In response to a couple of issues:
Issue 1. Smokers are going to be disappointed with the weaker pot that will be available legally, and will therefore still obtain illegal pot.
First, very few people will willingly risk fines/arrest to obtain a product that is available legally. They will probably complain about the relative weakness of legal pot, but in response will just smoke more initially.
Second, many illegal growers/sources will go out of business, thanks to the reduced demand for their product. Hence, the price and availability of the strongest illegal stuff will change dramatically, making it not worth it to all but the fringe.
Issue 2. Pot is a gateway drug.
I suggest alcohol is the real gateway drug. I've never known anyone who had their first toke before their first drink.
Issue 3. Pot makes people slackers...
There are enough successful people smoking pot on an occasional basis to make me doubt pot itself is the cause of slackitude. If you can't make it through the day wihtout using a drug, you need to address the factors causing this dependence. The existence of the drug itself is not the problem.
Issue 4. ...and will ruin the economy.
It would be nearly impossible to quantify this theory, due to the fact that individual ambition is dependent on so many factors not related to pot use.
Issue 5. As a compromise, keep it illegal but reduce the penalties.
This might appear to be a good compromise, but unfortunately it keeps the drug dealers in business. Legalization would severely cripple the grower/distributor/dealer infrastructure.
