The United States has recently made efforts to legalize medical marijuana under federal law. Although medicinal marijuana is legal by prescription in twenty states, medicinal marijuana remains illegal under federal law (Berlatsky, 2012). Medicinal marijuana is a significant problem due to the large number of patients who have not found a cure for their illness using other medications. There is a huge controversy surrounding medical marijuana due to those who use it recreationally. With those using marijuana recreationally and medically, it would be extremely difficult for America to set limits on who actually receives the drug. Medicinal marijuana is also a significant problem due to the high risk of abuse. Patients across the country use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve and aspirin to reduce pain, fever and inflammation. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective, NSAIDs can damage the heart and liver. It is important to focus on the issue of medical marijuana because marijuana is an alternative for patients who want to relieve pain using marijuana rather than NSADs. The U.S. movement toward legalizing medical marijuana under federal law is on the rise. Supporters of legalization say medicinal marijuana is harmless because of its pain-relieving effects and that it is impossible to overdose. Although both statements are true, marijuana has not been approved by any major medical programs. Medical marijuana is not as addictive as heroin or cocaine, but daily marijuana use can lead to dependence. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about nine percent of marijuana users become addicted. Research done in the laboratory...... middle of article...... Evidence of memory impairment is clearly demonstrated for medicinal marijuana. Memory is a serious issue and it must be taken into consideration before legalization. Medical marijuana continues to be a problem in America due to those seeking an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Medicinal marijuana may be beneficial for glaucoma and increase the appetite of people with HIV, but medicinal marijuana carries health risks. The three biggest health risks associated with medicinal marijuana are memory loss, lung cancer, and addiction. With daily marijuana use, all of these health risks could quickly become a reality. The FDA has conducted research to prove that the health risks of medicinal marijuana are real. The government should seriously consider the health risks of marijuana before legalizing it under federal law..