As things stand midway through 2012 there are 17 states (and Washington D.C.) with some sort of legal protections for medical marijuana patients. And there is a chance for 7 more states to join that list before 2012 is over.

And with the exception of New Hampshire, they are all states with rather substantial populations. The largest states include New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois, which all have MMJ bills in their legislatures. Missouri and New Hampshire also have pending bills. Massachusetts MMJ supporters are currently gathering ballot signatures as are supporters in Ohio. Ohio also has pending legislation.

Of course the chances of success vary in each state. But at least things have progressed to the discussion stage. The tide of medical marijuana is unstoppable at this point, even with the federal government cracking down like never before. The fact that cannabis has amazing medical properties is now becoming common knowledge.

But the continued success of medical cannabis is up to the advocates in each state. The momentum the movement currently enjoys is attributable to a lot of hard work. The hard work must be kept up.

- Joe Klare