Medical Marijuana - good or bad?

Let me start by saying I have never smoked marijuana. I have never even had the desire to smoke the plant, and don't see that changing in the future. I have been around it, and really just don't care for the smell (mixture of old socks and tea? yuck). I don't want it in my house, even if you are coming in and out, because I have kids. I don't want it in my car because, again, I have kids.

Most of my reasons for not wanting to smoke pot is due to the legal factor. If it is illegal to be in possession of, use, grow, or sell, why would I purposefully put myself out there in danger. That is like stepping in front of a moving train and hoping it goes around me. Along with the legal factors, the side-effects include the desire to eat. Why would I want to try a drug that may include my desire to eat more than I already do, and eat for the wrong reasons? And, since I have never had the desire to try it, I don't feel the legal factor would change my mind.

I have nothing against those who smoke pot. I don't care if someone decides to do this as a recreational hobby within the privacy of their own home, or the homes of friends / family who also enjoy this. If they feel this is a useful way to spend their time, who am I to judge? I enjoy watching Jersey Shore and the Kardashians for my own reasons they may find ridiculous. I wouldn't force them to watch those shows just as I expect them to not be offended if I decline their offers, and go home. But then again, by the confines of our legal system, watching those shows is legal.

This leads to the other aspect, however. That which is not mentioned above. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. For this reason, if I were suffering from a health issue where my pain would be alleviated by the use of smoking pot, maybe I would consider the benefits. Effects of using pot for this reason probably far outweigh the risks, if approved and deemed necessary or even as an option by a medical doctor. Those suffering from cancer should be given every available and medically approved resource in their time of pain. The problem with allowing a drug to be legal for one instance, and not legal in others, though, is a challenge across the board. And while I do not believe marijuana to be a "bad" drug, or even as harmful for what a person would do while taking the drug as drinking alcohol, if you are going to make it legal in some areas, it should be legal in all areas to not have confusion. It is the confusion, social awareness, and social acceptance that may be a deciding factor against legalization.

To those who must use marijuana as a medical practice for their health issues, I pray this will ease your suffering. For those who wish to use it recreationally, you may be fighting a battle that may not be won any time soon.