I know this an old thread, and I may have said this elsewhere on this site....
My now ex-wife has genetically horrible spine issues. She just had her 4th spinal surgery a month ago (3 fusions and one cyst-removal). She has had 2 surgeries this year (to-date). She has taken opioids as prescribed many times, and was/is fearful of addiction, given her propensity for sever spinal surgeries. Weed has been a viable and effective alternative for her. Admittedly weed is 100% illegal in this state, but she has chosen to take that risk. I have smoked it....it is not for me....puts me right to sleep. I'd rather drink bourbon. But for her, it is a rational medical decision, and I agree (for her specific case). Given how well it has worked for her, I have no illusions that this is a clear-cut issue. While I may be a far right-winger, this is one issue where I am clearly divergent from that platform.
I might add that alcohol is doing me far more harm than weed is doing to her, post-divorce. Now where did I put my glencairn...?