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Obama administration to fight against Proposition 19

By Staff Writer

A 2005 survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 97 million Americans aged 12 or older had tried marijuana, a substance that is illegal for recreational use in the U.S. However, over time users can become dependent on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most potent drug found in marijuana. Substance abuse treatment programs can help individuals suffering from a dependency on THC.

Proposition 19, set to be on ballots across California, will legalize marijuana across the state if it passes on November 2. The drug will be available for recreational use and local governments will be able to tax it to generate revenue. The Obama administration has said that it will fight to keep the current ban on the drug, however, despite the recent support for Prop 19 from marijuana farmers.

"We will vigorously enforce the [federal law] against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law," Attorney General Eric Holder said.

In 1995, nearly 165,000 people who entered a drug treatment program said they needed help quitting marijuana. Rehabilitation facilities can provide addicts with the professional help they need to detoxify and turn their lives around.