"How demand may increase, how consumption and purchasing may increase, how it is going to impact folks under 21 years old, in much the manner that we are dealing with underage drinking right now," he said.
Freng said at least 10 percent of users could become dependent on the drug. Supporters concede marijuana is a psychotropic substance that can alter perceptions and behavior. They say it is not for everyone, but insist that it is safer than alcohol or aspirin.
A medical marijuana user, 68-year-old James Higgins, thinks legalization is a good thing.
"They will put no more people in jail for an ounce of weed [marijuana] or a couple of joints [marijuana cigarettes]. I think it is a good deal that it is legalized. It is going to help the economy and the people," he said.
Activist Greta Carter said these are exciting times in Washington State. "But also a very heavy responsibility that we do it right, do it conservatively."
No one knows how federal law enforcement will react to the new state laws in Colorado and Washington. The U.S. Department of Justice has promised a statement soon, and Seattle city attorney Pete Holmes hopes they will wait and see how these social experiments develop.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25