Colorado, Washington await federal response to pot measure

The Seattle Times (US)
Friday, November 9, 2012

Should marijuana be treated like alcohol? Or should it remain in the same legal category as heroin and the most dangerous drugs? Votes by Colorado and Washington to allow adult marijuana possession have prompted what could be a turning point in the nation's conflicted and confusing war on drugs. Both states are holding off on plans to regulate and tax the drug while waiting to see whether the Justice Department would assert federal authority over drug law. (See also: Marijuana prosecutions dropped in anticipation of legalization)