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State Laws
Medical Marijuana –
Use and Acceptance

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A recent survey reports that over 100 million Americans have used cannabis at least once in their life and over 25 million report they have used marijuana in the past year. Marijuana use is becoming more accepted and widespread especially in states like California and Oregon, where the use of medical marijuana has been growing rapidly. It is estimated that in California alone, marijuana use is a 14 billion dollar business. As of 2009, in Los Angeles County alone, there are over 200 operating marijuana dispensaries.

In states that permit medical marijuana use, there are a growing number of physicians available for medical marijuana consultation and recommendations. You should also know that if you visit such a physician, be prepared to provide the doctor with a copy of your medical records. Most doctors’ charge in the range of one hundred dollars for a consultation and paying the money does not guarantee that you will get a positive recommendation. Expect a summary physical exam and a series of questions about your symptoms, current medical status and your prior use of drugs including marijuana to remedy your ailments.

Many medical specialists are recommending marijuana use to treat the following types of illnesses: chronic pain, arthritis, AIDS, anorexia, migraines, glaucoma, seizures, nausea and cancer. Upon receiving a medical recommendation of use, most physicians are now providing a certificate of
recommended use as well as a personal medical marijuana identification card. You will need to present the certificate of use and identification card to a marijuana dispensary to obtain your medication. Each dispensary maintains its own membership of legally qualified patients who are given safe access to marijuana. In states like California, dispensaries are permitted to dispense not only medical grade marijuana but also hashish.
   

Recommended Medical Use

  • Always comply fully with your recommending doctor’s advice and judgment concerning use.
      
  • Always start with a small dose and slowly increase the dosage until you find an acceptable level of symptomatic relief.
     
  • Be totally informed as to the effects of usage on yourself and others.
     
  • Try not to use marijuana solely for recreational purposes.
     
  • Know the risks associated with prolonged use of marijuana. Like with any other drug, there are always side effects. The possible side effects of heavy and prolonged use can include respiratory disease, as is the case with any heavy intake of smoke into the lungs. Other side effects may include loss of short-term memory, disorientation, and drowsiness.

Notwithstanding the growing use and acceptance of medical marijuana, the following disturbing statistics reveal the extent to which marijuana reform is needed:

  • The U.S. has the world’s highest incarceration rate.
     
  • We have over 5% of the world’s population, but we house 25% of the world’s prisoners.
       
  • One out of every 31 adults in the U.S. is in prison or county jail.
     
  • Over 15% of all prisoners suffer from mental illness.
     
  • Over 47% of all drug arrests in the U.S. are serving time for marijuana offences

State and Federal Marijuana Laws and Resources
Medical Marijuana – Use and Acceptance
Confronting The Police – Possession of Medical Marijuana
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Marijuana and Child Custody Cases
Possible Health Risks – Chronic Use
Employer Drug and Marijuana Testing
History of Medical Marijuana
The Difference an Ounce Can Make
Alzheimer's - Medical Marijuana
Zoloft and Medical Marijuana
Migraines and Medical Marijuana
Glaucoma and Medical Marijuana
California Medical Marijuana ID Cards

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