http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org Despite the widespread public interest in the therapeutic potential of herbal cannabis, little rigorous data exist on its use for specific, chronic medical conditions. The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research has funded research protocols which provide interesting results that may be useful in guiding future research programs. The data alone, however, fail to make the case that crude, smoked cannabis should be available to patients. http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/1.php http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/1.php Animals are commonly exploited by the drug using community, and investigation of this exploitation often leads to discovery of drug crimes. Guard dogs are utilized in the production and trafficking business and may spend their lives on a chain. Companion animals can be exploited by dealers as a means to control their customers. Marijuana does not cause people to commit animal cruelty, but animal cruelty and marijuana crimes are undeniably connected. http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/2.php http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/2.php A recent decision from the Oregon Supreme Court casts a new light on state laws authorizing the use of medical marijuana, particularly in the workplace. Its helpful discussion includes a warning that state laws that put themselves on a collision course with federal law are invalid from the outset. http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/3.php http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/3.php Failure to deal with the Afghan opium trade appropriately and urgently will have a severe and lasting impact on most people in ways that may not be immediately apparent to them and will almost certainly diminish the quality of life for many. http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/commentary.php http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/4/1/commentary.php