General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Anti-woo commentators are a bunch of smug and condescending... [View all]hueymahl
(2,901 posts)Science brought us out of the dark ages, the most magically thinking time in modern history (or woo, if you prefer). I don't have the time or inclination, but I could cite 1000s of mystical practices that science has saved the world from (at least those who want to be saved).
Pot and big pharma are red herrings. As quite elegantly discussed above, it was morality that prevented science from studying pot. Same thing with LSD, MDMA and other psychoactive drugs that allow you to experience pleasure and can therefore be used recreationally.
Big Pharma traditionally will only study things that they can patent, because you can only make money on patentable items. It is hard to patent wrist magnets and crystals. Big Pharma really could give a rats ass about anything else. And there are BILLIONS being made on fake medicine. Look at the vast supplements industry and every homeopath you meet.
We do need more scientific study of traditional medicine where there is a scientific basis for the action on the body AND there can be proven efficacy.