In 1937, when marijuana was made illegal, using the word marihuana for what was then commonly known as hemp and cannabis, the American Medical Association was against it. That legislation effectively took off the market a common medicine without any regard to actual health implications.
Now, 75 years later, the government is being sued for lack of scientific reason behind the narcotic scheduling of cannabis in the federal Americans for Safe Access vs. Drug Enforcement Administration case. Some 18 states have passed medical marijuana laws. And, this week, Colorado and Washington both passed laws allowing adult recreational use.
This is happening because the science just isn't there to back up the fear of harm from the plant. People all over our nation are realizing the harm done to our young by the punitive systems applied to prevention can't be tolerated in the name of justice. A criminal record, and all the social implications that come with that in one's life, create far more damage to individuals and families than has ever been directly attributed to cannabis.
I'm not saying it can't be abused, but it can't kill you. We should contact our representatives and ask them to support legalization of marijuana.
KEVIN JONES
Director, Capital Region NORML
Albany