Medical Marijuana Legislation (U.S.)

Over the last few decades, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has received increasing attention. Marijuana’s active ingredients belong to a class of compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have been used to treat insomnia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), nausea, and appetite loss, in addition to other conditions. Most recently, cannabinoids have been effective with the motor disturbances associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Marijuana’s medicinal use has been convoluted by social and political debate. Despite this, it is legal in a number of states. Currently, federal law has strict limitations [Page 880]regarding marijuana, including its use in biomedical research.

Marijuana has been grown in the United States since the early 17th century when settlers brought it to Jamestown, Virginia, to produce hemp. The plant was also recognized at ...