NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emmy Award-winning television personality and noted patient activist Montel Williams will travel to Israel October 24 to November 2 to take meetings with legislators, scientists and physicians in order to learn about important Israeli accomplishments in medical research and patient care. Since announcing his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Williams has devoted himself to advocacy on behalf of patients worldwide. Through various projects, including the LivingWell™ brand and his newest venture, Abatin, a is a municipality-friendly protocol for medicinal and science-based cultivation and dispensing of medicinal cannabis, Williams aims to increase access to critical services for patients suffering from a variety of ailments.
A decorated United States military veteran, Williams has been particularly involved in making novel therapies available to active and retired military members. Recently, Williams underwent a controversial procedure to treat chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) that is currently under investigation for potential efficacy in treating one of the causes of multiple sclerosis. Williams was also a driving force behind the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a highly successful initiative of the pharmaceutical industry to provide medications to low-income Americans at little or no cost.
"I have been fortunate enough to avail myself of the most innovative medical and alternative therapies to treat my MS, including new healthy diet recommendations, the latest scientific advancements and safe access to medicinal cannabis, which I rely on to assuage debilitating neuropathic pain, and I am committed to working to give other patients access to these therapies so that they may treat their own symptoms," said Williams. "Historically, Israel has an amazing track record of groundbreaking medical research in areas that are seen as sensitive subjects in America, such as stem cell research, and I look forward to learning about the many technological, medical and scientific advances their physicians have developed in order to further my own education and continued advocacy for safe access."
"I would also highlight the process that Israel put in place with respect to stem cell research. Scientists, politicians and religious leaders came together to establish guidelines for the research to go forward consistent with deeply held religious beliefs, and this partnership between the scientific, religious, and regulators should stand as an example to the world in terms of reconciling faith with science."
"Particularly in light of the recent concerns raised by the Department of Justice with respect to medicinal cannabis in the United States, I am very interested to learn about Israel's tightly-regulated medical cannabis system, which seeks to protect patient access as well as legitimate government and community concerns," Williams continued. "It is my belief that learning about the Israeli program first-hand, including speaking with patients in the program, will enhance my work here in the U.S. to find a solution that protects patient access to medicinal cannabis while also remaining sensitive to the concerns of communities, regulators, and law enforcement."
Williams believes that existing scientific research on the subject of medical cannabis has demonstrated the potential efficacy of the treatment and that the United States government's current standards of regulation may stymie further development and research of a product that has been found by physicians to have medical uses. He sees great benefit in looking towards Israel in terms of creating sensible public policy that addresses the concerns of various key stakeholders including patients, communities and regulators.
Upon his return to the United States, Williams intends to report his findings to officials on the federal and state levels in the hopes of fostering understanding and increased education in the hopes that regulators can begin to strike a balance between the need for access to medicinal cannabis for legitimate patients and law enforcement concerns with respect to diversion. Williams supports the need to take action against those who have lost sight of patient care and have crossed the line into criminal activity. Williams spends a great deal of time advocating on behalf of patients at the federal level, and their representatives have expressed interest in Williams' trip.
"We are honored and excited to welcome Montel to our country and share with him the dynamic, diverse and democratic culture of Israel," said Consul General of Israel, David Siegel. "Israel prides itself on being on the cutting edge of medical and technological advancements, as well as a leader in community building and social justice. We are confident that Montel will find his trip to Israel enlightening and informative and I personally look forward to connecting with him upon his return."
I am deeply humbled that the state of Israel has opened its doors to me as I continue my quest to learn about state of the art innovations in medicine and science and how I can apply the knowledge I acquire to helping the least among us both here in the U.S. and around the globe," concluded Williams.
- 16 states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized the use of medical marijuana to some extent under state law.
- In the late 1990s, both the New England Journal of Medicine and the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, suggested that marijuana appeared to have some medical uses and recommended more research.
- Two years ago, the American Medical Assn. recommended changing the classification of marijuana to Schedule II, which would make it easier for researchers to obtain the drug for medical studies.
- According to NIH, "Cannabis use for medicinal purposes dates back at least 3,000 years."
- Further, "the potential benefits of medicinal Cannabis for people living with cancer include antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief, and improved sleep. Although few relevant surveys of practice patterns exist, it appears that physicians caring for cancer patients in the United States who recommend medicinal Cannabis predominantly do so for symptom management." The NIH position is summarized here.