Despite overwhelming support from the general public, significant backing from medical doctors, and even several prominent Republicans publicly acknowledging cannabis has a legitimate medical use, the Obama administration officially insists it does not.<\/p>\n
The administration\u2019s traditional dodge when asked to explain this unpopular and scientifically unjustifiable position is to act as if it is a non-issue because they are not arresting medical marijuana patients. When Jessica Yellin asked on Wednesday why the administration refused to use its power to reschedule marijuana to make it legal for medical use Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest responded, \u201cthe President and the administration believe that targeting individual marijuana users, especially those with serious illnesses and their caregivers, is not the best allocation of federal law enforcement resources.\u201d They pretend since they are not arresting patients rescheduling doesn\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n
The possibility of arrest, though, is only a small part of how legitimate medical marijuana patients are significantly punished because the Obama administration refuses to use its power to remove marijuana from Schedule I. Over the years the legal tentacles of the war on drugs have been allowed to touch all parts of federal policy, from gun rights to education.<\/p>\n
This decision by the administration can cost patients their jobs and employment opportunities. Companies that receive federal contracts are required to be \u201cdrug-free\u201d workplaces. Since under federal law marijuana has \u201cno accepted medical use,\u201d it is considered a violation.<\/p>\n
It can make it more difficult for people to pursue an education. Since federal law requires colleges to be \u201cdrug-free\u201d to get federal dollars, patients can\u2019t have medical cannabis on campus.<\/p>\n
It creates added problems for sick veterans. Many veterans get treatment at the VA but under federal law these doctors can\u2019t prescribe marijuana. To get medical marijuana they need to find a doctor outside the system which can be a real financial burden and complicates treatment.<\/p>\n