The number of medical marijuana cardholders more than tripled in the last five years as more states jumped on the bandwagon. The analysis is based on data from 26 states and the District of Columbia. The total climbs to 2.6 million patients if California, Washington and Maine are included, the AP estimates.
States that expanded the use of medical cannabis for common ailments such as severe pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety saw a boost in enrollment, the AP found.
The U.S. government, meanwhile, both considers marijuana an illegal drug and a therapeutic herb worth more study.
A look at the health claims and research on medical marijuana: