|  bullwinkle | Jun 23, 2007 1:03pm | Pro: Drug Enforcement Administration Administrative Law Judge Francis Young offered this conclusion in a 1988 matter: "Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care." (Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, "In the Matter of Marijuana Rescheduling Petition")
Con: The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 established five categories, or "schedules," into which all illicit and prescription drugs were placed. Marijuana was placed in Schedule I, which defines the substance as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. (Source: Controlled Substances Act of 1970.)
Pro: Twelve states have legalized medical marijuana use: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Con: A 1999 Institute of Medicine report cautioned "marijuana is not a completely benign substance. It is a powerful drug with a variety of effects."
--COMPILED BY LEON ALLIGOOD
Medical Marijuana: Pros and Cons - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 04/22/07 - Tennessean.com
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Opinionated → Discussion