Are the Legal Alternatives to Medical Marijuana Effective?
June 7, 2005—The push to make marijuana available for medical use was dealt a serious set back yesterday by the Supreme Court. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that federal authorities could prosecute sick patients who took the controlled substance under a doctor’s supervision, essentially overturning voter referendums that had made marijuana legal for “compassionate” use in 11 states. Proponents claim that marijuana is often the only drug that helps for a variety of ailments, whether it’s relieving pain or increasing appetites in those treated for cancer or AIDS. But yesterday’s ruling adds further ammunition to those who have long contended that the drug is unsafe. “Our national medical system relies on proven scientific research, not popular opinion,” said John Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy, to reporters after the ruling was announced on Monday. “To date, science and research have not determined that smoking marijuana is safe or effective.
