I like the statements made by the federal panel on marijuana. This is in stark contrast to the statements made by some medical associations that demand the status quo on pot.

BY ANY MEASURE, marijuana is a far less harmful substance than tobacco, alcohol or any other intoxicant. Hence, it makes sense that if people used pot more and alcohol less, society would see a net overall benefit. This is in addition to any direct benefits that pot provides in the areas of pain relief, seizures, muscular disorders and so forth.

No drug is a panacea. And they all have side-effects. But let's approach the marijuana issue practically and pragmatically.  100 years of fear-mongering prohibition is enough.