[JediJones]

The business of policing covert marijuana dealers has been replaced with the relatively straightforward business of regulating them in the open. A large and fairly nasty criminal enterprise has lost its raison d’être, at least so far as the Colorado market is concerned.

And all those criminals will simply move onto pushing harder, still illegal drugs, as well as circumventing any marijuana taxes or regulations. And they'll have a growing population of potential customers ready to march through the gateway seeking a greater high than marijuana offers.

An economy and society built around hedonism and "getting high" offers poisonous consequences for the individuals who partake in it and for society as a whole. These people are a danger to themselves, their families, their co-workers and everyone around them. The natural vices leading to this kind of a society are constantly moving forward. If you don't have a strong effort with the power of law enforcement to push back in it, those forces will win and corrupt and corrode the entire society, creating huge and growing burdens even on those who don't partake in the drugs.

[cradle of freedom]

What about growers who are parents of minor children? Another glitch to contend with.

[Jewbacca]

“And all those criminals will simply move onto pushing harder, still illegal drugs, as well as circumventing any marijuana taxes or regulations”

Perhaps we should make alcohol illegal so they move into a softer drug.

(yes, sarcasm)