a high risk for abuse with no value medicinally. While many petitions have been submitted to Congress and the feds
to change this wrongful categorization, the FDA has not responded.
On a state level, the 2005 Supreme Court ruling did not have an impact on state law. However, currently about 99
percent of marijuana arrests take place by state or local authorities.
More positively, this means that states still have a great deal of power in determining personal freedom and the
allowance of medical marijuana, including protections for patients using it. Some states, such as California,
Colorado, Hawaii, Rhone Island, New Mexico and Oregon, have implemented laws that remove state penalties for
growing or possessing marijuana for medical purposes. In the District of Columbia, an overwhelming majority of
voters supported legalizing medical marijuana, but were overruled by Congress, which has the power to do so when it
comes to a federal district like DC.
While the government has failed to act on the obvious benefits that medical marijuana brings for sufferers of
chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, brain cancer and other very serious ailments, public support continues
to be the on the side of decriminalization. Many of the symptoms of these diseases—including nausea, loss of
appetite, anxiety and harsh pain—can be greatly alleviated through the use of medical marijuana, bringing relief to
millions of people across the country.
In addition, many reputable organizations and agencies have come out in support of legalizing medical marijuana
nationwide, including the AIDS Action Council, the National Association of Attorneys General, the California
Medical Association, the American Bar Association and dozens of certified medical organizations.
In order to ensure that the enormous potential of medical marijuana is realized for those suffering from
debilitating conditions, we need to keep pressing for real drug and marijuana reform. ...
Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Pain Management and Medical Marijuana