California Gov. Jerry Brown questioned on Sunday the widespread legalization of recreational marijuana, asking how America can stay a great nation if everyone is stoned.
NBC’s “Meet the Press” host David Gregory asked Mr. Brown if it’s time for recreational marijuana to be legalized in California, but the Democrat said he’d have to first watch Washington and Colorado “show us how it’s going to work.”
“The problem with anything — a certain amount is OK, but there is a tendency to go to extremes,” Mr. Brown said. “And all of a sudden if there’s advertising and legitimacy, how many people can get stoned and still have a great state or a great nation? The world’s pretty dangerous, very competitive. I think we need to stay alert, if not 24 hours a day, more than some of the potheads might be able to put together.”
“As a TV guy, I know a good sound bite when I’ve heard, and I think I’ve just heard one,” Mr. Gregory responded.
A Field Poll in December found that 55 percent of California voters favor marijuana legalization. Medical marijuana use was legalized in the state in 1996.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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