Feds Pushing False Info on Medical Pot: Advocates

The government is pushing “false information” about pot, medical-marijuana advocates pushing for updated policy told a federal appeals panel yesterday. Citing a federal law that prohibits the government from spreading inaccurate information, they say there’s overwhelming evidence marijuana eases pain and anxiety among chronically ill patients, the Los Angeles Times reports. The government’s official line is that pot “has no currently acceptable medical use.”

The appeal, following 2004 and 2007 attempts, may be the result of a perceived opening following President Obama’s request that government decisions be guided by scientific evidence, not the current political mood. A circuit court judge noted the “amazing” law at issue does seem to require the government to amend all incorrect statements, a circumstance she called “troubling.” (More marijuana stories.)