If people want the laws changed, there has to be a sound basis in science. We haven't changed our position. The lawsuit, filed in July 1997 in Philadelphia, seeks the legalization of medical marijuana. It was filed by 170 co-plaintiffs who maintain they represent about 97 million people nationwide who could potentially benefit from medical marijuana. Smoking marijuana is prohibited by federal law.
Participants face hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences, according to court documents.
But supporters say medical marijuana would benefit many people suffering from a wide range of illnesses, including AIDS, glaucoma and premenstrual syndrome. In March, U.S. District Judge Marvin Katz dismissed many of the plaintiffs' claims. Currently, seven people nationwide can participate in the program, according to court documents. It is this remaining claim by the plaintiffs that the U.S. Justice Department is asking Katz to dismiss, according to court documents. The government claims there is no proof that marijuana is beneficial, and contends that authorities rightfully stopped accepting new participants into the program in 1992, according to court documents.