Wash. voters legalize recreational pot use

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Wash. voters legalize recreational pot use

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS and GENE JOHNSON

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington voters have made their state the first in the nation to legalize recreational pot use, setting up a showdown with a federal government that backs the drug's prohibition.

The outcomes of related measures in Colorado and Oregon were uncertain.

The Washington measure sets up a system of state-licensed marijuana growers, processors and retail stores, where adults over 21 can buy up to an ounce. It also establishes a standard blood test limit for driving under the influence.

Estimates have showed pot taxes could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year, but the sales won't start until state officials make rules to govern the legal weed industry.

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Bosskoz 6 months, 2 weeks ago

This is ridiculous! It still is against FEDERAL law - which supersedes state law. From what I understand, the only way to test for THC levels is with a blood draw. Are the cops gonna book everyone into jail that smells like pot or appears to be under the influence of pot who is driving? Of course they will - they are gonna have to to get the blood draw! And is everyone gonna be required to hold their pot in a legal container that has a state tax stamp on it? Come on - do you really think most people are really gonna buy the pot from a "licensed" dealer. The drug dealers will just sell it cheaper! And it only lets you have a maximum of 1 ounce - you still can't grow your own. I bet the marijuana arrests will go up if this law actually goes into effect!!

JJudd 6 months, 2 weeks ago

This will turn out to be best deterrent that has ever been tried. After a few stoners end up in jail for DUI, and the "real" facts of the law become apparent the uninformed yes voters will realize that elections are actually require a little reading.

DWALLG9290 6 months, 2 weeks ago

How many of our children wil be more tempted to try this drug? After all, it must be o.k. adults use it, just like alcohol. How many people will have to die because they are stoned and driving? How many people will become addicted because they didn't know it is a addictive drug? What purpose does it serve to be out out your mind, unable or not willing to do anything? Yes, I realize for people who have a disease there may be a purpose, however I am truly concerned for all of the kids who would have never thought of trying pot, now may consider it.