Cannabis was the most used medicinal plant for thousands of years.  
The prohibition was started when Rockefeller and JP Morgan invested in patent medicine, and politics got it scheduled as dangerous with no medicinal value.
That was a lie.

We also know from many studies that cannabis is neuroprotective and helpful in treating pain, insomnia, Parkinson's and other tremors, seizures, PTSD, and many other conditions.   

Hemp is also a great product for strong fabrics, clothing, rope and can be used for oils.

We know that THC increases the communication between neurons, making it useful for creative brainstorming.

I'm a geek and studied the science.     I was a science teacher and systems engineer, though I'm a musician these days.  Louis Armstrong smoked pot every day of his adult life and was arguably the most influential musician of the 20th century.

It is a form of intoxication though different from alcohol. It does affect the mind, thoughts and feelings but the health effects can be negative over time. A friend I knew who smoked to help her sleep but got lung cancer and was dead within 90 days of her diagnosis. She never smoked cigarettes.I think we will see a lot more cases like hers in the states that have recreational use now legalized.

I used it for awhile in the past and it actually let me explore my surroundings in a different perspective. Although I  don't use it anymore I think it expanded my appreciation for small things in life that we usually take for granted. It awakened me to the sounds of the city the sounds of nature, the movements of the animals, the colors and designs around me. Normally I would have a surface level of appreciation but it let me explore deeper. While I don't really need it now to get the same effect I can still reflect on my horizons being expanded from it. Whether you like it or not is up to you but people should not be given tickets or thrown in jail over it.

Chronic users have memory issues and it affects levels of seretonin over time to diminish. May relax some but can also take away drive and ambition which has negative consequences. People I know tend to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. So if want to stay healthy marijuana can be a less desirable option over other activities... let's not escape life but rather live!!!

Marijuana is bad for your mental, emotional, and heart health. Avoid it!

Alcohol is legal and more dangerous! ;)