More questions than answers

The science is less than conclusive, and the legality is far from straightforward. Until next month, there’s no way to know how this will all play out.

West has told Washingtonians to proceed with caution. For younger users, she framed her warning around missing out on out-of-state and government job opportunities. The sheriff’s office, for example, will still conduct drug tests and won’t let employees smoke pot.

“People need to go in with their eyes wide open,” she said. “Just because it’s legal here doesn’t mean it is around the country, and that can affect us.”

McPeak said there were “a lot of alarmist predictions” surrounding legalization that will be put to the test over the coming year.

“I think that’s the benefit of passing I-502,” he said. “Now we’re going to find out who’s right and who’s wrong.”