Marijuana Should Be Legalized for Medical Use
The Legalization of Marijuana, 2016
From Opposing Viewpoints in Context
"Marijuana has been used throughout the world for thousands of years, and its
medicinal benefits are incontrovertible."
In the following viewpoint, the Drug Policy Alliance argues that marijuana is safe and effective
as a medicine for the treatment of many illnesses. The alliance reports that because of this
and the change in public opinion, about half the states now allow the use of medical
marijuana. The author claims that the federal government should not interfere with the states
and should do more to support research about medical marijuana. The Drug Policy Alliance is
a national advocacy leader of drug law reform that is grounded in science, compassion,
health, and human rights.
As you read, consider the following questions:
1. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, what two states most recently adopted laws to
legalize the use of medical marijuana?
2. What are at least two of the medical conditions that the author claims can be effectively
treated by use of medical marijuana?
3. In what way has the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and National Institute on Drug
Abuse (NIDA) created a catch-22, according to the author?

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