Medicinal Cannabis
Medical cannabis has
aided patients enduring the symtoms of AIDS, multiple sclerosis,
cancer and glaucoma, this fact can no longer be denied. Some patients
claim that the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis have even had
more substantial affects than some pharmaceutical counterparts with
less or no side effects at all.
The prognosis of therapeutic
uses for medical cannabis has been entertained in the courts in
many countries for a number of years.
The main issue at the forefront of all these cases is this: "Does
medical cannabis really have the medicinal properties many claim
it does or is this a way for cannabis advocates to use it without
fear of criminal action?"
In most instances, patients who use medical cannabis (even under
a doctor's approval) are still considered to be using it illegally
and face possible arrest or imprisonment.
Since the mid 1990's, medical cannabis ballot initiatives have
received a majority of votes in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado,
the District of Columbia, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington State.
The vast majority of Americans do support legal access to medical
cannabis and there are numerous studies that have shown conclusively
the benefits to patients of medical cannabis use.
Canada as well as many States in the U.S. have budgeted for scientific
research in the use and benefits of medical cannabis. Although
many places have legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes
none of the laws governing recreational use have been altered. Recreational
use remains a criminal offense. |