To be honest Becky, I'd say pretty much the same. In terms of how damaging the drug is, it is no more so than tobacco or alcohol. Just as there are chain smokers and alcoholics out there who cannot manage their addictions there are also problem tokers who can't put down the bong.
In all of these cases, these are normally a small few number of individuals who have a problem with their drug of choice. Stigmatizing these people with a criminal record is the wrong approach.
At least now they can deal openly within the framework of the law and seek out help with their addictions without fear of legal reprisals.
And as for artists, marijuana is definitely well regarded as a stimulus to creativity as literally hundreds of artists have proven. People like Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson will probably never OD on opiates, simply because they love weed so much. In fact, none of the other artists who ODed and died did so on pot. It's virtually impossible to do so.
This however, does not mean that we shall have an easy transition as the public gets used to it. Keeping the drug out of the hands of children was the top priority of the government in legalizing it. Undercutting organized crime and creating an atmosphere of education and user awareness are high priorities as well.
There may be a few bumps along the way as we hammer out the details over the next few years, but overall I am largely optimistic for the future.
Incidentally, the cops handed out the first ticket approximately one hour after legalization. Toking up in a parked car is a definite no no. As per the open container law in a vehicle it is just as illegal to consume pot in a parked car as it is a beer.
The cops here claim to be trained and capable of enforcing the laws and as of yet I see no reason to doubt them.
Gary
