, "This move by Germany is enormously important. We have already seen significant interest in Cannabis Science in Europe and we expect that many European researchers will want to work with Dr. Melamede."
Although many other European countries already allow medical cannabis on a limited basis Germany's actions are expected to accelerate the recognition of the medical value of cannabis.
About Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of 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.
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 Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," 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.