The Straight Dope ~by Legal Pub

Sitting on a plane from Denver to Nevada this author sat next to an expert on marijuana.  Now, in the course of practicing law it is not unusual to deal with "stoners" not unlike stereotypical characters portrayed by Cheech and Chong in the 70' and 80's.  But this was different.  This individual was a well educated, articulate medical doctor who commanded respect and more importantly, my attention. On a two hour plane ride, I was captivated about the potential medical benefits of marijuana as well as the economic implications to possible legalization.  The trip caused me to ponder over the next few days the history and future of this country's relationship with marijuana.

Marijuana  has been illegal in the U.S since it was criminalized in 1937 by the Marijuana Tax Act.  Many advocate federal legalization of the plant. Even the New York Times editorial board has apparently jumped on the pot band wagon.  The key argument in favor of legalization is that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.  While the debate rages on at the federal level, more and more states are beginning to reduce their restrictions on marijuana which is directly contrary to the federal prohibition.  Few educated people would deny that marijuana use by minors should remain prohibited. Advocates for reform of the marijuana laws generally agree with prohibiting sales of marijuana to those under the age of 21. While lobbyists readily admit that they do not know all of the potential health consequences, they believe the cost on society to continue to prohibit and prosecute marijuana users makes such prohibition impractical.

The FBI figures from 2012 suggest that there are almost three times as many arrests for marijuana possession than there are for cocaine, heroin and other hard drugs.  Is it worth turning so many people into criminals?  Colorado legalized marijuana use in January 2014.  The initial concern was impaired drivers.  Washington state adopted similar laws.    It remains to be seen if traffic accidents will increase as some fear.  In the mean time, the remaining question of whether the federal ban on marijuana will end like the 13 year prohibition of alcohol looms large upon the horizon.  

Scientific literature suggests some possible benefits from marijuana consumption:

1.  It may prevent HIV from spreading throughout the body;

2.  A 2006 study suggested that marijuana may block an enzyme that advances the progression of Alzheimer's. It may also prevent  "protein clumps that can inhibit cognition and memory;

3. It may retard the progression of certain cancers;

4. It is a pain reliever that may reduce the need for opiates.

5.  It may combat ADHD, anxiety and depression

6.  It may reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and Tourette's.

7.  It may reduce symptoms associated with concussions and some types of nerve damage,

8.  It can reduce the consequences of glaucoma; and

9.  It may reduce a diabetic's need for insulin.

Nevertheless, until both state and federal laws are changed, marijuana use remains a criminal  offense in most jurisdiction.  President Barack Obama said in 2012 that federal prosecutors have better things to do than prosecute pot users in states where it is legal. Nevertheless, it remains illegal in most states and most prosecutors will not hesitate to file charges. So if you are going to light up, munch laced brownies or otherwise consume cannabus, consider traveling to Colorado where the grass may be greener and the U.S. attorneys are likely to look the other way.