I totally agree. And even as a recreational substance, it might be fine for *most* people... but is not safe for everyone. For people with latent schizophrenia or other psychoses, for example, marijuana is extremely dangerous, and smoking it is like a ticking time bomb (the bomb being a psychotic break, and worse). This doesn't happen often, but it does happen (I have a close family member it happened to). So... like any substance that's foreign to the human body, I believe it needs to be regulated, and doctors should probably be involved in the process by which someone gets permission to consume it. I have no idea what the best system would be.
Alcohol is only very loosely regulated, and causes HEAPS of health problems. Don't get me wrong... I like to drink... am not knocking it. But I also recognize what a destructive force it is in so many people's lives, as well as what a drain it is on the health care system and society & the economy as a whole. So, whatever happens with marijuana, it probably should not take the same route that was taken with alcohol. Just my 2 cents' worth.
And yes, primarily, it needs to be more broadly recognized as a substance that can treat the symptoms of people with certain chronic illnesses. It's a lifeline to so many, and has been for years (whether legally or not). Legally would be better of course. Also, let me just add that health care in the US costs TOO damned much. No one else in the world pays anywhere near that much for medical treatment. I mean, seriously??? COVID patients without insurance (and in some cases with, even) coming out of the ICU and being slapped with a US$30,000+ medical bill??? As if they didn't have enough problems already!!! Time to get out of the dark ages. Universal health care for all. It's a human right, and should be a top priority of every national government! Lol ok I'm done; rant over :-D