NEW YORK, April 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Amigula Incorporated (Pink Sheets:AMJL):
Officials from the Oregon and California state medical boards say they will continue allowing doctors to assist patients in obtaining marijuana as long as it is done in accordance with state laws allowing the practice.
That position has sparked the ire of some lawmakers who accuse state boards of shirking their responsibilities to uphold federal drug laws. Eight states have laws allowing doctors to authorize marijuana use for patients meeting certain medical criteria. The drug remains illegal under federal law, a fact that has prompted federal law enforcement raids in some states.
Marijuana has a wide range of therapeutic applications, including:
relieving nausea and increasing appetite reducing muscle spasms and spasticity relieving chronic pain reducing intraocular (within the eye) pressure
State officials defended their practices, noting that doctors don't actually prescribe the drug but only provide patients with the authorization needed to seek it legally under state law. A federal appeals court recently upheld a California doctor's ability to discuss marijuana as a treatment option under that state's 1996 medical marijuana law, despite federal prohibitions on the drug.
A 1999 Institute of Medicine report concluded that marijuana's constituents may have medical benefits for patients with AIDS wasting syndrome, chronic pain, glaucoma, and other disorders. But the report also stated that smoking marijuana was dangerous and should not be considered as a favored route of delivering the drug.
Still, new research shows that marijuana's main ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, could have uses for several medical problems. The agency is funding 17 different clinical trials in patients with spasticity, AIDS, and other disorders.
About Amigula Inc.
Amigula Inc. (www.Amigula.com) has recently completed the purchase of 51% of Medical Cannabis Inc. and has announced their plans to file as a reporting issuer. The company plans to list on a major exchange beginning with an application for a listing on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) or Nasdaq as well as several European exchanges. The company views the current prohibition of marijuana as similar to that of alcohol, beer and tobacco. Canada's marijuana crop alone is estimated at $4 billion to $7 billion. If a single company controlled it, it would be larger than Canada's oil and gas business and agricultural industries. On October 7, 2003 the Ontario Superior Court ruled that business and individuals be allowed to grow and supply medical marijuana, effectively relieving the Canadian government of its often criticized and fairly unsuccessful attempts. Health Canada "permitted persons" (exemptees) can now pay Amigula to grow marijuana for them. The ruling makes it easier for sick people to get marijuana by allowing them easier access -- more choice and fair prices. The company has a mandate to develop and improve the medical marijuana business worldwide and is on the acquisition and consolidation trail of other legal licensed marijuana operations with notable international brands.
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Such statements reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events, or performance may differ materially from the above forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, and will be dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional financing and access funds from our existing financing arrangements that will allow us to continue our current and future operations. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events.