(ATN) Medical Marijuana: 80% U.S. Voter Support

(ATN) Medical Marijuana: 80% U.S. Voter Support

AIDS TREATMENT NEWS Issue #236, December 1, 1995
John S. James

A national poll released this month by the American Civil Liberties Union found that over 80 percent of U.S. voters believed there should be legal access to medical marijuana when it has been proven effective, or when people with serious illnesses find it effective for their medical needs. The ACLU hired polling professionals who interviewed a sample of 1001 registered voters designed to represent all households in the nation. A "near majority" also favored decriminalization for social use. For more information, contact the ACLU, 212/944-9800.

In San Francisco, when medical marijuana was on the ballot in 1981, it was supported by almost 80% of the voters. The new poll shows overwhelming support throughout the country.

According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), 36 states already have some form of legislation "facilitating the medical use of marijuana." These laws cannot be implemented unless there is a change in Federal law. Earlier this month Congressman Barney Frank introduced such legislation; it would change marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule II, allowing physicians to prescribe it.

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