Two new German studies provide more evidence for the medical uses of marijuana. According to the BBC News Online, researchers at the Max-Planck Institute – who have been seeking ways to prevent epileptic seizures – report that “natural brain chemicals which resemble cannabis extracts can interrupt a process which can trigger a seizure.” The compounds act to reduce the excitability of brain cells common in epilepsy sufferers. Max-Planck researchers called the cannabis compounds a “promising therapeutic target” in the search to develop effective drugs to fight epilepsy.
 
In the second study, chronic-pain researchers at the Hannover Medical School found that “a synthetic version of one of many marijuana compounds safely reduced chronic nerve pain without impairing thinking and behavior.” Previous research into the compound, CT-3, has already shown it to be an effective anti-inflammatory and pain reducer.
 
There are numerous published research papers that suggest that marijuana has medical value in treating patients with epilepsy and chronic pain. In addition, there has been a great deal of research to suggest that medical marijuana can help treat other serious illnesses such as AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Despite this evidence, overwhelming public support, and laws in nine states allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes, Congress has refused to recognize marijuana's medicinal value and protect patients from federal prosecution.