opinions on this one are all over the map i think MJ is a earth produced substance, for this i give it extra credit in some states its been legalized for medical purposes altho the federal laws still remain over-riding... i think in comparison to some pain relievers it has much less potential for harming side effects... we could manage it in the same ways we are managing alcohol now, with programs for treatment that are already in place... since it is non habit forming (assuming you dont like it) the addiction rate would be limited to those who prefer its effects... the effects described here seem extreme to me tho in some cases... i smoked some MJ when i was younger and it gave me the anxiety results mentioned here so i didnt use it.. simple.... years later haha my boss offered me some... i was feeling a bit more confident cause i'd recently been using Zoloft and felt social again (quit Zoloft btw) ... it was less anxiety producing this time.. maybe the Zoloft had done the switching ive heard described in the neuro's and the panic and phobia wasnt intense... as mentioned, i also learned meditative and calming techniques... our national community will decide for us, whatever it is, i wish you all the best