MARIJUANA TO CURE INFECTIONS

According to a recent structure-activity study by Italian professor
Giovanni Appendino, there is enough evidence to suggest the
cannabinoids in marijuana may provide a cure for a dangerous strain of
staphylococcus infections.

The MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a
super-bug, a strain of the infection that evolved from overuse of
usually effective antibiotics, according to the study.

MRSA is a particularly relevant threat to students on college campuses
who are likely to contract the infection from living in close quarters.

Taylor Rushing, Mary S. Shook Student Health Services university
physician said as an individual physician he treats between three and
five cases of Staph every month, with about one MRSA case showing up.

Rushing said he estimates there could be up to 30 cases of Staph a
month.

Students might not be aware they have MRSA until a culture is taken,
he said.

Appendino and his team of researchers struck gold while experimenting
with Cannabis sativa, which has been suspected of possessing
antibacterial properties.

The scientific community has agreed there is too much uncertainty on
the matter and the treatment should not be applied to MRSA patients.

Christopher T. Drew, junior recreation management major is president
of Appalachian's Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) Club.

"...[Scientists] need to do more research," Drew said. "They still don't
know what cannabinoid [can be used as the cure]." He said he does not
agree with the hesitation to implement the cure due to political reasons.

"It makes me feel like not everyone's interest is being taken into
account," Drew said.