Why are cigarettes legal, but marijuana illegal?

[That Guy]

if alcohol and cigarettes were introduced today, they'd probably be illegal.

but because they've been around since this countries founding, and because tobacco was our only valueable major export for a long time (WAY back), they're still here. as far as medicinal purposes, that's not nearly enough because it's really not that useful, and it has somewhat serious side effects (memory loss).

studies have shown (i believe from a jamacian work place) that regular smokers that came to work sober showed no loss in productivity. I really haven't bothered to do much research though cause i have no interest in using it and it'll never be legal here anyways.

oh yeah, and that flawed gateway drug thing.