Marijuana vs. Thalidomide - Repeating History?
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." - George Santayana
By George F. Spicka / July 28, 2020
By George F. Spicka / July 28, 2020
Around 1960, there was an estimated 10,000 baby’s throughout the world that were born with horrid deformities.
About 40% died around the time of birth.
Most noticeable were the grotesque, flipper like limbs, plus many had brain, eye, urinary tract, and heart problems.
This was due to the drug Thalidomide, which was promoted for anxiety, trouble sleeping, “tension”, and morning sickness.
The US was spared the worst because the FDA refused to approve the drug, on the basis that it hadn’t been proved that it wouldn’t cross over from the bloodstream into the placenta.
Sadly, we are facing a similar crises today.
The FDA has so far approved only one use for marijuana, as a treatment for a severe form of childhood epilepsy.
In spite of this, just like with Thalidomide, it is being hailed by some as a treatment for morning sickness.
Doctors and researchers have discovered that moms who use marijuana while pregnant, give birth to baby’s with deformities to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas of the brain concerned with memory, behavior, decision making.
About 40% died around the time of birth.
Most noticeable were the grotesque, flipper like limbs, plus many had brain, eye, urinary tract, and heart problems.
This was due to the drug Thalidomide, which was promoted for anxiety, trouble sleeping, “tension”, and morning sickness.
The US was spared the worst because the FDA refused to approve the drug, on the basis that it hadn’t been proved that it wouldn’t cross over from the bloodstream into the placenta.
Sadly, we are facing a similar crises today.
The FDA has so far approved only one use for marijuana, as a treatment for a severe form of childhood epilepsy.
In spite of this, just like with Thalidomide, it is being hailed by some as a treatment for morning sickness.
Doctors and researchers have discovered that moms who use marijuana while pregnant, give birth to baby’s with deformities to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas of the brain concerned with memory, behavior, decision making.
“A new study from researchers at Western University and Queen’s University definitively shows that regular exposure to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, during pregnancy has significant impact on placental and fetal development.”
https://mediarelations.uwo.ca/2020/01/17/research-shows-real-risks-associated-with-cannabis-exposure-during-pregnancy/
https://mediarelations.uwo.ca/2020/01/17/research-shows-real-risks-associated-with-cannabis-exposure-during-pregnancy/