The Herald, 17 Nov 2012 – SEATTLE – A group of lawmakers on Friday urged the Justice Department to respect recent votes in Colorado and Washington state allowing the recreational use of marijuana, and some introduced a bill to ensure that happens. Democratic U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado said her bill would bar the federal government from blocking state marijuana laws. Several other lawmakers have signed on, including Republican Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado.

The Herald, 17 Nov 2012 – What’s next? Amid all the munchie-themed jokes from reporters, political elites and late-night comedians, this remains the overarching question after Coloradans voted overwhelmingly to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in the same way alcohol is already legalized, regulated and taxed. Since those anti-Drug-War principles are now enshrined in Colorado’s constitution, only the feds can stop this Rocky Mountain state – if they so choose. But will they? And should they even be able to? The answer to the former is maybe. Barack Obama campaigned for president pledging to respect state marijuana laws and his Justice Department in 2009 issued a memo reiterating that promise. But by 2011, the same Justice Department countermanded that directive and authorized a federal crackdown. Now, with the results of the 2012 election, Colorado’s Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has been forced into the awkward position of fighting off the feds in defense of a state constitutional amendment he tried to defeat.

Seattle Times, 18 Nov 2012 – Is Private Pot Smoking Employers’ Concern? Drug Tests Detect Use, Not Impairment Marijuana is legal in Washington on Dec. 6, but the new state law gives no protection from workplace drug policies. Many employers will continue to rely on tests showing marijuana use – even from weeks ago – – rather than on-the-job impairment.

New York Times, 18 Nov 2012 – SEATTLE – Stoner humor just got a lot more complicated. Back in the days when Cheech and Chong were more risque than wrinkled, it wafted along as one of those cultural subgenres, with its own nudge-and-wink punch lines. If you got it and laughed, you implicated yourself – and laughed again. The police mostly kept their faces straight.

The Wenatchee World, 16 Nov 2012 – The answer is no. When Initiative 502 goes into effect Dec. 6 it will not be legal to smoke marijuana in the park. You won’t be able to light a joint in a bar or a restaurant or outside the school. You won’t be allowed to smoke and drive or drive while smoking marijuana. The law will change.

Seattle Times, 16 Nov 2012 – THE passage of Initiative 502 provides state and local governments with an opportunity to significantly improve the criminal-justice system for the next generation. A windfall of half a billion dollars in tax revenue is projected by 2015, according to the state. State and local leaders should use the money to invest in law enforcement, criminal courts and the prison system, agencies that have been starved of resources in recent years. Let’s use this money to improve law and order in Washington state.

Seattle Times, 12 Nov 2012 – I wonder if any pot-smoking voters will feel any guilt when a pot-smolking driver kills a family on the road. It will happen and it will be your fault. Responsible voting affects us all. – — Sharon McConville, Bellevue – — MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom

The Columbian, 11 Nov 2012 – So, recreational pot is legal in Washington state. No one is talking about the impact on children and others who live (and breathe) around those who will enjoy this recreational activity. I guess this will bring teenagers together with their parents as everyone gathers on the couch while mom and dad light up. Oh well, at least we will get a few tax dollars. Jerry Anderson

Seattle Times, 11 Nov 2012 – THE voters have approved Initiative 502. A year from now, once licenses have begun to be issued to growers and sellers, it will be legal for those 21 or older to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana. Today, an estimated 20 percent of 10th-graders and 26 percent of 12th-graders in our state have used pot at least once in the prior month. No one can say with certainty whether the new law will have an effect on youth.

Seattle Times, 11 Nov 2012 – Initiative 502 is a good step in advancing personal liberty regarding recreational marijuana use. However, it lacks the provisions that allow an individual to grow their own pot for personal use (unless one has a medical card). I understand licensing and taxing commercial ventures but forcing someone to purchase something easily grown in a garden is unfair to all. I could even see a permit to grow for a nominal fee.