In fact, marijuana in its crude form is more than ten times as toxic as tobacco smoke. It has been proven that THC, the active ingredient found in marijuana smoke, does have some value as a pain reliever. However, THC is most effectively delivered by pill or suppository, not by smoking. Smoking anything is harmful, marijuana especially. In addition, scientists have made tremendous advances in controlling pain in recent years.
Many powerful painkillers are available now that make marijuana look second-rate at best.
This suggests that while many advocates of medical marijuana are sincere about wanting to help sick people, they may not have all the facts. And those among them who do have all the facts may have other reasons for wanting to see marijuana legalized. Scott Rich is a Witherspoon Fellow at the Family Research Council.