WILKES-BARRE-- About a dozen states have legalized medicinal marijuana use in the U-S and some organizations want Pennsylvania to be next.

Since 1937 the drug has been illegal in America, but before then it was widely used as a pain killer. Some say it should be allowed for those in pain once again, calling it an effective drug that has limited side effects and is difficult to overdose on.

Opponents of the measure say it's a gateway drug, that would lead to abuse and addiction of other substances. They say marijuana should remain illegal and that marijuana's most active ingredient THC, is already available in the prescription drug Marinol.

WYOU Interactive discusses the issue with Edward Pane of Serento Gardens Alcoholism and Drug Services, Carl Romenelli of the Green Party, and Derek Rosenzweig of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.