Cannabis is, in fact, extremely effective in fighting cancer, the US government admitted last week. The drug, illegal throughout most of the United States, is now recommended by the government’s official cancer advice website.

Criminalized by the US federal government since 1937, cannabis is being advertised by the US Department of Health as "useful in treating the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment" on the agency's official cancer advice website.

The National Cancer Institute claims cannabinoids, which are the active chemicals in cannabis, can be smoked, inhaled, eaten in baked products, drank in herbal teas, or even sprayed under the tongue as treatment.

The drug can do even more than just treat side effects. Cannabis can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent, prevent the growth of cancer cells, block the flow of blood vessels to tumours, and help relieve muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.

The results were based partially on lab tests which showed the decline of cancer cells in mice after exposure to cannabis.

Some activists in the mass media, as well as Hollywood stars, have long touted the medical benefits of the drug.

Use #cannabis instead of your prescription drugs that are killing you. #GiveTheElderlyAdvice — Dr. Michele N. Ross (@drmicheleross) August 20, 2015

In response to the multiple scientific studies which have proven marijuana's efficacy, the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved two cancer treatment drugs which contain cannabinoids.

Several states, including California, New York, and Maine have already legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Four states, as well as the District of Columbia, have legalized the drug for recreational use, although it remains prohibited by federal law.

Despite these studies, as well as a general push for decriminalization across the country, the US penal system imprisons a shocking number of individuals for nonviolent crimes related to marijuana.

In 2013 alone, 609,423 individuals were arrested for possession of a substance which is now recommended by the US Department of Health.