What is it? The Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States (CARERS) Act is a bi-partisan bill that would amend federal law to recognize the medical utility for cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) oils. Marijuana is "legal" for medical use in 23 states and the District of Columbia, but the federal government's current classification of the drug places limitations on patients' ability to access it. The CARERS Act would reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II, allowing the drug to be prescribed and researched more freely. This is a policy change that is supported by 88% of Americans, according to a 2014 CNN/ORC poll.

Who does it affect? Cannabis and CBD oils are powerful treatment options for a number of conditions including glaucoma, epilepsy and HIV/AIDS. For many patients suffering from serious and intractable conditions, traditional medication is often unsuccessful and has adverse side-effects. In these cases, medical cannabis is both a safer and more effective way of managing their symptoms.