Earlier this year, in San Mateo, California, the first federally approved study was launched to determine whether marijuana could effectively ease painful AIDS-related symptoms. The study, began in response to a report released by the Institute of Medicine that states the active ingredients in marijuana can help reduce pain, anxiety, nausea and vomiting in humans.

The Supreme Court took a stance on the issue in May when they ruled 8-0 that "marijuana has no medical benefits worthy of an exception." While the ruling only applies to federal law, the government could prosecute those who violate federal marijuana laws in states where medicinal marijuana use is legal.

According to Governor Jesse Ventura of Minnesota, "Medical marijuana? I fully support it, absolutely. Who is government to tell someone if they have AIDS or cancer, what they should be taking?"

Critics, on the other hand, argue that the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes would send a negative, conflicting message to the children of our country. Many believe that marijuana is a "gateway drug" that leads users to abuse harder drugs somewhere down the line.

So, where do you stand? Do you agree with the Supreme Court's May decision? Should marijuana be legal for medicinal purposes? Should it be legal for recreational purposes?