How would I apply for a medical marijuana card in the state of New Mexico being a 100% disabled Veteran?

However, I do believe there is a large population of people who benefit from the effects of marijuana, my son falling into that category. I support the right of individuals who choose to smoke marijuana as a means of improving their quality of life. Some of those nearest and dearest to me are individuals who benefit from making this choice.

Unfortunately, they face persecution and a lack of understanding due to the Federal Government's classification of Marijuana as an illegal substance. As we all know, marijuana is a hot topic in our country. Right now, the focus is slowly beginning to shift from the war on this "drug," to the potential monetary benefits that local and state governments could realize through the legalization of the product, and the resulting taxes.

Oakland, CA has taken a step in what I consider to be the right direction, and moved to tax medical marijuana. In fact, it is the medical dispensaries who really moved to tax themselves for the benefit of their community. I can only hope that the movement grows, and our state and federal governments come to their senses and allow the cultivation of marijuana become an asset, rather than throwing tax dollars down the drain fighting it.

I grew up during the 1970's and 1980's. During this time, I have seen people use and abuse many different drugs. From alcohol to acid, cocaine to crank, marijuana to "shrooms," I have seen individuals of all ages abuse drugs.

I was a recreational marijuana smoker during most of my teens and continued until I was married. I drank like a fish during this time. I experimented with various recreational drugs, and never really found anything that I really enjoyed, or felt compelled to use.

Out of everything I experienced, by far the drug that I saw do the most damage was the one drug that is legal in the United States, and that is alcohol. In high school, a very good friend of mine was convicted of manslaughter after he lost control of his car while drinking and his girlfriend lost her life. My mother died as a direct result of alcohol abuse when I was 22.