> 2. It isn't chemically addictive or habit-forming for most people.
I've never understood why people claim it's not addictive when there are well established symptoms experienced when withdrawing. Disruption in sleep quality, vivid dreams, insomnia, etc.
I was a nightly smoker for a long time (only after 8pm, never during the day) -- it took extraordinary effort and multiple attempts to quit. Perhaps there isn't a specific biological addiction that can be defined precisely, but it's definitely addictive nonetheless.
If you were a nightly smoker you were already addicted. Most cannabis users don't use it daily. In that way it's like alcohol. This is in contrast to tobacco users, who use it like caffeine.
It isn't considered "wonderful". It's just not worth putting people into prison over. It's still a vice, like tobacco, alcohol, or gambling.
There are also some important differences between it and cigarettes.
1. Way less actual smoking needed. Or not needed at all because edibles exist.
2. It isn't chemically addictive or habit-forming for most people.
3. There are legitimate medical applications for pain or nausea relief. Again, without smoking.