If there is a topic where half-truths, mistruths and untruths have flourished, that topic is marijuana legalization.

The plant cannabis is cloaked with a stigma that has resulted from years of prohibition at both the state and federal level. Undoubtedly there are both valid and invalid reasons for its controversial reputation.

We find it distressing that the public debate on marijuana revolves around unsubstantiated opinions and anecdotal stories about why marijuana is or is not a dangerous drug, why it should or should not be used for medicinal purposes, and why criminalizing its possession may or may not be harmful to society. Why rely on anecdotes and why heed unsupported speculation on the question of marijuana legalization when medical, public policy and law enforcement studies have already been conducted on the topic?

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