I totally disagree that people that smoke pot, are doing so to escape, forget, or can't handle life's issues.
Some folks enjoy an occasional joint now and then - that doesn't mean that they are addicts and go around stoned all the time. It's no different than people who like to smoke "regular" cigarettes, have a glass of wine with their dinner, or a beer on a hot summer day, or a mixed drink at a party. They simply like the taste and the temporary euphoric feeling. People who run/jog/exercise, get this same feeling. Are they all doing this to escape???? Highly doubtful.