Katie Couric's Notebook: Medical Marijuana

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

For some, it's just what the doctor ordered. For others, today's decision to relax federal policy on medical marijuana sends the wrong message about illegal drugs.

While marijuana use for medical purposes is allowed in 14 states, it's illegal under federal law. So, over the years, the Bush Administration targeted clinics that dispensed the drug. Now, the Obama White House is telling federal prosecutors not to bother ... but this doesn't mean it's OK for people to smoke marijuana. Today's guidelines make it clear the federal government still forbids distribution for anything other than legitimate medical use under state law.

Studies have shown marijuana can ease the pain for patients with cancer, AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. Today's decision means they'll be able to manage their pain with a little less fear and a lot more compassion.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

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by Elisa1958 November 16, 2009 8:31 PM EST: Katie please...do some fact checking, Maryland is not on of the 14 MMJ states (there are actually 13), they (Maryland) do offer reduced penalties to patients who present valid medical neccessity defense. Not to worry too much though, before you know it, there will be 14.... then 15... then 16....In fact, with 10 more states considering MMJ bills... the snowball is finally rolling downhill and damned if it isn't HUGE!; Reply to this comment


by devilfly1 November 2, 2009 3:28 AM EST: Grow Pot

Plant an Economist!

It helps people with health issues. It also put an end of the recession.

God made it legally. Government made it illegally.

Well, this will be my last time to post a message.

I'm off to extreme plans.

Ciao; Reply to this comment


by casey_abbott October 22, 2009 9:29 AM EDT: That's Jackson Pollock.; Reply to this comment


by casey_abbott October 20, 2009 11:02 PM EDT: it's all a matter of dates.; Reply to this comment

by meanpeace October 20, 2009 5:34 PM EDT

nRegardless of anyone's view or "experience with marijuana" it is a waste of money (Tax)and time trying to eliminate it or the use of it. It will never happen. It has been used for thousands of years for many reasons. For anyone to dictate what someone else uses it for is breaking down the moral fiber of human rights.There is no proof that it is harmful. PERIOD! To say otherwise is dictatorship and to be frank is ignorant. The people that make excuses of children getting hooked should also direct the concern thereof to educational budget cuts, teen pregnancy and a whole list of other bigger issues.

Kids are not entitled to do everything that adults do. They know that do you?

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by meanpeace October 20, 2009 9:31 PM EDT: Katie please pardon me. I responded previously without thanking you for your page about this issue. It is very important that media reports facts rather than opinion. I would like to note that you did a great job at doing just that. Lies and misconception are the major dilemma's of public acceptance of medical marijuana.Truth nothing but the truth. Thank you

by danahyatt October 20, 2009 2:24 PM EDT

Everyone I read has misconceived logic, belief and concepts about this drug. I speak from several years of experience with marijuana. First, marijuana does not relieve pain. Second, government control of marijuana would make it too expensive for most. Third, marijuana is illegal for many reasons that folks like us know. Fourth, using illegal marijuana breaks down the moral fiber of our families. Last, if you are for the legalization of marijuana then why do you use a pseudonym.

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by theonewluv October 20, 2009 5:29 PM EDT: I have a question, if I may: Are you a DR,lawyer, economist--but most importantly, do you have CANCER? Which follows--you smoked that stuff, are you, STILL? Now? When you wrote this comment? When?
What IS misconceived logic?--

by iloveUSAA October 19, 2009 11:31 PM EDT

I am sorry. But if you are not in favor of legalization of this plant you are completely oblivious and ignorant to the realities.

The reality is millions of people in the United States ignore the law and continue to smoke marijuana. Billions of American dollars are being funneled overseas to Mexico, now the marijuana capital of the world and which employs hundreds of thousands of people who now fight and kill for the rights to these lucrative trade routes.

Marijuana is part of American culture. It always has been and always will be.

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by brxd October 21, 2009 8:14 AM EDT: What kind of message is this sending to the American People???
KATIE COURIC WAKE UP!
NEWS FLASH! The reform of Marijuana Laws IS A MESSAGE FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!


by Omni-Present101 October 19, 2009 8:45 PM EDT: Couric: "While marijuana use for medical purposes is allowed in 14 states, it's illegal under federal law.

Studies have shown marijuana can ease the pain for patients with cancer, AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. Today's decision means they'll be able to manage their pain with a little less fear and a lot more compassion"
____________________

Prescription Drugs are far More Harmful to Patients.

Any Prescribed Drug that List the Patient Might have Thoughts Of Suicide, when using a particular Doctor Prescribed Drug, says a lot about the Over Emphasis on Marijuana, a much Milder Drug.

[[THINK]]; Reply to this comment