Marijuana isn't like crack or something that really affects people's behavior. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Nearly 70 million Americans reported in 1996 that they had tried it at least once, according to a survey by the institute. But although use is common, criminal penalties in the District are light, and few people are convicted on marijuana charges. Court officials said they could not recall any case in which a defendant claimed a medical defense, but supporters of the initiative say fear of prosecution discourages many people who could benefit from marijuana from using it.
People recognize they have no protection if trying to use marijuana for medical purposes.
Among physicians, there is no consensus on medical marijuana. Douglas Gaasterland, a glaucoma specialist in the District, sees it differently. Gary DeSimone, a staff physician at Whitman-Walker, said four or five of his 300 or so patients with HIV smoke marijuana to stimulate their appetites or reduce nausea caused by medicines. The campaign has attracted groups that advocate legalizing marijuana outright, but Turner has tried to distance himself from them. We did this to protect the patients.