Marijuana is one of the most fought-against drugs today, despite the fact that it was widely used for its medicinal purposes for centuries before its illegalization in the 1910s. (See page one for full stories.)

The medical benefits of marijuana, a non-lethal substance, have not changed, but the social stigma and legal status of the substance has.

Twelve states have legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and it has been used throughout history for pain control and other medicinal uses.

Many substances are treated differently by the legal system if their purpose is medicinal.

Controlled substances such as morphine and codeine are not completely illegal in any state. Their use can be properly regulated by doctors' supervision and limits on prescription refills.

This prevents the use of these substances from going beyond medicinal purposes and causing dependency.

Why is marijuana treated differently? In 12 states, this same method, basically, is used to distribute and regulate marijuana.

But in Oklahoma and 38 other states, this substance is criminalized, even when it could be used for medicinal purposes.

The social stigma of marijuana, which has been tied to racial prejudice since its initial illegalization, cannot remain a factor in its legal regulations.

America's legal system is based on the belief that all men are created equal.

Stereotypes, prejudices and stigmas have no place in legislation and justice.

This theory must be applied to laws as well as people. Substances with medical value must be viewed by the legal system without the veil of prejudice.

The legalization of medical marijuana should be considered by lawmakers on its own merits, not on inappropriate and unfounded social stigmas rooted in historical racial prejudices.
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