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I’m anti-drugs and I believe that marijuana is a ‘gateway’ drug for some but I also realize that it is readily available to anyone who wants it and that U.S. society has basically decided to ignore it’s medical and cultural negatives at this point. Hence, laws ‘decriminalizing’ pot now abound in many states. To some, a bold step forward and a good thing. To others, a step backward as a society and one that we may regret some day. History will be the judge.

I believe that marijuana is a ‘gateway’ drug for some

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I opine that that by the time the folks you describe get to pot, they’ve already passed through the gateway of tobacco and alcohol.

Just ‘cuz they’re legal, we don’t get to ignore their gateway properties.

JMO, based on the folks I know and have known over the years.

I don't think marijuana possession or use in limited quantities should be criminal. I know of a couple of cases where someone who used pot had severe psychological problems there after, but I've also known people who had similar problems from alcohol.

Like alcohol, however, marijuana is not risk free, as you point out.

The way I would approach decriminalization would be to make it clear that any voluntary use (I suppose someone could eat a pot brownie without knowing it had pot in it ... I did once in the early '60s) means you (or your parents if you are underage) accept complete personal responsibility for all negative consequences, including health problems, accidents, etc., etc. And, driving under the influence should result in permanent loss of driving privileges.

Punish the actual negative behavior, not the casual smoker.