Proposition 215

Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, is a California law permitting the use of medical cannabis. The law was enacted on November 5, 1996, by means of the initiative process, and passed with 5,382,915 (55.6%) votes in favor and 4,301,960 (44.4%) against.

Background

Proposition 215 was drafted by "Dennis Peron," an activist who was a friend of the late "San Francisco" cannabis activist "Harvey Milk." Peron organized for the passage of the proposition following the death of his partner from AIDS. The proposition was intended to protect seriously ill Californians from criminal penalties associated with the use and possession of medical marijuana.

Provisions

The law removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a "written or oral recommendation" from their physician that he or she "would benefit from medical marijuana." Conditions typically covered by the law include cancer, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or "any other illness for which marijuana provides relief."

Impact

The passage of Proposition 215 has had a significant impact on drug policy in the United States. It was the first law in the nation to legalize the medical use of marijuana, setting a precedent for other states to follow. As of 2021, 36 states, four U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis, largely due to the influence of Proposition 215.

Criticism

Despite its groundbreaking nature, Proposition 215 has been subject to criticism. Critics argue that the law is too vague, allowing for widespread abuse. They contend that the list of conditions covered by the law is too broad and that the law does not adequately regulate the distribution of medical marijuana.

See also

• Medical cannabis
• Cannabis in California
• Dennis Peron
• Drug policy of California