To the Point
Legalization and the Rise of Big Pot
The movement to legalize marijuana appears to be on a roll, despite a defeat this week in Ohio. It's already America's fastest growing commodity, which has the original legalization movement worried that Big Pot could turn out to be just like Big Alcohol or Big Tobacco. In an economy based on the profit motive, will legalization have unintended consequences?
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe movement to legalize marijuana appears to be on a roll, despite a defeat this week in Ohio. It's already America's fastest growing commodity, which has the original legalization movement worried that Big Pot could turn out to be just like Big Alcohol or Big Tobacco. In an economy based on the profit motive, will legalization have unintended consequences?
Later on the program, one of the world's most honored dissidents is back on the ballot. We hear about Sunday's election in Myanmar.
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In this episode
3 storiesObama Rejects the Keystone XL Energy Pipeline
After seven years of contentious debate, President Obama has finally rejected the Keystone XL pipeline , designed to take 800,000 barrels of Canadian tar sands oil to the Gulf Coast of Texas. At the White House today, the President listed his reasons. "The pipeline would not make a meaningful, long-term contribution to our economy.
Read the story7 minWill Big Money Create "Big Pot?"
Marijuana is a one-time symbol of America's counter-culture. Still illegal under federal law, its medical use has been approved in 23 states; four states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use.
Read the story33 minMyanmar Elections
In Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar — formerly called Burma — the last "free" election was in 1990. The National League for Democracy, led by long-time dissident Aung San Suu Kyi , won an overwhelming victory. But that led to a brutal crackdown and 20 years of harsh military rule.
Read the story10 min
