I am all for the legalization of marijuana. However, one problem is that there isn't an equivalent test that is similar to the breathalyzer for alcohol to determine if one is currently under the influence of marijuana. All in all, say all you want about long-term effects. If you can pass the medical exams and checkrides, then all is a go. Otherwise, degenerative long-term effects can be said about many substances and foods.

Alcohol has killed and injured far more people, destroyed more families and disrupted more lives than marijuana, much more.

Alcohol being legal and marijuana not is the ultimate hypocrisy. Heck, the US even bans the cultivation of industrial hemp.....with no appreciable THC.

Marijuana is a significant source of food, fiber, fuel and medicine. However, the powers that be chooses to remain ignorant and act irrationally...ahem! (The private prison lobby puts massive resources into mandatory minimum sentencing for victimless crimes such as those involving marijuana)LEAP - Law Enforcement Against Prohibition - Cops Say Legalize Drugs

Fortunately, I think it is 17 states have approved use of medicinal marijuana to varying degrees and Obama has called off the dogs in regard to federales busting medicinal MJ shops. There is hope yet and I think it is just a matter of time.