Reefer Sanity

You may not have noticed, but the movement to legalize marijuana is quietly picking up steam across the country. This fall, as many as half a dozen states could consider ballot initiatives allowing medical patients, and others, to smoke pot. Voters in California, which has already legalized marijuana use for the sick, will consider a referendum legalizing it for any adult. Polls show that nearly 60 percent of Californians favor the initiative, which is cannily being sold as a way to raise tax revenues for a state crippled by a massive budget deficit. The ease with which pro-pot measures are being approved suggests that more could be on the way: medicinal marijuana has so far been legalized in 14 states and the District of Columbia.


14 3/4. Reefer Sanity
by Joshua Green
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14. It’s Too Easy Being Green
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6. The Kids Aren’t All Right
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13. Teachers Are Fair Game
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5. Bonfire of the Knuckleheads
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12. The Rise of the Drones
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4. The Power of No
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11. Obama Is No Liberal
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10. The Triumph of Free Speech
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America Is No. 2
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9. The Catholic Church Is Finished
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1. The End of Men
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8. Deficits Matter
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