Clearing marijuana fog.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Since Oregon voters approved a medical marijuana initiative in 1998, doctors have been able to recommend the use of marijuana to their patients.

Well, that's the theory, anyway. In Oregon and eight other states that have medical marijuana laws, federal agents have raided farms where medical marijuana is grown, closed down cannabis co-ops and threatened to punish doctors who even discuss marijuana with their patients, citing federal laws prohibiting distribution or use of marijuana.

Faced with the threat of losing federal prescription privileges, doctors have been understandably reluctant to mention the "M" word to their patients. Of the more than 10,000 physicians in Oregon, just over a tenth have signed at least one patient's application.

It's been a silly, untenable arrangement, one that has allowed the federal government to cast a shadow over what should be open and honest physician-patient discussions. Patients seeking accurate information about marijuana - or Claritin or Viagra - should be able to get accurate information from their physicians. And, in Oregon and other states with medical marijuana laws, patients suffering from AIDS wasting syndrome, glaucoma or other conditions should be able to obtain marijuana without fear of getting busted by federal agents.

In a surprise ruling Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court took a major step toward resolving this unhappy situation. The high court let stand a controversial ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that removes the federal threat of retaliation against doctors who recommend marijuana in states where the practice is legal.

Yet it's only a partial victory for supporters of medical marijuana. Under federal law, growing, selling or possessing marijuana remains illegal, and federal prosecutors can still go after even state-licensed growers, dealers and users, as they have continued to do in Oregon, California and elsewhere.

Congress can and should resolve this situation in short order. Under federal law, marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance - the legal equivalent of heroin or crack cocaine. State laws cannot change or override that classification.

Since there is no accepted medical use for Schedule 1 drugs, Congress should reclassify marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug - one that is still illegal, but that has recognized medical uses, as is the case with such drugs as morphine. That would leave states free to decide for themselves whether to allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes, and to control the distribution of the drug.

Tuesday's ruling should prod Congress to resolve this long-running and needless conflict between federal and state law. Federal lawmakers should make this humane and sensible adjustment, one that recognizes the rights and needs of sick patients who can benefit from marijuana.