The stigma surrounding marijuana usage has minimized as more information regarding the benefits of the plant have been revealed. The new knowledge has allowed for over 28 states in the United States to pass some form of legalization of the cannabis plant for medical purposes, with an additional eight states where recreational use is or soon will be legal.  
Currently, medical marijuana has been approved in the states for different medical purposes varying from treatment of symptoms caused by cancer treatment to series or even terminal illnesses. As more medical benefits are discovered, different methods of usage have emerged like vaporized liquid, nasal spray, and edibles. 
The Harvard Health Publication reports that “In the US, there are about 20 million users,” with users starting as young as 12 years old. Even with the marijuana smoking population growing, the lack of research and Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) disapproval prevent medicals benefits of the plant to be discovered.
“Although marijuana can help relieve the symptoms of certain medical conditions, its use is still illegal on a federal level, and because we don’t have data from large, long-term, well-designed studies, the FDA continues to have concerns about potential risks versus benefits,” the Harvard Health Publication reports. 
The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration defines marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, “substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
Currently, the FDA only approves synthetic versions that share the drug same effects that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has in cannabis.  
“FDA-approved medications containing synthetic THC,” The Harvard Health Publication reported. “These drugs are prescribed as appetite stimulants in AIDS patients and for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.”
The use of marijuana for medical purposes is nothing recent and new laws and regulations are proposed constantly in different states during elections, but the lack of Federal support of plant has stigmatized marijuana usage, even in a medicinal context.  
California; however, has a long history of leading the pro-marijuana movement by being the first state to legalize medical marijuana back in 1996, and just last November state voters passed Proposition 64 legalizing the use of recreational marijuana in the state.
These laws allow for California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), students who are legally allowed to smoke marijuana to do so if they desire, just not while on campus.
Atlas (sophomore, Business; only provided middle name for anonymity) finds marijuana beneficial for medical purposes. 
“I smoke to feel normal because it curbs my anxiety,” Atlas said. “The [drug also has the] ability to calm people, increase appetite, and it is an alternative to traditional medicine.”
Like the majority of the state voters, Raul Sanchez (sophomore, Physics) has an open mind on the legalization of recreational marijuana.
“It’s a good idea; easy to get it so why not”, Sanchez said.  
The University Police Department (UPD) Sergeant Cheri Silveira would like to inform students on how the campus police views marijuana in the campus with the recent passing of Prop. 64.
“Marijuana is not a legal recreational drug on university campuses for several reasons, [with] the most important of these is the ability for our University to continue to provide federal financial support to our most vulnerable students,” Sgt. Silveira said. 
Prop. 64 doesn’t go into effect until January 2018, and it is still legally required to have a medical marijuana card to enjoy the benefits that come from smoking the cannabis plant.
Sgt. Silveira reported no change in marijuana violations on campus since Prop. 64 was passed and hopes Stan State students will continue to obey the laws. 
“We encourage our students to educate themselves on all laws pertaining to marijuana,” Sgt. Silveira said. “We want all our students to also be respectful of others individual rights, wishes and expectations.”