Reader: Recreational Marijuana Legalization Was a Huge Mistake

Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron's new working paper suggests that pot legalization in Colorado has neither hurt nor helped the state as much as predicted. That's the sort of finding sure to generate conversation, and that was certainly the case when it came to our post on the topic. Here's the...

By Michael Roberts

October 31, 2014

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Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron's new working paper suggests that pot legalization in Colorado has neither hurt nor helped the state as much as predicted. That's the sort of finding sure to generate conversation, and that was certainly the case when it came to our post on the topic. Here's the comment of a reader who thinks negatives from the change are waiting around the corner.

Wen Wilson writes:

Recreational use is a huge mistake. Medical applications under doctors supervision during specific conditions is acceptable. Economy will suffer eventually we lose an entire generation too stoned to participate in society.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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