Michigan Daily, 29 May 2013 – The use of medical marijuana as a pain reliever has long been of high interest to activists, scientists and policymakers. Appealing to these interests, a new study at the University will work to determine the exact benefits medical marijuana may offer to those who suffer from various medical afflictions. Michigan, which legalized medical marijuana in 2008, has 135,267 patients registered to buy and use the drug, according to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The state is one of the 18, along with Washington D.C., to have legalized medical marijuana.