Public health issue brief: medical marijuana: year end report-2004.

During the last few years, the debate over the use of marijuana for medical purposes has moved from the legislative arena into the public forum. Thirty six states and the District of Columbia have had statutes that address the medical utility of marijuana within the past 26 years. However, several of those states have either repealed the laws or allowed them to sunset. Since 1996, 11 states have enacted laws that allow individuals to use marijuana with a doctor's consent.