Cannabis Science is Encouraged by ASA's Challenge; the Appeals Court Hears Case on Rescheduling of the Case on the Medicinal Value of Cannabinoids

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabis Science (CBIS), a pioneering U.S. Biotech Company developing pharmaceutical products for global public health challenges, supports ASA's appeal to the federal courts for the rescheduling of the case on the medicinal value of cannabinoids. Recently the federal appeals court for the DC circuit heard the case in which Americans for Safe Access (ASA) appealed the 2002 ruling that medical marijuana is a class one drug. Americans for Safe Access is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens. Cannabis Science's President and CEO, Dr. Robert Melamede is also on their Scientific Advisory Board.

Federal Counsel, Lena Watkins argued that research is inadequate and has not progressed. Dr. Melamede states, "This position is ludicrous, no medicine has been studied more than cannabinoids and cannabinoid-based medicines. For example, the antiretroviral drug Truvada, used to treat HIV, has a total of 91 peer-reviewed studies, and yet it still managed to acquire FDA approval. There are thousands and thousands of cannabinoid related studies, but the response from the federal government is that we need more studies."

President & CEO, Cannabis Science Inc., Dr. Robert Melamede stated, "Whichever way the courts rule, Cannabis Science will proceed with our formal drug development program that is leading to the necessary clinical trials. We are currently working under the stringent conditions that are currently in place, any change will only facilitate our progress as we continue to expand with new advisory board members, and continue to develop new relationships that bring about collaborative agreements, which are announced as they are finalized."

A recent report from Germany, "The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis and Cannabinoids" by Franjo Grotenhermen and Kirsten Müller-Vahl states "Cannabis-based medications have been a topic of intense study since the endogenous cannabinoid system was discovered two decades ago. In 2011, for the first time, a cannabis extract was approved for clinical use in Germany. More than 100 controlled clinical trials of cannabinoids or whole-plant preparations for various indications have been conducted since 1975."

About Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science, Inc. is conducting cannabinoid research and development for unmet medical needs. The Company works with leading experts in HIV drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize Phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.

Cannabis Science is currently working with CBR International to develop a Pre-IND Application to the FDA that focuses on the use of CS-S/BCC-1 topical cannabis-based preparations for the treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Forward Looking Statements

This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Cannabis Science, Inc.