The US Supreme Court has issued a 6-3 decision backing the Justice Department, saying that federal authorities may prosecute sick people who smoke pot, even if states enact statutes permitting the use of medical marijuana. That would appear to be very bad news indeed for supporters who insist marijuana can help patients dealing with serious illnesses. Justice Paul Stevens, who authored the majority opinion, noted that Congress has the power to change the law on the federal level.
Opponents say there is no evidence that the controlled substance is an effective therapy. Ten states currently have laws on the books which allow patients to obtain marijuana to help alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain and diseases like cancer and HIV-AIDS.
- see this story from the Associated Press