5 of 63

Write now Article Tools

Page 5 of 5

Similar citywide laws have been passed in Missoula, Montana and 110 communities in Massachusetts since 2002. Since California legalized medicinal marijuana 10 years ago, a few communities in that state have decriminalized possession. Other states with local medical marijuana laws include Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. A 2004 poll of AARP members (age 50 and over) found that 72% felt marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes and 74% believe that it is addictive. A Gallup poll taken in the summer of 2006 of potential voters in Florida found that medicinal legalization was supported by 65% of the respondents and only opposed by 32%, which is reported to mirror national trends of thought. A downside to state initiatives though is the ability of the federal government to supercede the states' authority and prevent individuals from purchasing medicinal marijuana. This is exemplified by the Supreme Court ruling against a terminally ill woman in California in Ashcroft v. Raich in 2004. It seems the most states can do is decriminalize possession at this point.

In my opinion, as society alters its view of cannabis as a drug, the laws should reflect those alterations. As more positive uses for marijuana are discovered, they should be researched and defined for the benefit of the population. As of now, the laws stand in the way of truly understanding how beneficial cannabinoids, particularly those naturally occurring in marijuana, are to the human species. There is a potential to stop pain, cure diseases, and solve other problems I have not even touched upon here. Yet, the issues surrounding marijuana legalization are clouded in ignorance, propaganda, and legislative status quo. Medical researchers should be allowed greater access to more strains of cannabis herb to study THC in its natural context. The strict laws holding back citizens from exercising their free will of choosing what is best for their own health should be equal. There is no reasonable explanation for the legality of tobacco and alcohol while marijuana remains illegal. The education of the populace should include information about toxicity, adverse health effects, health benefits, and information based on research, not cultural or legal sentiment.

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Add your voice

Know something about The legal battle over marijuana use?
We want to hear your view. Write now!