Government
U.S. Supreme Court hears medical marijuana arguments
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 13, 2004
The U.S. Supreme Court in late November heard oral arguments in a case that questions whether states can adopt laws that allow residents to use medical marijuana despite federal laws banning the substance. Ten states have passed medical marijuana laws: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
California residents Diane Monson and Angel McClary Raich filed a lawsuit that seeks to make it unconstitutional to prosecute patients growing and using medical marijuana upon the recommendation of a physician. Raich has been diagnosed with more than 10 serious medical conditions, including an inoperable brain tumor and several chronic pain disorders. Monson has severe chronic back pain and constant, painful muscle spasms.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/12/13/gvbf1213.htm.