Oregon “decriminalized” them via initiative petition (direct democracy, with a pitiful participation rate) and recently re-outlawed them via representative republicanism. Take from it what you will.
I haven’t recently read anything about the downsides to state legalization of weed.
What changed Oregon’s mind? What were the problems?
Here in FL, legalized weed is up for popular referendum as a CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT this November.
I fear it will pass and be out of reach from our legislature.