A report by the New York Times documented the response of several US states in the wake of the acceptance of marijuana as a legal drug. Following the move of Colorado and Washington to legalize pot, it has been observed that even conservative Southern states are showing signs of being open to the possibility of marijuana as a medical drug or a recreational vice like liquor and cigarettes to be used by its citizens. Moreover, the acceptance of marijuana also saw some states mulling over reducing sentences in pot-related offenses.
On the other hand, several interest groups are working around the clock to ensure that progress to overall acceptance of the substance will be slower than its proponents expect it to be, said the Times. The newspaper also said that those who oppose of pot have governors and legislators on their side, as the latter adopted a wait-and-see approach before pushing ahead measures to legalize marijuana in their own jurisdictions.
Smart Approaches to Marijuana executive director Kevin Sabet, whose group has led the efforts to impede the legalization initiatives, said, "We feel that if Oregon or Alaska could be stopped, it would disrupt the whole narrative these groups have that legalization is inevitable. We could stop that momentum."
The US government under the administration of President Barack Obama has a hands-off policy with regard to the rollout of legal marijuana legislation plans in several states despite the fact that the substance is illegal under federal law, the Times said. Nonetheless, the legalization of marijuana is becoming political as the Times said that views on the substance are becoming a pitching point for the governor race in Maryland. States including California, Alaska and Oregon decided to put the decision through a vote. On the other hand, even marijuana supporters believed that efforts to make at least the majority of the US legally receptive will take more than one election.
Marijuana Policy Project director of communications Mason Tvert told the Times, "It is certainly important to maintain the momentum. But I don't think we can look at any one election cycle and see what the future holds. This is going to be a multiyear effort."
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