As I implied with alcohol, I'd rather the shit not exist. Of course, I'm a heartless bastard because some guy somewhere needs it for his glaucoma. However, all my wishing in the world won't make the shit disappear, so in it's place I'd be a lot more comfortable with strict regulation solely for medicinal purposes in non-smokeable pill forms, while maintaining the penalties upon unneeded recreational use with respect to the current state of our prison system. No, I will never support the ability to walk into a 7-11 and buy a carton of doobies. I know it'd be convenient with the twinkies and nachos right there, but sorry.
As for being threats, it's subjective. I think we can agree a pot smoker shouldn't be operating heavy machinery or driving, as reaction times can be slowed and vulnerability to distraction can be higher. The rest falls into matters of responsibility, ranging from something as trivial to not feeding the fish, to forgetting to pick up a relative from the airport, thus prompting a 3 hour drive from another family member because you can't get ahold of the other. Do these happen without pot? Yes. Does it increase the possibility with pot present? Past experience has taught me yes, with emphasis. I'd rather not multiply these statistics as for now they're primarily annoyances and not full-blown tragedies aside from drug deals gone bad, etc..
Anyway, I'm sure more people smoke in LA. I'd just counter there's a lot more to do there along with things to distract you from noticing, such as some hot chick in a mini-skirt strolling down the sidewalk. We get fat chicks in flannel on four-wheelers.
