Pubdate: Tue, 13 Apr 2010
Source: Blade, The (Toledo, OH)
Copyright: 2010 The Blade
Contact:  http://www.toledoblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48
Referenced: Pew Research Center poll 
http://people-press.org/report/602/marijuana
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?253 (Cannabis - Medicinal - U.S.)

REEFER SANITY

WITH its lurid sensationalism, the film Reefer Madness about the 
evils of marijuana use has long been a cult classic. But marijuana 
also can help alleviate nausea for some patients, including those 
undergoing chemotherapy. More and more Americans have come to 
understand that marijuana for medical purposes is far from evil.

That point resonates in the findings of a survey by the Pew Research 
Center for the People & the Press conducted last month with 1,500 
adults reached by telephone. The Pew study estimates that nearly 
three-quarters of Americans are in favor of their state allowing the 
sale and use of medical marijuana, if it is prescribed by a doctor. 
Only 23 percent are opposed.

It is not surprising that about 80 percent of young people not yet 30 
favor medical marijuana use, more than the 63 percent of those age 65 
or older, who may be more traditionally minded. But even 54 percent 
of conservative Republicans support medical marijuana use, the least 
support of any group in the survey, but still a majority.

Thirteen states have now passed laws permitting medical marijuana 
use, and this latest poll is a further sign that the American people 
are less cautious than their politicians. As more people hear about 
patients who have reduced their pain or settled their stomachs by 
using marijuana, public attitudes are likely to change further.

As it is, the Pew study did not find majority support for the notion 
that medical marijuana will inevitably lead to the legalization of 
all marijuana - 46 percent think that allowing medical marijuana use 
makes it easier for everybody, sick or not, to get marijuana, but 48 
percent think it doesn't make a difference.

Reefer madness is giving ground to reefer sanity. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake