I know, with proven research and fact, that marijuana is not like the two worst illegal drugs in America: Meth and PCP. Marijuana is said to be a lot of things and, those who know - and, usually, are older with wisdom, know that it is all ridiculous, misguided enforcement.
Marijuana, on basis of medicine, is accepted in some cities. Most notably, San Francisco is at the forefront. In terms of medicinal marijuana, there is a contradiction.
Within this article is a story explaining that a man, in dire need of a transplant, is denied a transplant because he had THC in his system. He was prescribed THC-medicinal marijuana by the medical institution that, now, denies him a transplant because of that prescription. [What a run-on!]
The Associated Press: Medical marijuana patients face transplant hurdles
The medicinal properties of marijuana is proven (with private and limited government research). Many, in view of statistics and trends, find marijuana-related problems preferable to alcohol. I believe that whatever the trend is, the science/quality will follow.
Marijuana, if found widespread, will increase in quality and, with an industry like Big Tobacco, will seek to increase revenue. Alcohol, in many forms like flavored vodka, flavored rum, and generic/substitutes, is performing the same role that marijuana, if widespreadly legal, would assume. Therefore (and you'll probably be aghast if not already) with this current level of enforcement, the marijuana quality those get would stay the same . . . natural and in keeping with the flow of tolerance.
Back to the point: Medicinal marijuana punished while medicinal marijuana was prescribed. What's up with that?