Beyond medical uses and values, those who have conducted medical studies generally agree that the use of Cannabis products is far less harmful than alcohol or other recreational drugs. Its criminalization has not only unforeseen consequences but demonstrable ill effects on the public. Even more illogical to these physicians is the fact that marijuana remains a Schedule 5 Drug and controlled substance under DEA authority.
In response, over 50 physicians and faculty at top-ranked medical schools have formed the DFCR to formally organize and endorse legalization for adult use of marijuana and all Cannabis-related products.
Their argument cites thousands of examples where the prohibition of marijuana has led to international cartels, decades of unnecessary violent crimes, burdensome policing (including the "Defund Police" movement), and costly incarceration. The lost opportunity from the myriad medical savings and benefits from the use of Cannabis-based medicines, over-the-counter health & nutrition products is incalculable and immense.
And the list adds up to trillions in hard, tax-dollar costs to American citizens every year.
being achieved within the medical community began to take form in 2011 when the CMA was the first statewide group of physicians to support legalization of the recreational and medical use of Cannabis products. Thanks to the foundation they built, 7 new recreational use states including California, and 2 more States legalizing the use of medical marijuana have been added to the cause in 2020.