CREATE A BETTER WAY TO DISTRIBUTE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

People like to make jokes about using marijuana for "medical" reasons, but
for patients who are suffering from certain ailments, there's nothing funny
about it.

Maine is one of 11 states that allows some patients to use marijuana for
medical purposes. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will listen to arguments on
whether those states should be allowed to adopt such laws, which
technically violate federal drug legislation.

Smart laws on medical marijuana use should be acceptable. The substance can
ease chronic pain and help alleviate symptoms of certain problems. Maine
allows patients to use the drug if they have specific conditions such as
glaucoma or suffer from nausea induced by AIDS or chemotherapy. Their
physicians must agree that the drug can help them.

There's one major problem with these state laws, however. Right now,
patients whose doctors have recommended marijuana don't have a good way to
obtain it. They either have to grow their own or buy it illegally. That
makes it harder for people who really need it to get it, and it doesn't
guarantee that the drug will be safe.

The best option would be to change the federal law on marijuana use so that
states can adopt better laws that allow a safe way to distribute the drug.
Allowing patients to fill prescriptions at pharmacies or obtain the drug
through a state delivery system would be better than the current system.

Canada, for instance, has adopted an application process for users of
medical marijuana and has government-designated growers to supply the drug.

The U.S. Supreme Court may not find in favor of the states' rights, but
lawmakers should take another look at federal drug laws. Then, states can
find better ways to get people the relief that they seek.