00_iyc_tjd_hc_summit_800px.jpg. Share this article. Good intentions do not guarantee good regulations. Unintended consequences often eclipse the improvements a rule aims to make, ultimately causing more harm than good.
The state's voters legalized medical marijuana in 1998. Prior to Tuesday's vote, 23 states and the District of Columbia had legalized marijuana for medical purposes, while Colorado and Washington were the only states to allow recreational marijuana use.
Pros and Cons of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana. Legalized marijuana for recreational use is now a reality in states like Washington and Colorado. Voters in those states passed ballot initiatives to legalize the drug for recreational use.