Anyone who follows current events closely can tell you an unprecedented event is coming this November when Californians go to the polls.

            For the first time in modern U.S. history, a statewide vote will be held on legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. It’s no secret that California leads the United States in marijuana policy, being one of the first states to legalize use for medicinal purposes several years ago. Recreational legalization, however, would completely change the status quo of drug policy in the United States.

            While some look at California with disgust for allowing such policies to take effect, others are envious of such a progressive state. For the envious group of people who want to bring such ideas to this area of our country, there may be change coming to Alabama regarding our policies relating to marijuana.

            In early April before the State House of Representatives session ended, H.B. 207, a bill that would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes passed committee. Patricia Todd, D- Birmingham, who sponsored the bill, said that there was really no chance of the bill passing at that time due to the end of the session being just five days away.

            The bill is named after Michael Phillips, an Alabama cancer patient who tirelessly fought for medical marijuana until his death in 2007 at the age of 38.

            The bill would allow doctors to prescribe the herb to patients with illnesses that studies have shown could be aided with marijuana. Patients would be required to carry around an identification card that proves they are using marijuana strictly for its healing purposes.

            Patients could be prescribed marijuana if diagnosed with an approved illness such as: cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic arthritis, cachexia, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, AIDS, anorexia, seizures, severe nausea and other symptoms that substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct major life activities.

            In addition to licensed dispensaries being able to sell marijuana, patients would also be allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces at one time and could cultivate up to six marijuana plants, as long as the plants were in an enclosed and locked facility.

            Before everyone gets their hopes up and runs to the doctor, it should be noted that, in the past, other bills proposing marijuana legalization have been through the legislature and failed.

            However, this is the furthest a bill like this has gotten in our state. The increased publicity that such laws are receiving across the country can only help our legislature gauge the overwhelming public support for legalization of medical marijuana.

            For patients in chronic pain or with debilitating disease, legally allowing relief by smoking an herb as opposed to taking a chemically based pill would be ideal. Medical professionals and our government have a duty to the people to care for them to the best of their ability.

            With a major hurdle of such a monumental piece of legislation cleared by a state that doesn’t even have a lottery, Alabama could be poised to set a precedent to many other Southern states.

Austin Gaddis is a sophomore majoring in public relations and communication studies.