Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana may be recommended for chronic pain or nausea from chemotherapy, AIDS/HIV, multiple sclerosis, and many other ailments in certain states. The effects of smoking marijuana are being used to treat the symptoms associated with these illnesses. In some cases such as severe nausea, treating the symptom can be a life saving treatment. However, all marijuana is still illegal according to United States federal law. The use of marijuana as medicine is highly controversial subject and its acceptance is determined by each state individually.

There are currently 14 states that allow medical patients to use marijuana as treatment so long as they have obtained a physician's recommendation and follow the legal guidelines for possession, use and cultivation limits. These states include AK, CA, CO, HI, ME, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NM, OR, RI, VT, and WA.http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 Several other states such as Arizona are working towards legalizing medical marijuana and getting the propositions placed on the voter's ballot.

Many of the states that permit the medical use of marijuana also require the patients to complete a registration process. This will provide legal protection for the patient should they be arrested or questioned by law enforcement. In some cases an ID card will be issued to avoid unnecessary legal actions.http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881

Arizona may become the next state to permit the use of marijuana for treatment of symptoms caused by severe illnesses. In November 2010, Proposition 203 will be on the ballot for voters to consider. http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20101003/Would-medical-marijuana-benefit-Arizona/

On March 11, 2010, a bill was passed in Washington state that allows different types of professionals to prescribe marijuana. They include physician assistants, naturopaths, advanced registered nurse practitioners and others.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011322442_apwaxgrmedicalmarijuana.html

On June 16, 2009, the state of Rhode Island passed a bill allows the creation of compassion centers, which can legally distribute to approved medical marijuana patients. Rhode Island legalized medical marijuana in 2006, but until this bill, had no legal way for those approved to receive the marijuana.http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_ap_ri_to_allow_ri_compassion_centers_20090616_mds

On March 25, 2009, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed legislation to allow the use of medical marijuana in the state. The bill must also pass through the state's Senate. The bill allows patients and caregivers to grow and possess six marijuana plants and 2 ounces of marijuana. A doctor must first certify that the patient has a chronic condition which would benefit from marijuana allow medical pot. http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/03/nh-house-votes.html

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, although it is legalized for medical use in fourteen states. The content in this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please do not think that just because it is legal in your state that you can freely smoke. You must have a medical card that allows you to smoke marijuana.