The Smoke Thickens
Mapping Medical Marijuana
Fri., Dec. 10, 2004
In all, as of the Nov. 2 election, 26 states had recognized the medical benefits of cannabis, in one legal manner or another.
Ten states have legalized medical marijuana. Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington
Seven have passed laws recognizing the potential benefits of medical marijuana and have established "therapeutic research" programs – largely ineffective because of federal restrictions on legal cannabis samples. Alaska, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, and South Carolina
Five recognize therapeutic benefits (and all except Iowa legalize use by prescription); but they provide no legal mechanism for acquisition. Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, New Hampshire and Virginia
Two allow a "medical necessity" defense in pot prosecutions. Florida and Idaho
Two have passed resolutions urging the federal government to allow medi-pot use. Missouri and New Mexico
One limits the penalty for medi-pot possession to a maximum $100 fine. Maryland
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