The American Medical Association (AMA) voted on 11/10/09 to reverse its long-held position that marijuana be retained as a Schedule I substance with no medical value.The AMA adopted a report drafted by its Council on Science and Public Health entitled, "Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes," which affirmed the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and called for further research. The CSAPH report concluded that, "short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis." Yet no progress has been made on the AMA's recommendation. It has legitimate medicinal uses that demand it be reclassified immediately.



