The argument that there is any major medical advantages to smoking dope is a lot of crap.
The "legalize it" lobby would be better served if it was honest and used the angle that it's much less dangerous and much less intoxicating than alcohol, and that sending someone to jail for possising it is beyond absurd.
I can never climb on the libertarian boat that wants alldrugs (even the most dangerous) legalized, but the time and resources we utilize going after people who smoke weed is crazy, given its relatively mild effects.
Don't know what limited access you have had to weed, but in the '60s I indulged in some of the worlds best, including some genetically altered versions. The stuff was more powerful than everclear and could knock you unconcious with just a few hits from a bong. I have seen people in a psychopathic state from smoking weed, with such an elevated sense of self-worth that they were dangerous. Claims that marijuana is a "mild & innocent" drug are made by people who are inexperienced with what is available in its high powered strains.