Spokesman-Review, 21 Oct 2012 – If Initiative 502 to legalize marijuana is approved, Washington will become one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. There are many reasons this is a bad idea. Legalization will lead to increased use by youth because of easier availability, and from observing the behavior of adults. Marijuana is an illegal Schedule 1 drug. It will remain illegal at the federal level regardless of what the state determines. This will make the state out of compliance with federal law. This may result in funding sanctions.