The contested and controversial Proposition 1, which would make it legal for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients, is set to be on the Novemner 4th ballot in the state of Michigan. If approved, Proposition 1 would legalize the use of marijuana as a prescribed drug.

The U.S. Drug Czar John Walters, a Michigan native who heads the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and a strong opponent of this law believes that this measure would lead to more abuse of the marijuana by teens. The law simply “makes it easier for addicts to stay addicted,” he said.

On the other hand, those who agree with the proposal say that the law would offer protection to medical marijuana users and give police the ability to distinguish between criminals and legitimate marijuana users. The marijuana law would also protect workers from possible professional repercussions that may come from using the doctor-recommended drug. Backers of the proposal also say that statistics show that teen use of marijuana has declined in states where the use of medical marijuana has become a law.

California, Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have similar medical-marijuana laws. California's medical marijuana law was approved in 1996.

It is estimated that about 300,000 Americans use medical marijuana. The Michigan State Medical Society, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and the Michigan Osteopathic Association all oppose Proposal 1 because of its dangerous consequences for all users.