As someone who never smoked a single joint, I don't have a problem with people using it to relieve pain.
I have a friend in Washington who is obese and typically far too young for a knee replacement, but her weight ruined her joint and she had to undergo the surgery. The doctor was really careful with the opioids, so she bought some marijuana, which is legal up there. She didn't sit around smoking and getting high; she bought a type to add to food and a topical oil. She said it helped.
Michelle Malkin wrote an article about her daughter's struggle with a neurological problem. She said that medical marijuana gave her relief when nothing else worked. I can't sit over here and judge her for that.