As a mother of two sons addicted to fentanyl (one has been off it for over a year now, praise God), I am thrilled with President Trump's war against it, and I rejoice with every Narco boat that is stopped.
Been taking CBD oil for several yrs to moderate arthritic inflammation. Was very annoyed by our lt. gov.patterson trying to get it banned outright in Texas, many believe at the behest of the alcohol lobby who pay him big bucks
If really interested, I use 500 mg/30 ml CBD + 0.3% TCH. Thinking there is synergy between TCH and CBD., However our supply says no TCH for pets. And his has rejuvenated our older cat
Does this mean we finally have a President that recognizes the root causes of why we have so many societal and health problems in the US? Does that mean he wants to address the root causes and not create another superficial government program that solves nothing? I know this to be true in healthcare and both RFK Jr and President Trump know it has to be fixed and it is Big Chemo which drives Big Food/Agra that creates the bloated healthcare system. I cover this and show the Whitehouse Chart that is worth a 1000 words that demonstrates how out of control our healthcare system is today. https://thomasabraunrph.substack.com/p/big-pharma-keeps-grinding-it-out
I agree completely with you about the waste of time and life of people who use weed recreationally. But since the Executive Order is looking at medical marijuana, they need to look no further than what its rightful place in medical use was previously. To make medical marijauna and other plant medicines (that were used daily by medical and veterinary practitioners once again), there is one specific regulation that could be looked at.
My suggestion for the regulatory process to go forward as per the Executive Order would be for Secretary Kennedy to end Compliance Policy Guide, sec 440.100.
Ending it would stimulate review of “old” drugs. Sec. Azar had terminated it at end of the first Trump administration (a Christmas present to go into effect 12/25/2020) and gave alternative pathways for unapproved products (see Federal Register/Vol. 85, No. 228/Wednesday, November 25, 2020/Notices 75331).. But Biden's HHS Secretary Beccerra reversed that in early 2021. It was originally instituted under Bush II and then again under Obama and basically squeezed out any method of "old drugs" from being allowed. If Secretary Kennedy would end Compliance Policy Guide, sec. 440.100 like Sec. Azar did and keep Sec. Azar's exact suggestions, older plant-based drugs (that once were actually made by the pharmaceutical sector prior to the synthetic juggernaut) could be looked at again in a good light. It brings into play Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective products - and I would say that such products from "back then" should be considered safe and effective in the context of how they were used clinically by doctors and veterinarians (as shown in medical and veterinary textbooks of the time). Note that GRASE is *not* the same as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). GRAS is for food substances and GRASE is for drug products. GRASE is continually used in the Monograph process for Over-The-Counter (OTC)categories that the FDA has set up (and can now be given a final order by the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Makary).
In the specific case of Cannabis - yet also with a *multitude* of other plant-based drugs - one needs to look no further than the 1936 National Formulary. On page 399, it shows how to make tincture of Cannabis indica via the Process P of tincture manufacture. And so many other plant-based drugs are shown in the NF as well. There are hundreds - with known indications, dosages, contraindications, and antidotes... layered over only by time and the synthetic juggernaut that swept them away (but not really).
If the FDA wants to allow cheaper medicines than the ridiculously expensive brand new ones, then look no further to what existed prior to the FDA existing. They are grand-fathered by definition, as long as the labeling is the same and the ingredients are the same. While the Drug Supplement Health Education Act (DSHEA) allows for supplements (which are also now Official since they are part of the USP/NF and its supplements), no claims can be made. But if "old drugs" (pre-1938/FDA) were to meet GRASE in the context of how they were viewed when they were in widespread use, claim *can* be made.
I would strongly suggest that Secretary Kennedy end Compliance Policy Guide, sec. 440.100 so that plant medicines can regain their place in mainstream medicine and veterinary medicine as they once were.
