Marijuana plants flourish under grow lights at a growing operation for a marijuana center in Denver, on Wednesday.

AP Photo |Ed Andrieski

Cannabis RX

As city officials in Ann Arbor consider how to regulate the growing number of medical "marihuana" dispensaries popping up around town, others are weighing in on the issue.

The founder of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine has explored the use of marijuana in medicine in a recent Huffington Post column. In the 19th century, marijuana — typically in extract form — was used to treat colicky babies, labor pains, asthma and a host of other conditions. But the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 changed all that, making the possession and transfer of marijuana illegal.

Now, the drug is enjoying a resurgence in medicine. Writes Andrew Weil, M.D.:

Research into possible medical uses of Cannabis is enjoying a renaissance. In recent years, studies have shown potential for treating nausea, vomiting, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, alcohol abuse, collagen-induced arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, depression, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, sickle-cell disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's disease and anorexia nervosa.

Medical marijuana commercial is likely the first of its kind

Out of California comes this commercial for Canna Care, Time reported, likely the first of its kind. Cannabis is now legal for prescription in 14 states.

Juliana Keeping is a health and environment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter