Medical Marijuana in California
The marijuana pant is one of the oldest plants known to mankind. It has become one of the most widely used plants. The plant has many uses other than medicinal use. It was used to make cloth and paper for centuries and was the most important source of rope until the development of synthetic fibers (Grinspoon and Bakalar). There are two different species of cannabis called sativa and indica. The feeling of each has a slight difference. Sativa has a more relaxing effect on the body than indica, but both are equally useful in medicating ill people. Marijuana is easily defined: it is one of the most benign substances know to humans (Rosenthal and Kubby).
California is one of the first states in
Marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug. The most dangerous drugs are reserved under schedule 1, while the least dangerous drugs are reserved for schedule 5. The federal government views marijuana as highly addictive and having no medical value. “Doctor’s may not prescribe marijuana under the federal law, but they can recommend its use under the first amendment” (safeaccessnow.org). Punishment is severe for those who are caught with possession of marijuana under the federal law with no recommendation of marijuana from the doctor. Many people spend time in prison for be in possession with a marijuana charge. Even more people spend time on probation for up to a year for having possession of marijuana even if it is only a small amount. The court always takes in consideration the amount of marijuana possessed by the person and the amount of time the person has been convicted in the past. Many consequences besides jail time and probation can happen to a person who is convicted of marijuana crimes. “The government does many unconstitutional things if one is in any possession of marijuana such as forfeiture of assets, suspension of driver’s license, revocation of benefits, loss of custody, loss of livelihood, jail time, and additional taxes and fines” (Rosenthal and Kubby).
The DEA deals with enforcing federal drug laws. The DEA has taken an interest in medical marijuana patients and caregivers, but are more interested in the