I hope someone can get Secretary Kennedy's ear on this. I had a meeting with Dr. Makary at the end of July about plant medicines for vet med and included the need to change Compliance Policy Guide, sec. 440.100
I found it interesting to read more on THC and addiction. I was one of those people who didn't think it was addictive. When my mom was dying, I asked my son to get me some pot because I was losing too much weight. My appetite tends to diminish under stress. For certain situations it can be helpful, and too much consistent use can be harmful. The CBD that is full spectrum has no THC, and the one I use is organic. Sounds like the exec. orders are a step in the right direction; and what happened to Trump's Hair in the pic.? Woops... (I am curious to see what AMD would have to say too, concerning THC)
Many, many people seem to feel that smoking marijuana gives relief from Parkinson's symptoms of stiffness, rigidity and some even say it helps with Tremor. Relief from stiffness is huge. When my husband asked about it, he was about 20 years into the disease, he was already taking quetiapine for PD related hallucinations, so his neurologist didn't recommend the marijuana because of possible negative reactions. His neurologist said that the benefit to smoking marijuana is typically felt most by people who have been recently diagnosed. It relaxes them and helps relieve the stress that goes along with the newly diagnosed PD.
I assume that most writers of “news” don’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. I have seen references to the new drug policy using one or the other. For instance reports on eliquis seem to use them interchangeably which makes me think they don’t they are different. Does anyone for certain if it is one or the other or both. Under my Medicare plan copay for eliquis is $60/month. It does make a difference to know and report correct info.
I have the same issue with the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Most on Medicaid don’t even pay for their medications; whereas we on Medicare plans part D pay co-pays for all of our medications 💊
With regard to those of us on Medicare with a part D plan, depending on what medications you take (e.g., in my case, Armour Thyroid, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), and pretty much anything compounded like the budesonide I add to my sinus rinse, part D plans cover none of it. Zero, zip, nada.
It seems no drug that is NOT a synthetic, and most drugs that are compounded, aren't covered by any part D plan (at least in my neck of the woods). Just another area of medicine that needs closer scrutiny and reform. These drugs aren't inexpensive, either!
Thanks Doc for the concise and readable summary. Particularly your effective use of “outlining”. One of the good methods developed during the Power Point era.
Also I was delighted to see my long term employers ( Genentech and Amgen) listed although the specific products ( of theirs) were not mentioned. Epogen? Neulasta? Etc?
Thank you for covering these initiatives. While I did notice references to them, the details you've provided are valuable for appreciating their impacts.
I appreciate having this to forward to families who may find it helpful.
Its surely been a good month of HHS progress, setting up for avenues to pursue in 2026.
Your last sentence is of major importance as we all know "One has to wonder if reporting has been sparse because, generally speaking, the people - even liberals, can get behind all of these new initiatives and the mainstream media literally will not lift a finger to say anything positive about Trump’s presidency." I live with and around far lefties who think Rachel Maddow truly compares to Walter Cronkite and she richly deserves her recent award. The only subject I dare to mention is healthcare. I mentioned a month or so ago that the price of Eloquis (one takes this) is about to plummet. "I'll believe it when I see it" So I have to wait until it her prescription cost is actually lowered to bring it up. This is just a very minor example of TDS, I simply cannot voice an opinion or bring up a conversation of any kind. (period) I have to brace myself with every comment that might be different from what the know from MSM, or cause somebody to be uncomfortable in any way. Actually it's not just Trump, It has been this way since I was told to "drop it" when I shared Dr. Malone's and others' info on why children should not get the vax. It is a hard way to have to live with others, I still love them though, and I work on and try different strategies toward actual dialogue all the while praying fervently for breakthrough with the MSM.
I didn't know that but makes sense. I was born/raised in Austin and for a long time our only television station was owned by Ladybird aka KLBJ, except for PBS of course.
I have read that areas that legalized marijuana like Colorado, have reported higher increases in psychotic episodes in emergency rooms which were directly related to marijuana and no other drugs.
The currently grown THC in marijuana is much higher than the THC of the 70’s and 80’s, and also had a sweeter smoother odor to it. Current crops grown for recreational use is called Skunk Weed for a reason, and has higher doses of THC, because they were crossed for the purpose of increasing THC.
