After decades of marginalization, medical marijuana is gaining greater acceptance across the country and is becoming big business in states that have embraced it as a gentler, more natural medication for patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma and HIV.

Fourteen states, including Michigan, have legalized the drug for medicinal use, and another dozen are considering bills to start medical marijuana programs. The nation's capital could join their ranks since the District of Columbia's council in May unanimously approved legalizing and regulating the pain-soothing, appetite-inducing drug.

detnews.com