Pubdate: Sun, 12 Apr 2015
Source: Argus Observer (OR)
Copyright: 2015 Ontario Argus Observer
Contact:  http://www.argusobserver.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4163
Author: Jessica Else

PROFESSOR SAYS MARIJUANA BENEFITS THE BODY

ONTARIO - Curious locals and supporters of medical marijuana were
offered some nuggets of information at the U People Like Me Medical
Marijuana Awareness Blitz Friday night in Ontario.

The event was hosted by the Stormy Ray Cardholders' Foundation at the
Four Rivers Cultural Center, and wasn't without it's technical issues.
Throughout the entire evening there were periodic microphone glitches.

"Someone turned off our live feed right before we started," said
Stormy Ray, who heads up the foundation. "It was devastating to all of
us who put in our hard work."

In spite of the difficulties, however, the show went on in the midst
of a packed house. More than 70 people attended, causing standing room
only.

William Lopez was the master of ceremonies and the group raffled off
several vaporizers as well as a glass bong. Several people gave
testimonies on the benefits of medical marijuana and there was a
presentation by Eastern Oregon University assistant chemistry and
biochemistry professor, Jeremy Riggle.

Riggle spoke on the chemical compounds in marijuana that give it
healing properties.

"There's a treasure trove of different chemicals that have different
effects," Riggle said. "All the compounds have been shown to have
benefits and we're just barely scratching the surface on this stuff."

The main chunk of Riggle's presentation focused on the human body's
endocannabinoid system, which regulates homeostasis within cells and
inside the body, overall. This system helps regulate things like
appetite, mood, and the sensation of pain.

Riggle explained that the cannabinoids within medical marijuana
interact with the body's endocannabinoid system in a large variety of
ways, promoting healthy cells and causing unhealthy cells to self-abort.

"That's why it's so good for fighting cancer," Riggle said. "It tells
sick cells to commit suicide."

Chris Artiach, a student at Treasure Valley Community College, a 2015
gold medalist in the Special Olympics, and a veteran with PTSD, said
medical marijuana is his only medication for constant pain because he
is allergic to both opiates and narcotics.

"They say it's bad for our community and it will cause problems, but
we're already the second worst in Oregon," Artiach said. "We don't get
addicted to it. We don't die. We just smile."

The event concluded with a mixer for the audience, which packed the
meeting room at the cultural center, to mingle and enjoy live music.
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MAP posted-by: Matt