I live in Oregon where it is also legal. I have not noticed or read about any significant negative changes to our state. In fact, most studies I've read have shown no real positive or negative impact from the law in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, or Colorado (there's not much current data on other states yet since they passed the laws so recently). No noticeable increases in DUI arrests, intoxication related car fatalities (though people will claim there has been an increase OR a decrease, depending on who you ask and how they feel about the law), and no increase in crime statistics. Culturally, not much has changed either, other than searches and police harassment dropping off quite a bit.

As for the few definite benefits, while not a huge percentage of the state's budget, Oregon's tax revenue generated by marijuana sales goes to schools, police, and drug rehab programs. And every cop I know or have talked to is thankful for it, as at least here in the city it has relaxed some tensions and freed up manpower to fight actual crime. Granted, I know four cops and one retired one, so that's not nearly enough data to be more than an anecdote, but that's been my experience.


Not an unreasonable question to ask, but perhaps start by asking why it is/was illegal in the first place, why people want to drink coffee or alcohol, etc. As for the government part, they made it legal because the people of the state voted for it. It wasn't their decision, it was ours.