Medical Marijuana Across the U.S.

In the U.S. a new policy has been adopted referring to the use of cannabis. Thirteen states, such as California, Nevada and Alaska, have decriminalized the use of the hemp if this is for medical reasons. Back to 1997, for example, a major effort was made to legitimize the medical use of cannabis: "Federal authorities should rescind their prohibition of the medical use of marijuana for seriously ill patients and allow physicians to decide which patients to treat. The government should change marijuana's status from that of a Schedule I drug ... to that of a Schedule II drug ... and regulate it accordingly." ( The New England Journal of Medicine, 1997). Now, in the year 2009, Dan Mitchell of New York Times reports: “California's medical marijuana industry took in about $2 billion a year and generated $100 million in state sales taxes during 2008 with an estimated 2,100 dispensaries, co-operatives, wellness clinics and taxi delivery services in the sector colloquially known as “cannabusiness”. ("Legitimizing Marijuana". The New York Times, August 11, 2009). Although medical use of marijuana is considered valid, I believe there should be a total prohibition because it is abused and it is more harmful than helpful.
  Those who are in favor of medical use of marijuana and support its legalization have some claims such as the following. U.S. federal law enforcement agencies in the 2000’s have been spending over $4 million a year arresting almost three quarters of a million people on marijuana charges usually on charges of possession ( P. Bourgois, 581). It is proved that cannabis can alleviate chronic pain, particularly nerve pain caused by diabetes, AIDS and hepatitis, manage movement disorders and muscle spasticity; as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting agent and as an appetite stimulant for those with wasting diseases like AIDS and cancer . The acceptance of medical marijuana has implications that extend far beyond helping those suffering from life-threatening...