Last week, the Legislature advanced a proposal that would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. As proponents of legislative legalization of medicinal marijuana have made their case, I met with families who believe this proposal would benefit them and their children and listened carefully to their arguments and concerns. I sympathize with their circumstances, and I am supportive of efforts to treat their conditions with innovative medical solutions.

Even in light of hope for marijuana’s medical benefits, it is important, however, to remember that marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the Drug Enforcement Administration’s guidelines, and must be treated as a dangerous drug. For this reason, marijuana should not be legalized legislatively. Just like any other dangerous drug, marijuana should be subject to the same thorough examination by the Food and Drug Administration to study any potential adverse effects, appropriate treatment schedules, drug interactions and long-term effects, among other...