The Police Chief in Seattle from 1994 to 2000 was Norman Stamper. He has written that over a hundred million Americans have tried marijuana and when that many people disobey a law, it is not only bad policy, it can create a disregard for the law and a loathing for the people who enforce it.
He also contends that legalization of marijuana/pot would not create a significant increase in use and, even if it did, the additional revenues generated from taxation would allow the government to  provide an effective counseling programs.

With respect to the argument that today’s marijuana/pot is more potent (i.e. the “it ain’t grandpa’s weed” argument), and hence more addictive, Mr. Stomper argues that a responsible consumer will simply reduce the level of consumption.  He also notes that although the marijuana/pot available today is more potent then yesterday’s marijuana/pot it is also more available and legalization would not exacerbate the problem. 

Finally, he says that legalization of marijuana will not send a “negative message” to our children simply because it is easier for them to buy marijuana/pot today than it is to by a six pack of beer.