Yesterday morning, U.S. President Barack Obama issued a three page memo to the federal government, advising them on new guidelines for states which have medical cannabis patients, who are protected by law. The administration, which is in favor of physician-prescribed medical marijuana, has finally decided to take action.
“Compassionate care use” of this particular narcotic is permitted in 14 states. In the state of Oregon, 23,873 people hold card permits which allow them to use marijuana legally. Of these cases, 21,087 are approved because of “severe pain”. 7,550 use ‘pot’ to relieve the pain associated with muscle spasms, a common condition related to Multiple Sclerosis. An additional 3,997 Oregonians are prescribed marijuana to prevent nausea.
The issue is this: the marijuana plant, made from the cannabis plant is classified by the U.S. Federal Government as a ‘Schedule I Drug’. This means that according to the law, the drug has absolutely no valid medical use. However, many disagree. According to an article in Bloomberg.com:
“The Philadelphia-based College of Physicians, with 124,000 members, said in February 2008 that criminal penalties should be waived for doctors who prescribe marijuana and their patients.”
Obama’s memo which advised federal prosecutors not to go after patients with prescriptions for medical marijuana, reverses the controversial approach and stance of the Bush Administration.
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