Of course, the majority of mainstream medical organisations (including the AMA) continue to oppose the decriminalisation of cannabis. They still refer to it as ‘dangerous’ and therefore refuse to put their backing to what they consider to be a threat to public health. But at the same time, their stance is the same with regard to tobacco and alcohol use – both of which carry far stronger official warnings of detrimental health effects.

However, rather than calling for a continuation of the punishment-based measures imposed to control marijuana use, the AHA would now prefer to see public health strategies factored into the decisions made by lawmakers, in order to bring about new policies of wider benefit. They still don’t want to see weed being made legal on a widespread basis – nor do they want to see cannabis users punished unnecessarily.

Not that the DFRC agrees – they see legalisation as the only realistic way forward.

“Physicians are put in the awkward position with respect to individuals who ask for a marijuana recommendation, but otherwise would be perfectly happy purchasing the drug in a retail environment,” Nathan said.

“We believe that the best way to improve the situation is to enact full legalization with smart regulation. That would more clearly separate medical from personal use.”