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Risk-FREE Medical Marijuana Evaluations This Labor Day… Get Legal NOW With Same-Day Certifications

Posted on | September 2, 2012 | No Comments

For us, Labor Day is a labor of love for patients needing to get their Michigan Medical Marijuana License (MMMP Certification). That’s why this Labor Day, September 3rd we will make sure that we continue providing the same great service to patients who need to get legal or renew their current card.  Risk-FREE Medical Marijuana Evaluations are available this Labor Day in Ann Arbor by visiting First Natural Wellness’ nearby downtown office at 4127 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

To schedule your Risk-Free appointment call 866-649-9034

Since 2009 we have helped over 24,000 patients get legal with same-day certifications provided by Michigan Licensed, Board Certified Physicians who hold credentials at local hospitals.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Service – All paperwork is verified and put together for you to ensure successful delivery to the state.

100% Patient Satisfaction – We have never had a patient denied by the state of Michigan

No Hidden Fees, EVER.

Free Patient / Caregiver Matching Service

First Natural Wellness is THE MOST TRUSTED SOURCE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA EVALUATION!

To schedule your Risk-Free appointment call 866-649-9034

To about 10,000 Thalidomide victims: drugmaker’s apology not enough

Posted on | September 1, 2012 | No Comments

For how long will we let these attacks on humanity go so that profiteering frug companies can use us as their gu

 

(Reuters) – Victims of thalidomide said on Saturday an apology from the German inventor of the drug that caused birth defects in thousands of babies around the world was too little too late.

Thalidomide, developed by the German firm Gruenenthal, was marketed internationally to pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a treatment for morning sickness. About 10,000 babies were born around the world with defects caused by the drug, mostly malformed limbs or missing arms or legs.

“Having tried to remind them of their criminal behaviour across a negotiating table on several occasions, I didn’t think this company would ever make things right,” said British thalidomide victim Geoff Adams-Spink.

“This is an important first step. The next is to compensate everyone damaged by their so-called ‘totally harmless’ drug,” said Adams-Spink, who heads the European Dysmelia Reference Information Centre, a support group for those with limb malformations attributable to thalidomide and other causes.

Gruenenthal, which says it had paid roughly 500 million euros to victims by 2010, unveiled a commemorative statue on Friday. At the ceremony, its chief executive, Harald Stock, said the company was sorry for what had happened to the victims.

“In the name of Gruenenthal … I want to take this opportunity to express our deep regret over the consequences of Contergan and our deep sympathy for the victims, their mothers and families,” Stock said at the ceremony in the western German city of Stolberg, where the company is based.

“SILENT SHOCK”

“We also ask for forgiveness for not reaching out to you from human to human for almost 50 years … We ask that you see our long speechlessness as a sign of the silent shock that your fate has caused us.”

Several thousand victims of thalidomide, sold in Germany under the brand name Contergan and elsewhere as Distaval, are still alive.

Gruenenthal was not reachable for comment and it was not clear whether the 500 million euros in payments had been to victims in Germany only or also abroad, where other firms marketed the drug.

German thalidomide victims get a monthly pension of up to 1,116 euros from a trust to which Gruenenthal contributes.

An Australian woman whose daughter won a multi-million dollar settlement in July against Diageo Plc, the legal successor to thalidomide’s Australian distributor, said the apology was an insult.

“It’s the sort of apology you give when you’re not really sorry,” Wendy Rowe told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Lynette Rowe, now 50, was born without arms or legs after her mother took thalidomide for a month while pregnant. Her lawyers said Gruenenthal did not contribute to the settlement.

Referring to Stock’s statement of ‘silent shock’, Wendy Rowe said: “Our family couldn’t have gone into silent shock. We had to get up and face each day and every day and cope with the incredible damage that Gruenenthal drug did to Lyn and our family.”

“PATHETIC”

The Rowe family’s legal firm, Slater & Gordon, called the drug manufacturer’s apology “pathetic”: “It is too little, too late and riddled with further deceit.”

Rowe’s settlement followed a A$50 million payment Diageo agreed to make in 2010 to 45 thalidomide victims in Australia and New Zealand, who sought help to cope with the mounting costs of care as they were living longer than expected.

