Marijuana, cannabis, weed – call it what you will – the drug seems to have as many legal statuses as its many names.
For one, it is legal for recreational use, among adults, in 18 states. At the same time, 37 U.S. states allow the use of the drug for medical purposes. But, at present, marijuana is illegal at the federal level and is subject to prosecution by federal agencies even in states where its use is permitted.
With the first draft of "The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act" out in the public realm for discussion and debate, the drug is once again in the news. The Act proposes to "decriminalize marijuana federally and expunge federal non-violent cannabis convictions. It also advocates maintaining "the authority of states to set their own marijuana policies and provisions to create "new grant programs to fund nonprofits that provide services to those adversely impacted by the War on Drugs."
The latest Investor's Business Daily/TIPP Poll completed in early July asked about 1500 American adults, "do you think the use of marijuana should be made legal or not?"
