While the federal government refuses to acknowledge that marijuana has a legitimate role as a medicine, in particular one that can offset many of the symptoms and conditions associated with aging, it is nevertheless apparent that a growing percentage of the public, and older Americans, especially, are becoming increasingly aware of this plantamp;rsquo;s safety and efficacy. amp;ndash; Paul Armentano, deputy directory of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)