The cases have been closely watched in the United States, where a complaint has been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, Avantor Performance Materials and Gruenenthal, with several plaintiffs claiming their birth defects resulted from their mothers’ use of thalidomide.

The thalidomide scandal triggered a worldwide overhaul of drug-testing regimes and boosted the reputation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which refused to approve the drug.

Gruenenthal said it had acted to the best of its knowledge.

“In developing Contergan, Gruenenthal acted according to the scientific knowledge back then and fulfilled all industrial standards for the testing of new medication,” Stock said.

Many German thalidomide victims stayed away from the unveiling of Gruenenthal’s statue, which portrays a child with shortened arms, calling it a public relations stunt.

“The fact that Gruenenthal, a billion-euro company, is paying 5,000 euros (for the statue) is a slap in the face of every victim,” said the federal association of Contergan victims.

“This PR measure is supposed to signal to the public that the company still has Contergan on its agenda, without any serious effort to address the concerns of the people who have been permanently damaged.”

Harold Evans, Reuters editor at large who led a campaign for compensation of thalidomide victims as editor of Britain’s Sunday Times from the late 1960s, said justice delayed was justice denied.

“Fifty years of injustice is not to be assuaged by the most heartfelt apology, unaccompanied as it is by any compensation for the pain and suffering thousands of survivors endure every day,” he said.

(Additional reporting by Kate Kelland in London and Morag MacKinnon in Sydney; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

Weekly Medical Marijuana Updates – California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Washington

Posted on | August 24, 2012 | No Comments

The feds strike again in California, this time in Orange County, and meanwhile, the battle over the LA dispensary ban heats up. There’s plenty more news, too. Let’s get to it:

California

Since mid-August, signature gatherers have been hitting the streets in Los Angeles in an effort to collect 27,400 voter signatures to put on the ballot a referendum to repeal the recent ban on dispensaries. They have about 10 more days to go, and if they succeed, the referendum would go before voters in March. The more immediate effect would be a temporary suspension of the ordinance. Dispensaries in the city have until September 6 until they are supposed to shut down.

Last Wednesday, San Francisco Mission District property owners asked the feds to shut down a dispensary that hasn’t even opened yet. Those owners of “white linen” restaurants and family-oriented businesses have asked the Justice Department to close down the Morado Collective, even though the Planning Commission approved the dispensary’s permit at a hearing the same day. The Mission Miracle Mile Business Improvement District had its president, local realtor James Nunemacher, write a letter to US Attorney Melinda Haag urging her to shut it down because it “is incompatible with the family shopping that predominates the immediate area in the daytime and the dining/entertainment venues that are active in the evening.” The gentrifiers have spoken.

Last Thursday, patients and supporters filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the LA ban. The Patient Care Association and 11 individual patients are seeking an injunction to block the city from implementing the ban. They argue that California law preempts the city’s ban, that it violates dispensary owners’ rights to due process, and that it violates their right to freely assemble and associate to cultivate medical marijuana.

Also last Thursday, Butte County staff released a draft of the proposed new medical marijuana cultivation ordinance. It would ban outdoor cultivation and set limits on the amounts that could be grown indoors based on the size of the parcel. On lots of an acre or less, the grow area could not exceed 50 square-feet. On lots one to five acres, the allowable grow area is 150 square-feet. There is no size limit on lots five acres or larger, but a maximum of 99 plants could be grown. The ordinance includes limits on how powerful indoor grow lights can be and requires a ventilation and filtering system that doesn’t allow the smell of the pot outside the building. It also bans growing within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, parks, child care centers, and other youth-oriented facilities.

Last Friday, a Lake County judge granted a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the county’s recently adopted interim cultivation ordinance. The injunction is good until January 1. It allows all qualified people and collectives growing marijuana in conformity with state law at the time the county adopted its interim medical marijuana cultivation ordinance. Four people sued the county after the Board of Supervisors adopted the ordinance on July 9. It limited the number of marijuana plants allowed for outdoor cultivation and banned commercial growing as well as growing on vacant lands. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted to extend the interim ordinance for another 45 days anyway.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors targeted more than 60 dispensaries in Orange County for closure by filing three asset forfeiture lawsuits and sending threat letters to the dispensaries. That brings the number of dispensaries targeted for closure in the Central District of California to more than 300. In all, 66 warning letters were sent to marijuana dispensaries in Anaheim and La Habra. Some have closed recently, but federal authorities said 38 remain open. As part of the offensive, DEA agents raided two Anaheim dispensaries.

