The U.S. Drug Czar John Walters has said that he does not support Proposition 1, a controversial proposal which would legalize doctors prescribing medical marijuana to patients.  Walters, a Michigan native who heads the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy opposes this law as he believes that this “makes it easier for addicts to stay addicted,” and would lead to more marijuana abuse by teens. 

Proposition 1 is set to be on the November 4th ballot in Michigan and if passed would legalize the use of marijuana as a prescribed drug.

An estimated 300,000 Americans use medical marijuana and it is already legalized in some states. California, Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have similar medical-marijuana laws and California's medical marijuana law was approved in 1996.

People in favor of Proposition 1 say the law would give medical marijuana users protection and help the police in differentiating between legitimate marijuana users and criminals. This law would also protect workers from possible professional repercussions that could arise from using the doctor-recommended drug. They also say that statistics have shown teen use of marijuana has declined in the states where medical marijuana is legalized.

Opposing Proposition 1 are the Michigan State Medical Society, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and the Michigan Osteopathic Association because of its dangerous consequences for all users.