If medical marijuana is a gateway drug, then cig are a gateway drug. Thats like saying drinking sparkling grapejuice is a gateway to becoming an alcoholic.

medical marijuana has pain-numbing effects on the body. if someone is suffering through much pain, there is no logical reason for marijuana to not be an option. yes, marijuana is unhealthy, but the medical benefits outweigh the risks in the pain factor. chemotherapy is a widely used and accepted practice, but can be just as risky as it is beneficial.