Well in California where we have lived, road accidents are down, domestic violence is down. The health risks are less than drinking so I am for legalizing it.

Hasn't changed anything in Colorado. Except for the fact that our schools now have better funding due to the sales taxes it generates.

Ridiculous to think just becauuse it’s not a crime that everyone will be stoned all the time. I already smoke and I drink for that matter... I don’t drink to excess even though it’s legal... it’s less harmful then drinking and I shouldn’t have to worry about being pulled over on my way home from my dealer with my little bag of an irrationally regulated plant.

Communism will rise! ??

Legalizing gets the cartels, etc out of the business as long as the state maintains control of manufacturing - similar to alcohol. That us a big plus. Sure, there may be some added difficulties, but the plusses outweigh the negatives. It isn't as addictive as alcohol or opiates makes in and of itself a good case.

Where it is legal, it works.

Sure there will be some rough spots but no more than say food; snack cakes are legal but only a small percentage eat several boxes a day.

People don't know the truth because those who are successful can't exactly tell that they imbibe when there are still legal consequences...

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I think most people who smoke weed are going to smoke it whether it's legal or not. Why waste money on attempting to take people's freedom away? Especially considering we tried it once and it failed miserably.

I believe, rather I think its logical to expect an increase in DUI accidents, an increase in problems with people being high at work and all of that. I am not worried about this though. With this increase in problems there will be an increase in awareness of the problems and how to solve them, and we will come up with solutions. I think legalization is the LESSER of two evils. I don't think necessarily that the world will get better or anything with legalization, but making any recreational drug illegal only makes for a market for illegal selling, theft, murder, and more incarcerated teenagers, and underpriveledged. Back to drug abuse. I do research in addiction. A large portion of people who are addicted and have a hard time recovering are that way due to their genetics. So, if a person is going to abuse marijuana (which is not chemically addictive) they are going to abuse just about anything that makes them feel good, whether it is legal or not.

One hit of a good sativa gives me enough energy to over come any thought of lazying around. ....for about 30 minutes.

Has drinking alcohol hurt us? People die from stupid accidents -- drunk drivers, distracted drivers, stoned drivers, or just the luck of the draw. By legalizing drugs, nothing will change.

Folks who believe that, have no idea what they are talking about. You know plenty of folks who smoke pot, you just may not know it. I have smoked weed with lawyers, doctors, and successful business men.

Hell no I've been smoking for 50 years and got my med card last year but the prices are higher than me!
It's a fact those who smoke weed would rather make love to their other as opposed to those that abuse them after drinking alcohol!

I am 100% happy with cannabis legalization. Expect no changes in society at large. Prohibition NEVER works. Ever.

As a parent, I was very cautious. After going to CO and seeing how it's regulated ....strictly.... I support all legalization. I couldn't believe how controlled it is.... and you should have seen me try to open one of those zip proof pouches.... it really looked like a comedy sketch. Plus.... this is a soft, slow affecting, and imo, a proper drug for today's anxiety ridden society. PLUS, THE RELAXED VIBE of the entire state is amazing.... cops are nice, and helpful, and not predatory. There was never a time where I was in public and smelled it or saw people using it. It was just a different energy in the crowd, and it sure made those views even MORE amazing. Colorado deserves all those tax benefits it gets.... some counties as much as 27%. I also met some seriously wonderful people who worked there and owned the stores. Shout out to Rita for sharing that gorgeous hemp infused EVOO ....on baguette with me!! A foodies dream!!

Some legislators were talking about how it would create a spike in crime, but those were the same people who insist that all transactions be in cash, driving up the incentive for robbery. We've got a number of dispensaries around here, but at least the one or two I've visited were clean and well-ran.

Have you not been told by your doctor what the side effects of these substances are? They wouldn't be on the market anymore if they were so harmful. And anyway, you shouldn't worry too much because I smoked dabs and everything was fine. My friend wanted to show me his best automated grow box and demonstrate the process. After the rolling was done, he gave me a try, even if my health did not allow me to smoke dabs. Due to I don't often smoke anyway, I did not experience any adverse side effects

It will be just fine.

I agree with those who say it wouldn't change much. I know people in states where it is legal and illegal who use pot regularly. I know legalizing it will certainly help cut down on the prison population and 'petty' arrests. As the joke goes: 5 drunk people will start a fight and 5 stoned people will start a band.

A couple of men have been fined for hunting while being high. To me, this is a reckless display of disrespect towards nature. [cbc.ca]

I don't think anything would change in the US if pot were federally legal. People already are smoking it legally and illegally so we live in a country where there is already plenty of pot use. The only think that I will think will change is that more people will make a lot of money off of it and it will become a big industry like alcohol is already.

Great comments. I'm intrigued to see how this piece of legislation will play out but it will be decades before we see the results. Right now, government and much of the population seem to think its a good thing.

accidents will go DOWN. laid back beats violent, and not everyone reacts to grass by becoming unproductive. marijuana will not increase problems in society; it will decrease drunk driving, and drinking in general and by virtue of that alone, never mind other benefits, will decrease problems in society. what ABOUT families and children? what is your point in mentioning those?

g

Families/children? Procreation still works the same way--high or straight.