Hey all,
It seems fairly amazing at how fast this issue has become mainstream in this Country. First, Kerlikowske (Obama's Drug Czar), says he will no longer use the term 'war on drugs', and rather focus on "treatment over incarceration".
Then, Holder makes good on his promise to not raid medical marijuana dispensaries, as long as they are in accordance with State law.
Today, the American Medical Association has changed its stance, and calls for a review of marijuana's schedule I substance scheduling. Link.
HOUSTON - November 10 - In a move considered historic by supporters of medical marijuana, the American Medical Association's House of Delegates today adopted a new policy position calling for the review of marijuana's status as a Schedule I drug in the federal Controlled Substances Act. The old language in Policy H-95.952 had previously recommended that "marijuana be retained in Schedule I," which groups marijuana with drugs such as heroin, LSD and PCP that are deemed to have no accepted medical uses and to be unsafe for use even under medical supervision.
For far too long, our policies regarding the 'war on drugs' and marijuana itself have been so draconian and caused so much more harm than good. I am glad we are finally moving in the right direction.
Marijuana is now a Schedule I substance, meaning it has "no accepted medical uses", and which also limits its testing for medical uses. Let me just say I have MANY friends and acquaintances that use marijuana medically, and experience no side effects, rather than the strong and even dangerous ones from strong prescription drugs.
The AMA sometimes really stinks, but today did something a bit more sensible :).
While y'all are at it, check out a few organizations you may not be aware of that are strongly dedicated to this cause and making a difference.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy is a great organization that tries to limit the harms of the 'war on drugs' to students and has caused much great change nationwide, especially on college campuses; and Americans for Safe Access works to allow those that need medical marijuana to get it and change those laws.
The times they are a'changin...