The Opinions Marijuana Is Everywhere. That’s a Problem.
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Feb 10, 2026 
David Leonhardt, editorial director who shapes institutional views on public policy, and German Lopez, an opinion writer covering drugs and policy. They discuss how marijuana became more visible and widely used, growing health harms and addiction, the need for tougher regulation and taxes, medical marijuana standards, and risks from a booming corporate cannabis industry.
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Public Offers Show Cultural Shift
- German Lopez recounts being offered a hit in public in Ohio, something unlikely twenty years ago.
- He uses the encounter to illustrate marijuana's cultural normalization after legalization.
Edibles Often Much Stronger Now
- Emily Bazelon and German Lopez describe unexpectedly strong edibles that caused panic or prolonged fog.
- Their stories show potency increases have changed user experiences and risks.
Legalize With Stricter Oversight
- The editorial board still supports legalization but urges stronger regulation to curb harms like increased use and addiction.
- David Leonhardt argues legalization reduced criminal justice harms but produced unexpected public-health costs that need policy correction.
