This is not an endorsement nor an approval but a call to get real. The definition of a Schedule I Substance is "the most dangerous drugs with no currently accepted medical use". Schedule II Substances have recognized medical uses. Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, while Cannabis is classified in the most dangerous category of Schedule I. This virtually prevents needed research on Cannabis, given the convoluted research approval process involving DEA, FDA and PHS (Public Health Service). Because of the governments' phobia over this plant I fear the only organizations capable of maneuvering through government regulations are giant pharmaceutical companies, which will create and get approval of drugs that will be derived, or worse, synthesized, from this cannabis plant.

 

Medicinal plants are safe from dangerous side effects in comparison to the isolated drugs that are created from them. History has proven that amazing results from medicinal plants disappear after synthetic drugs are created. It is impossible to find coca leaves anywhere in the USA but resourceful people have made its' derivative, cocaine, available practically everywhere.

 

Hundreds of effective drugs have been derived from poppy but try finding that species anywhere in our country. The opiates were extracted from the plant and opium became a major addictive problem. Pharmaceuticals then created a drug to "cure" opium addiction. Isn't that like curing a man who gets drunk on whiskey by putting him on vodka? Well the cure for opium addiction became a bigger problem than the opium itself and it is now the #1 plague in America. The pharmaceutical drug that was created to solve the plague of opium addiction was heroin!!! Now that it has hit the streets it cannot be reined in.

 

Cannabis is not "THE" gate way drug, OxyContin and the other pharmaceutical super addictive pain killers are "THE" most prevalent gate way drugs. When patients cannot get a prescription or cannot afford the price, they find heroine as cheap as $4 a bag, conveniently available on the street. Efforts should obviously be made to legalize medicinal plants before their derivatives become the next cocaine or heroin.

 

 

3 cups (750mL) cooked chickpeas (from 1 cup dry chickpeas or two 15-ounce/425-g cans)

1 large or 2 small cloves garlic

1/3 cup (75 mL) tahini

1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon), or to taste

1 teaspoon (5mL) fine-grain sea salt, or to taste

5-10 drops hot sauce (optional)

Extra-virgin olive oil, paprika, and minced parsley, for serving

Pita Chips for serving

 

Rinse and drain the chickpeas. If you have time, remove the skins: Squeeze a chickpea between your forefinger and thumb and push to pop off the skin. Discard the skins, and set aside a handful of chickpeas for serving.

 

With the food processor running, add the garlic to mince.

 

Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce (if using), and process until combined, adjusting the quantities as needed to taste. Add 4 to 6 tablespoons (60 to 90 mL) water to reach the desired consistency. Process until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed. (I like to let my processor run for at least a couple of minutes.)

 

Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and top with a drizzle of olive oil, the reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of paprika, and minced parsley. Serve with Pita Chips, if desired.

 

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