Autism, ADD and ADHD: Marijuana Versus Adderal Therapy

Marijuana wins hands down.

Courtesy: history.howstuffworks.com

(PORTLAND, OR) - Marijuana therapy for autism was possibly discovered about 2002 with an article by Jay R. Cavanaugh PhD entitled, 'Medical Cannabis for Brain Disorders' sponsored by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AANC). He reported that cannabis was effective for the following brain diseases: Bipolar disease, (81 patients or 20%), ADD/ADHD (53 patients or 13%), Multiple Sclerosis, (32 patients or 6%), Neurothapy, (35 patients or 9%), PTSD, (30 patients or 7%), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (3 patients or 6%). He also reported successful treatment for Tourettes, Parkinsonism, and Autism (10 patients or 2%).

About the same time, 2003, Bernard Rinland PhD, published 'Medical Marijuana: A Valuable Treatment for Autism)'. I have not found any previous articles on this subject, but I'm sure my readers will straighten me out. Please do! This printed article is based upon a New York Times article about the dangers of Adderal, similar amphetamines, and Ritalin called 'Drowned in a Stream of Prescriptions'. It is mostly about the lethal dangers of the amphetamine drugs, or Autism, ADD and ADHD.

The Times did an excellent two full page article about the severe lethal hazards of this type of drug but did not mention the safe, effective use of cannabis/marijuana for this purpose. The amphetamines have killed literally hundreds, possibly thousands, by their direct toxicity to the heart and brain but also the extremely severe withdrawal symptoms which frequently cause death. Cannabis NEVER killed anybody.

The New York Times article had 1,190 comments or letters to the Times, mostly agreeing with the point of the article and the toxic danger of the amphetamines. It also revealed the cavalier attitude of the physicians and other caregivers who dispensed amphetamines like M&M's or Cracker Jacks.

The patient referred to in the article was possibly misdiagnosed as ADHD and was prescribed enough Adderal (amphetamine) to sink a battleship. After about five years of heavy addiction, he tried to quit taking the medicine and killed himself.

About 14 million prescriptions for Adderal, etc., are written and used every month. Many of the psychiatrists and other physicians named or referred to in the article are criminally liable and should be prosecuted.

If the reader really really wants to find out what the 1,090 respondents think about Adderal, and psychiatrists, search 'New York Times.com' 'Drowned in a Stream of Prescriptions'. To read my several articles and reader's responses, as a physician/pharmacologist, search Autism, ADD/ADHD Leveque.

As a result of this story, you will probably quit going to psychiatrists, bravo to the New York Times.

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