Medical marijuana still illegal Congress decides

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By a 268-148 majority, the house voted to make it illegal for people to take marijuana for medical reasons, even if their state by laws allow it. Currently, nine states in the USA have laws that allow the medical use of marijuana (when it is recommended by a doctor). The states are - Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

Those who voted to override the local laws said that making medical marijuana legal encourages marijuana abuse and the abuse of other drugs as well. They say that the wrong message would be conveyed to people by saying that marijuana has some benefits.

Many patients – especially those with MS and some cancers – say marijuana helps ease their problems, among which is included chronic pain.

Republican Dana Rohrabacher, said "The Justice Department is working overtime to put sick people and those who would help them in jail.”

Some politicians said that approving the local laws would be the first step in a slippery slope to overturn all the substance abuse laws.

As in many cases where lawmakers make decisions – if it does not affect you personally, it is impossible to appreciate the benefits and disadvantages.

One patient who suffers from chronic MS symptoms said in a letter to Medical News Today ‘If those politicians were to suffer what I suffer for one year, and experience the relief marijuana brings to people like me, they would have voted unanimously in favour.’

Medical News Today
11 Jul 2004
© 2004 Medical News Today
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