[RonF]

How is it that cocaine can be legally prescribed, but marijuana can't?

[Sparta]

I don't know, I'm sending this to three of FR's Drug War "experts" for their insightful commentary on your question.

[Illbay]

Because Marijuana has absolutely no medicinal value whatsoever. None.

Yes, I know there are a few quacks out there who claim it does, but fortunately for the public we actually have a process whereby the medicinal virtues of various substances are put through rigorous testing.

That actually precludes the drug induced fantasies of such quacks.

Remember: "You don't do ANYTHING better on marijuana. You just THINK you do better."

[robertpaulsen]

Cocaine has been medically proven effective as a local anesthesia to the nose, mouth or throat to allow some types of surgery or examinations without pain. It can be prescribed and used only under doctor's supervision, and applied by spray or cotton swab directly to the area being anesthetized.

If marijuana were found to have some similar medical benefit, I wouldn't have a problem. But don't get your hopes up; I doubt it will be in smoked form.