A group in Arizona believes that their state will be legalizing medical marijuana, as New Jersey becomes the 14th state in the nation to pass such a law. '"There are doctors all over Arizona already that are recommending marijuana to their patients, but they're doing it in an extra-legal manner. And we're putting patients who are doing nothing but following a doctor's advice at risk for felony prosecution," stated Andrew Myers of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Project. The Arizona Medical Marijuana Project says New Jersey's law regulates the number of places where patients can get the drug, meaning law enforcement can keep tabs on who gets it, and where. "Because they're state-regulated dispensaries, it provides a mechanism for law enforcement to make sure of that, while patients are getting what they need. It doesn't have a negative impact on society," says Myers. Similar measures to legalize the use of medical marijuana have passed and failed in Arizona, but Myers says we can learn a lot from other states. '"The fact that it's taken us as long as it has here in Arizona, at least we're able to learn from the mistakes of previous states, and create a system that really works for everybody," says Myers. Opponents of this measure believe that prescribing medical marijuana could lead to the use of more illicit drugs, making it a gateway drug. In the meantime, California is taking a big step towards legalizing marijuana in the state, for all users. Lawmakers voted to end a 100-year-old ban on marijuana, and also passed a bill that would add a $50-ounce tax on marijuana sold for leisure purposes. It would be a big moneymaker for the state, and with 84% support, supporters say it would help regulate its use.
|
