Then again, neither is cancer. This year's most controversial example is Proposition 215. It would permit patients with cancer, aids, glaucoma, arthritis and other serious illnesses to grow, possess and use marijuana. Though the change would not overrule federal or state laws that criminalize the recreational use of marijuana, Prop 215 would provide voter-approved legal backing for patients or doctors who were hauled into court. A poll shows that California voters favor it by about 2 to 1.
Many patients say pot eases the nausea of chemotherapy.
It may also stimulate the appetite to counter the wasting effects of AIDS and reduce eye pressure caused by glaucoma. As a substitute the Food and Drug Administration has approved Marinol, a synthetic pill version of THC, marijuana's psychoactive ingredient. But patients often report it doesn't alleviate nausea. Daly tried it without success before turning to pot. The California legislature twice passed bills to bar prosecution of people who grow or use marijuana for legitimate medical reasons.