Marijuana

Meet 73-year-old Darlene Mayes, a grandmother from Vinita, Okla., whose late-life career was a doozy: She's accused of running a major marijuana ring across four states. What a way to finance your retirement!

According to a new poll, almost three-quarters of Americans favor legalizing marijuana within their respective states for medical use, while just 18% oppose such a measure. A majority also believe legalizing pot could help boost tax revenues in their state.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has taken emergency action to begin the process of banning synthetic marijuana, smokable leaves coated in chemicals to mimic the effect of pot. The chemicals have been the subject of a growing number of medical complaints such as seizures, hallucinations and dependency.

It looks like a ballot measure to legalize marijuana in California has failed. Proposition 19 would have made it legal for adults of drinking age to possess up to 1 ounce of pot, as well as to grow and smoke the drug in private, and would have authorized local governments to tax its sale.

Many are watching to see if voters say yes to Proposition 19, the controversial ballot measure that would legalize marijuana in California. Advocates say it would be a moneymaker. Opponents see nothing but trouble ahead if Prop 19 passes.

A new study indicates that alcohol is far more harmful than illegal drugs such as crack cocaine, heroin, or marijuana, based on an analysis of both direct health effects and indirect costs to society as a whole.

Billionaire financier George Soros is spending $1 million to support a California proposition that would legalize marijuana for recreational use. In a opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal, he wrote that the measure would be "a major step forward."

If the recession and subsequent high employment proves anything, it's this: The scarcity of jobs hasn't made workers any smarter. Just-fired CNN anchor Rick Sanchez is a good example. Unfortunately, he's hardly the only one.

Colorado is instituting tougher regulations for this booming industry. Dispensaries must now comply with rules regarding licensing, local zoning laws and criminal background checks for owners. They also have to grow at least 70% of the marijuana they sell. Stricter standards will push many out of business.

Marijuana legalization proponents can see a day when the marijuana market looks like the alcohol industry. There would a range of quality among the products offered. And there would be taxes assessed -- perhaps even heavy taxes.