I’m not a fan of reclassifying marijuana, except for research purposes ONLY, and it is my opinion and instinct that this will morph into a dependence upon marijuana that will rival the opioid epidemic—a Pandora’s Box that will effect future generations.
As a veteran, the narco-boat strikes are accurate and highly effective. We were trained to blow things up and neutralize our enemies, and destroying narcs and their poison headed to America, is what we live to do, which is protect Americans.
One last point, those who want to have the second strike released, desire to create a propaganda machine to shut down the strikes. Let our military do what they were trained to do, so everyone else can enjoy Christmas and their lattes at Starbucks, as civilians should.
Good news. The use of CBD for medicinal purposes seems to work for some. More research is a good idea. My concern is with more availability to young people who smoke pot regularly. It has been reported that it causes violence in some young men. I also think it reduces initiative in them. I would hope research into this area would be forthcoming.
As a mother of two sons addicted to fentanyl (one has been off it for over a year now, praise God), I am thrilled with President Trump's war against it, and I rejoice with every Narco boat that is stopped.
Been taking CBD oil for several yrs to moderate arthritic inflammation. Was very annoyed by our lt. gov.patterson trying to get it banned outright in Texas, many believe at the behest of the alcohol lobby who pay him big bucks
How is the oil used for pain?
Put under the tongue...hold for a min. or so.
Won't the oil just slide down the sides of the tongue during that minute, or is the oil in another form?
If really interested, I use 500 mg/30 ml CBD + 0.3% TCH. Thinking there is synergy between TCH and CBD., However our supply says no TCH for pets. And his has rejuvenated our older cat
I often put a tiny drop in my morning coffee.
I do a spoonful of coconut oil and 2 drops hemp/blackseed oil.
My son puts a drop in Mash his border collie before air traveling.
Masha becomes very relaxed for several hours in flight, also after.
Masha is 7 yrs old and has more Air miles than most humans.
She goes along everywhere.
I am interested. What did you say rejuvenated your cat? Was it "this," as in only CBD, for your cat?
Same conc. CBD--500 mg/30 ml,, no TCH
Stays in the bottom of the mouth
Then swallow or spit out?
Swallow
The well lived life includes daily curiosity and discovery of the self.
It is the learning curve we all operate upon to share.
The president's new order designating Fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction reminded me of a verse in the Steppenwolf song "The Pusher."
Well, Lord if I were the president
Of this land you know I'd declare
Total war on the pusher man
I′d cut him if he stands
And I shoot him if he'd run
And I′d kill him with my Bible
And my razor and my gun
chorus
God damn, ah, the pusher
God damn, the pusher
I said God damn
God damn the pusher man
Does this mean we finally have a President that recognizes the root causes of why we have so many societal and health problems in the US? Does that mean he wants to address the root causes and not create another superficial government program that solves nothing? I know this to be true in healthcare and both RFK Jr and President Trump know it has to be fixed and it is Big Chemo which drives Big Food/Agra that creates the bloated healthcare system. I cover this and show the Whitehouse Chart that is worth a 1000 words that demonstrates how out of control our healthcare system is today. https://thomasabraunrph.substack.com/p/big-pharma-keeps-grinding-it-out
Wow, I read the article and subscribed. !! Thank you for your work!
I agree completely with you about the waste of time and life of people who use weed recreationally. But since the Executive Order is looking at medical marijuana, they need to look no further than what its rightful place in medical use was previously. To make medical marijauna and other plant medicines (that were used daily by medical and veterinary practitioners once again), there is one specific regulation that could be looked at.
My suggestion for the regulatory process to go forward as per the Executive Order would be for Secretary Kennedy to end Compliance Policy Guide, sec 440.100.
