Medical Marijuana ProCon.org

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Video introduction to ProCon.org and the pros and cons of controversial topics

Should marijuana be a medical option?

In 1972, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act because they considered it to have "no accepted medical use." Since then, 17 of 50 US states and DC have legalized the medical use of marijuana.

Proponents of medical marijuana argue that it can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pain, glaucoma, epilepsy, and other conditions. They cite dozens of peer-reviewed studies, prominent medical organizations, major government reports, and the use of marijuana as medicine throughout world history.

Opponents of medical marijuana argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA-approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They say marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, interferes with fertility, impairs driving ability, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain. They say that medical marijuana is a front for drug legalization and recreational use.

[Note: We do not provide referrals to or recommendations of marijuana dispensaries, cannabis clubs, physicians, or attorneys although we do reference them on this website.] Medical Marijuana ProCon.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit website that presents facts, studies, and pro and con statements on questions related to whether or not marijuana should be a medical option.

Pros & Cons by Category

CORE QUESTION

Should marijuana be a medical option?

Medical Value

Medical Value

American Medical Association (AMA)

Marinol v. Medical Marijuana

Diseases / Conditions

AIDS (HIV) & AIDS Wasting

Alzheimer's Disease

Arthritis

Asthma / Breathing Disorders

Crohn's / Gastrointestinal Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis / Muscle Spasms

Nausea / Chemotherapy

Pain / Analgesia

Psychological Conditions

Tourette's Syndrome

Terminally Ill

Non-Smoked Marijuana

Medical Value & Risk

Public Policy

Public Policy on Medical Marijuana

Risks

Medical Risks

Teens & Adolescents

Gateway / Stepping Stone

Addictiveness

Human Reproduction

US Government and Medical Marijuana

1999 Institute of Medicine Report

Legal US Medical Marijuana Patients

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Federal Drug Scheduling

Government Grown Marijuana

Access to Medical Marijuana

Marijuana Dispensaries / Clinics

Dosage / Potency

Patients

Legal Issues

Legal Issues for Physicians

US Government v. Patients / Clinics

General Legal Issues

Chemical Composition of Marijuana

Marijuana and Its Byproducts Defined

Biological Effects of Marijuana Consumption

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Share your thoughts on medical marijuana and read, vote on, and reply to existing comments. Join the debate.

ProCon.org Notices (archived after 30 days)

5/9/2013 - 12 States with Pending Legislation to Legalize Medical Marijuana - New bills were added in Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, while the bills in Florida died in committee.

5/8/2013 - Governments That Use ProCon.org – The 11 international governments that have used ProCon.org include Australia, Canada, Israel, Palestinian territories, Philippines, and South Africa. Plus ProCon.org has been used by 27 US state governments and 14 US federal entities.

5/7/2013 - 221 Books Citing ProCon.org - We've added another 26 books to the list of published texts citing ProCon.org research. Some of the authors who used ProCon.org include Mark Bittman, Newt Gingrich, Condoleezza Rice, Michael Schmoker, Tavis Smiley, and Joseph Stiglitz.

Archived Notices (archived after 30 days)

Last updated on 5/24/2013 1:23:33 PM PST