The use of marijuana for medical purposes is now legal in 23 states and, as of this writing, 9 states have pending legislation or ballot measures to legalize medical marijuana. Estimates are that between 85 and 95 percent of Americans are in favor of medical cannabis, and nearly 60 percent support complete legalization of marijuana.
And doctors agree. In 2014, a survey found that the majority of physicians—56 percent—favor nationwide legalization of medical cannabis, with support being highest among oncologists and hematologists.
However, many families are still unable, legally or otherwise, to obtain this herbal treatment. Families with a sick child are being forced to split up, just so that one parent can live in a place where medical cannabis can be legally obtained in order to help their child.
A major part of the problem lies at the federal level, where marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance—a category reserved for the most dangerous of drugs, including heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
According to the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, Schedule 1 drugs are defined as those having a “high potential for abuse” and “no accepted medical use.” Research to date shows that marijuana meets neither of these criteria.
The featured documentary covers some of the most recent research on the medical applications of marijuana. In light of recent science, it’s clear that marijuana does not meet Schedule 1 criteria and it’s high time to revise this classification.