It's a mess, plain and simple.
Right now, 19 states, including Montana, have laws on the books legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. Other states are considering such laws.
Yet, still, the federal government refuses to even look at the medical uses of marijuana. Even worse, the feds are arresting and prosecuting medical marijuana providers in states where it is legal.
All this does is create confusion and fear and ruin people's lives -- people who are following the laws established by their states.
Just yesterday, the Montana Supreme Court issued a ruling in which Justice James Nelson wrote a concurring opinion stating that the state court should not even be considering medical marijuana cases because federal law preempts state law.
It's time for the feds to get with the program.
Scientific evidence confirms medical marijuana provides unique relief for serious conditions, including cancer and AIDS, when no other medicine is as effective or free of side effects. Nearly one million patients nationwide now use medical marijuana as recommended by their doctors and in accordance with state laws.
Still, the federal government ignores the facts, criminalizes medical marijuana and obstructs research into its medical benefits.
Tell the Department of Justice to stop ignoring sick people in pain and to stop prosecuting people obeying state medical marijuana laws.
