[robertpaulsen]

"Is it a coincidence that the FDA discourages the use of a medicine that can be grown for free, but endorses the use of that same medicine if produced synthetically for profit?"

No more so than the FDA discouraging the use of the deadly nightshade (belladonna) but endorsing the use of atropine produced from the plant.

Something to do with dangerous plant by-products vs. the pure form of the drug.

[Wolfie]

Straw man. Marijuana isn't Belladonna. Next.

[Sir Gawain]

Something to do with dangerous plant by-products

Oh give me a break. Inhaled smoke from MJ is harmless compared to many FDA approved drugs' side effects. Pretty weak argument there.

[philman_36]

Straw man.
Doesn't matter.

No more so than the FDA discouraging the use of the deadly nightshade (belladonna) but endorsing the use of atropine produced from the plant.
The FDA, and the medical community in general, do indeed discourage the use of belladonna. However, the FDA/govt hasn't sought to prohibit or control that plant have they. And yet, considering how many have died from each plant I'd say someone has their priorities wrong.