Getting High Without the High? New Advancements in Medical Marijuana Research

Kevin McKernan, founder and CEO of Medicinal Genomics, recently reported that his biotech company has completed the DNA sequence of marijuana, or to use scientific jargon - Cannabis sativa. But, those who are picking up medical cards just to get high legally shouldn't get too excited just yet. McKernan believes his findings will help scientists develop a low-THC, or THC-free drug (the mind-altering chemical stoners crave).

McKernan claims there are over 80 compounds in marijuana that have healing powers - namely, pain reducing and tumor shrinking properties. Unfortunately, however, growing the plant is still illegal in many countries, making it difficult to study. So, McKernan has published his findings on Amazon's EC2 in order to spread the word to scientists worldwide. He hopes his efforts will allow others to continue the research even if they can't actually grow anything.

At this point, however, the idea of a THC-free miracle drug is only "half-baked" (so to speak).

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