Ending it would stimulate review of “old” drugs. Sec. Azar had terminated it at end of the first Trump administration (a Christmas present to go into effect 12/25/2020) and gave alternative pathways for unapproved products (see Federal Register/Vol. 85, No. 228/Wednesday, November 25, 2020/Notices 75331).. But Biden's HHS Secretary Beccerra reversed that in early 2021. It was originally instituted under Bush II and then again under Obama and basically squeezed out any method of "old drugs" from being allowed. If Secretary Kennedy would end Compliance Policy Guide, sec. 440.100 like Sec. Azar did and keep Sec. Azar's exact suggestions, older plant-based drugs (that once were actually made by the pharmaceutical sector prior to the synthetic juggernaut) could be looked at again in a good light. It brings into play Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective products - and I would say that such products from "back then" should be considered safe and effective in the context of how they were used clinically by doctors and veterinarians (as shown in medical and veterinary textbooks of the time). Note that GRASE is *not* the same as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). GRAS is for food substances and GRASE is for drug products. GRASE is continually used in the Monograph process for Over-The-Counter (OTC)categories that the FDA has set up (and can now be given a final order by the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Makary).
In the specific case of Cannabis - yet also with a *multitude* of other plant-based drugs - one needs to look no further than the 1936 National Formulary. On page 399, it shows how to make tincture of Cannabis indica via the Process P of tincture manufacture. And so many other plant-based drugs are shown in the NF as well. There are hundreds - with known indications, dosages, contraindications, and antidotes... layered over only by time and the synthetic juggernaut that swept them away (but not really).
If the FDA wants to allow cheaper medicines than the ridiculously expensive brand new ones, then look no further to what existed prior to the FDA existing. They are grand-fathered by definition, as long as the labeling is the same and the ingredients are the same. While the Drug Supplement Health Education Act (DSHEA) allows for supplements (which are also now Official since they are part of the USP/NF and its supplements), no claims can be made. But if "old drugs" (pre-1938/FDA) were to meet GRASE in the context of how they were viewed when they were in widespread use, claim *can* be made.
I would strongly suggest that Secretary Kennedy end Compliance Policy Guide, sec. 440.100 so that plant medicines can regain their place in mainstream medicine and veterinary medicine as they once were.
Yes, it is past time for this entirely sensible action.
I hope someone can get Secretary Kennedy's ear on this. I had a meeting with Dr. Makary at the end of July about plant medicines for vet med and included the need to change Compliance Policy Guide, sec. 440.100
I second the motion! You have identified a effective solution.
Some good news and forward movement in our health care.
I found it interesting to read more on THC and addiction. I was one of those people who didn't think it was addictive. When my mom was dying, I asked my son to get me some pot because I was losing too much weight. My appetite tends to diminish under stress. For certain situations it can be helpful, and too much consistent use can be harmful. The CBD that is full spectrum has no THC, and the one I use is organic. Sounds like the exec. orders are a step in the right direction; and what happened to Trump's Hair in the pic.? Woops... (I am curious to see what AMD would have to say too, concerning THC)
AI generated by Grok- as that way I can avoid copyright issues.
How do you copy Grok? I'm having difficulty doing that.
Many, many people seem to feel that smoking marijuana gives relief from Parkinson's symptoms of stiffness, rigidity and some even say it helps with Tremor. Relief from stiffness is huge. When my husband asked about it, he was about 20 years into the disease, he was already taking quetiapine for PD related hallucinations, so his neurologist didn't recommend the marijuana because of possible negative reactions. His neurologist said that the benefit to smoking marijuana is typically felt most by people who have been recently diagnosed. It relaxes them and helps relieve the stress that goes along with the newly diagnosed PD.
I assume that most writers of “news” don’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. I have seen references to the new drug policy using one or the other. For instance reports on eliquis seem to use them interchangeably which makes me think they don’t they are different. Does anyone for certain if it is one or the other or both. Under my Medicare plan copay for eliquis is $60/month. It does make a difference to know and report correct info.