Colorado

Last Friday, a state court held that federal law trumps the state’s medical marijuana law. The ruling came in a case pitting a grower against a dispensary. The grower sought payment for marijuana that had already been delivered, but Arapahoe County District Judge Charles Pratt ruled for the dispensary. In his opinion, he held that since all marijuana sales are illegal under federal law, the contract between the grower and the dispensary was null and void. Later in the same ruling, Pratt wrote that “any state authorization to engage in the manufacture, distribution or possession of marijuana creates an obstacle to full execution of federal law. Therefore, Colorado’s marijuana laws are preempted by federal marijuana law.” Because the ruling is by a district court judge, it is not binding, but it has the medical marijuana community concerned.

On Monday, the Denver City Council approved a ban on all outdoor advertising for dispensaries. The vote came after a public hearing last week where medical marijuana advocates were split over the issue and council members voiced strong support for it. The council killed an alternate, more limited plan that would have blocked outdoor ads within 1,000 feet of schools, day care facilities, and parks. Dispensaries can still advertise on their buildings and can still place ads in newspapers, magazines, or online, and they can display their logos at charity events they sponsor. The city had been inundated with dispensary flyers and young men twirling large cardboard arrows advertising “Eighths for $25” and the like.

Maine

Last Monday, state officials held a public hearing on proposed new cultivation rules. The rules will impose restrictions on where and under what conditions patients or caregivers can grow their own medicine. Patients, dispensary operators, growers, and advocates objected to various portions of the proposed rules. The last day for public comment was Wednesday.

Michigan

Last Thursday, the agency overseeing the state’s medical marijuana program said it could be up and running by this fall. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs said its review panel for adding new qualifying medical conditions is just about set, but patient advocates are skeptical, saying the agency is at least two years behind on making recommendations on requests to add new conditions.

Washington

Last Friday, the state Department of Revenue began doing audits of dispensaries, escalating a battle over whether they should be collecting tax revenues for the state. The department has told dispensaries since 2010 that they must remit sale taxes on their transactions, and 50 dispensaries have registered with the department to do so. But the department believes there are other dispensaries out there that haven’t registered, and now it’s going after them. Some dispensary operators and defense attorneys argue that by paying state taxes, dispensaries are incriminating themselves in the federal crime of marijuana sales.

Over the weekend, medical marijuana advocates may have skirted state election laws at Hempfest by handing out fliers against the I-502 legalization initiative. Dozens of medical marijuana businesses used Hempfest to lobby against I-502, but one of them may have violated election laws by handing out anti-I-502 posters that failed to say who had paid for them.

On Tuesday, the owners of two dispensaries pleaded guilty to federal marijuana trafficking charges. Brionne Keith Corbray, owner and operator of three GAME Collectives in White Center, Northeast Seattle, and West Seattle, copped to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Craig Dieffenbach and Jing Jing Mu, owners of the Seattle Cannabis Cooperative, copped to conspiracy to distribute and money-laundering charges. All admitted in their plea agreements to selling marijuana to people who were not patients. Conspiracy to distribute marijuana is punishable by up to 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Conspiracy to launder money is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

 

Common Drugs More Dangerous Than Marijuana

Posted on | August 12, 2012 | No Comments

As the debate over medical marijuana continues in New York and the rest of the U.S., there’s bound to be a lot of conflicting information out there.

Opponents of medical marijuana tend to argue that it is dangerous and has no therapeutic qualities. We’re not medical experts, so we’re not going to debate the intricacies of cannabis’ curative properties. But we have to wonder: Is weed really as dangerous as authorities make it out to be, since it seems a lot safer than common prescription and over-the-counter drugs?

For background, the American Council for Drug Education tells us that pot causes: “impaired perception, diminished short-term memory, loss of concentration and coordination, impaired judgement, increased risk of accidents, loss of motivation, diminished inhibitions, increased heart rate, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, damage to the respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems, increased risk of cancer, psychological dependency.”

Compare this to the listed side and overdose effects for these popular meds.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): “Upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, headache, nervousness; skin itching or rash; blurred vision; ringing in ears; chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions)
An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.”

Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin (Robutissin DM): “Drowsiness and dizziness. Adverse effects, which have occurred at higher doses, include excitation, mental confusion, and opiate-like respiratory depression. In some cases of ab1use, patients have experienced euphoria, hyperactivity, mania, and auditory and visual hallucinations.nausea, vomiting and constipation. Overdose effects (from the National Institutes of Health): no breathing; bluish-colored fingernails and lips; blurred vision, high/low blood pressure; coma; convulsions.”

Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percoset, Percodan): “Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; sleeplessness; vomiting; weakness; rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; chest pain; confusion; difficult or painful urination; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or light-headedness; slowed or difficult breathing; sudden, severe headache or vomiting; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, confusion, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.”

Hydrocodone (Vicodin) : “Nausea; vomiting; constipation; lightheadedness; dizziness; fainting; seizure; slow/shallow breathing; unusual drowsiness/difficulty waking up. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, sweating, pinpoint pupils, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), confusion, cold and clammy skin, muscle weakness, fainting, weak pulse, slow heart rate, coma, blue lips, shallow breathing, or no breathing.”

Alprazolam (Xanax) : “Changes in appetite; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; light-headedness; nausea; tiredness; weight changes; rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness; behavior changes; blurred vision; burning, numbness, or tingling; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; loss of balance or muscle control; memory or attention problems; menstrual changes; muscle twitching; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, irritability, anxiety; exaggerated feeling of wellbeing); overstimulation; red, swollen blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or light-headedness; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremor; trouble speaking; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
An overdose of Xanax can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.”

(Info from Drugs.com, Jezebel)

Risk FREE Medical Marijuana Evaluations and NO-HIDDEN-FEES – CALL 866-649-9034

Posted on | August 8, 2012 | No Comments

Ann Arbor • Southfield • Farmington • Birmingham • Canton • Flint • Lansing • Allen Park • Dearborn • Livonia • Taylor • Redford • Southgate • Detroit • Brighton • Westland • Rochester • Warren • Sterling Heights • Clinton Twp • Troy • Kalamazoo • Ypsilanti • Redford • Holland • Oak Park • Royal Oak • Jackson • West Bloomfield • Walled Lake

Are you tired of getting hassled by so-called healing centers and nature collectives?

First Natural Wellness has been helping patients with debilitating medical conditions obtain their medical marijuana certification for over three (3) years and has helped over 24,000 people in need.

We are located at 4127 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

We have been disappointed from recent reports when patients tell us that similar physicians are using unethical business practices such as charging for patient / caregiver matching services ($20 to help you with your paperwork!? Sorry, but that’s ridiculous) and even charging to file your certification paperwork with the state which includes a hidden fee of $150! Sometimes the answer is NOT “who is NATURE’S . HEALING CENTER?”

We believe that these businesses are only “in it” for the money and are looking to suck the life from the patients who really have serious debilitating medical conditions.

First Natural Wellness was started for patients by patients. We not only understand how hard it can be to go through life with chronic pain and serious debilitating medical conditions, but we also know how that affects the level of income you have to use to cover your health care expenses.

We are in full compliance with with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 and have never had one patient denied by the state of Michigan. We have several patient testimonials and 100% patient satisfaction. There is no fee if you are not approved. Your consultation is completely risk-free.

Our physicians have never turned anyone away. All physicians are Board Certified, Michigan Licensed and have no current or prior malpractice. No Medical Records are necessary to consult with the physician.

Walk-ins welcome Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 Noon-2 PM

First Natural Wellness
1785 W. Stadium Blvd. Suite 104,
Located in the Dakota Building
Look for the Life Empowerment & Healing Arts Quadrant.

866-649-9034
www.FirstNaturalWellness.com
getlegal@firstnaturalwellness.com

Feel free to call or email with any further questions we can help answer.

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About First Natural

First Natural offers risk-free referral access to the fastest, most discreet Bona Fide Medical Marijuana evaluations throughout Michigan. We have helped over 78,000 patients get legal and stay protected since 2009. Our network of highly qualified and compassionate physicians are board certified and Michigan licensed. Shouldn't you have access to the highest quality medical Marijuana? Why wait? Get legal now! Call 866-649-9034 for an appointment today!

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