(Natural News) Gone are the days when marijuana was viewed as nothing more than a dangerous, illicit drug. More than two thirds of U.S. states have now legalized its use, some for medicinal purposes, some for recreational use, and others for both.

Thanks in large part to information dispensed by the independent media, Americans have become educated about the amazing health benefits of marijuana, including in reducing the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy, preventing age-related cognitive decline, and in providing a safer form of pain relief for patients battling opioid addictions.

Studies have also indicated that in addition to providing a safe form of pain relief for cancer sufferers, marijuana might actually trigger apoptosis, the process by which cancer cells essentially commit suicide.

Interestingly, mainstream doctors have been quick to accept marijuana as a viable form of treatment for many health problems, and this includes those who specialize in cancer.

A recent study by researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center, found that 73 percent of oncology healthcare providers surveyed believe that medical marijuana could provide real benefits to cancer patients. Nonetheless, only 46 percent of them say they feel comfortable prescribing or recommending it.