I have the same issue with the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Most on Medicaid don’t even pay for their medications; whereas we on Medicare plans part D pay co-pays for all of our medications 💊
With regard to those of us on Medicare with a part D plan, depending on what medications you take (e.g., in my case, Armour Thyroid, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), and pretty much anything compounded like the budesonide I add to my sinus rinse, part D plans cover none of it. Zero, zip, nada.
That’s really a shame. I would love more clarification on this!
It seems no drug that is NOT a synthetic, and most drugs that are compounded, aren't covered by any part D plan (at least in my neck of the woods). Just another area of medicine that needs closer scrutiny and reform. These drugs aren't inexpensive, either!
Thanks Doc for the concise and readable summary. Particularly your effective use of “outlining”. One of the good methods developed during the Power Point era.
Also I was delighted to see my long term employers ( Genentech and Amgen) listed although the specific products ( of theirs) were not mentioned. Epogen? Neulasta? Etc?
Thank you for covering these initiatives. While I did notice references to them, the details you've provided are valuable for appreciating their impacts.
I appreciate having this to forward to families who may find it helpful.
Its surely been a good month of HHS progress, setting up for avenues to pursue in 2026.
May these promises be productively realized!
On to a pleasant Sunday!
Your last sentence is of major importance as we all know "One has to wonder if reporting has been sparse because, generally speaking, the people - even liberals, can get behind all of these new initiatives and the mainstream media literally will not lift a finger to say anything positive about Trump’s presidency." I live with and around far lefties who think Rachel Maddow truly compares to Walter Cronkite and she richly deserves her recent award. The only subject I dare to mention is healthcare. I mentioned a month or so ago that the price of Eloquis (one takes this) is about to plummet. "I'll believe it when I see it" So I have to wait until it her prescription cost is actually lowered to bring it up. This is just a very minor example of TDS, I simply cannot voice an opinion or bring up a conversation of any kind. (period) I have to brace myself with every comment that might be different from what the know from MSM, or cause somebody to be uncomfortable in any way. Actually it's not just Trump, It has been this way since I was told to "drop it" when I shared Dr. Malone's and others' info on why children should not get the vax. It is a hard way to have to live with others, I still love them though, and I work on and try different strategies toward actual dialogue all the while praying fervently for breakthrough with the MSM.
Same Cronkite who lied like a rug about the tet offensive. Maddowish to me
I didn't know that but makes sense. I was born/raised in Austin and for a long time our only television station was owned by Ladybird aka KLBJ, except for PBS of course.
I have read that areas that legalized marijuana like Colorado, have reported higher increases in psychotic episodes in emergency rooms which were directly related to marijuana and no other drugs.
The currently grown THC in marijuana is much higher than the THC of the 70’s and 80’s, and also had a sweeter smoother odor to it. Current crops grown for recreational use is called Skunk Weed for a reason, and has higher doses of THC, because they were crossed for the purpose of increasing THC.
I’m not a fan of reclassifying marijuana, except for research purposes ONLY, and it is my opinion and instinct that this will morph into a dependence upon marijuana that will rival the opioid epidemic—a Pandora’s Box that will effect future generations.
As a veteran, the narco-boat strikes are accurate and highly effective. We were trained to blow things up and neutralize our enemies, and destroying narcs and their poison headed to America, is what we live to do, which is protect Americans.
One last point, those who want to have the second strike released, desire to create a propaganda machine to shut down the strikes. Let our military do what they were trained to do, so everyone else can enjoy Christmas and their lattes at Starbucks, as civilians should.
Agree 100%
Will be listening for what comes out of Senator Cassidy’s mouth. Time to choose Senator, we’re watching.
I edited in - Pfizer signed the deal in Sept, so they weren't mentioned in the fact sheet.
Thank You President Trump for standing up for the people. Fentanyl is the devil in disguise.
Good news. The use of CBD for medicinal purposes seems to work for some. More research is a good idea. My concern is with more availability to young people who smoke pot regularly. It has been reported that it causes violence in some young men. I also think it reduces initiative in them. I would hope research into this area would be forthcoming.