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

This article appears in December 10 • 2004.

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