NORML and other drug-law reform organizations today filed a federal admintistrative petition to reclassify marijuana so that doctors may prescribe it for medical purposes.

"The petition argues that the scientific record doesn't support the DEA's classification that marijuana has no accepted medical use in the United States, is unsafe for use, and has a high potential for abuse. The federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies drugs in five distinct categories - Schedule I through V - with Schedule I drugs being strictly prohibited. Federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance without medical value."

In Seattle, an initiative has been certified on the ballot that would make enforcement of marijuana laws the lowest priority of law enforcement.

"Proponents of a citywide initiative to minimize the amount of time local police spend enforcing marijuana possession laws announced last week that county election officials have certified their proposal for this November's electoral ballot. If passed, Initiative 75 would require the Seattle Police Department and the City Attorney's Office to make the "investigation, arrest and prosecution" of adults for pot possession the city's "lowest law enforcement priority."

And in Oakland, "a pair of California medical marijuana patients and providers brought suit Wednesday to demand the federal government stop targeting those who use and grow the drug legally under state law. The suit is in response to a recent wave of federal raids and arrests of California medical marijuana patients and cooperatives."

Instapundit, as a strong supporter of states' rights, favors the lawsuit but doesn't think it will win.