Wanting More Medi-Pot
Illinois may become the 14th state to legalize pot for medical purposes.
States where medical marijuana is legal have seen a big increase in demand since President Obama took office. But why?
In the 13 states where it's legal, some studies show requests for the drug have jumped at least 50 percent since the inauguration.
Medi-pot activists say it's because doctors and patients aren't as afraid anymore that federal laws will override state laws that make it legal to use marijuana in limited instances.
And as more people become uninsured, the increased demand may be because pot is seen as an alternative to more costly medications.
There is also a growing number of older people who experimented with pot in their younger days, and see it as relatively benign and potentially helpful, sociologists have said.
Illinois could become the 14th state to legalize medical marijuana.
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 4:36 PM CST
