TEENS SEE LESS HARM IN POT

The growing use of medical marijuana for everything from headaches to
toenail fungus in California has become the butt of many jokes. Some
cities are trying to put a lid on the pot industry's weed-like
growth. (Puns intended).

Researchers are now saying the national debate over medical marijuana
use and the hype in California could be making the drugs seem safer
to teenagers. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported this week
that a decade-long decline in teenagers harmful view of pot use has
apparently stalled.

Teens were asked how much people risk harming themselves if they
smoke marijuana occasionally or smoke marijuana regularly. Fewer
eighth grade students said that people who smoked pot put themselves
at great risk than a year ago, The Associated Press reports.

Californians may get to vote on outright legalization. A group
pushing for legalization has filed a petition with enough signatures
to put the issue on the 2010 ballot. It would allow adults to possess
up to an ounce of pot. Residents could grow their own marijuana
gardens up to 25 square feet.