“A holiday from the facts.” That’s how the antagonist of “Brave New World” describes the wonder drug soma. The phrase might equally apply to U.S. marijuana policy.

Since California first legalized medicinal cannabis in 1996, the U.S. pot industry has morphed into a $40 billion behemoth. Weed is now legal in 24 states for recreational purposes and in 40 for medical use. About 15% of Americans report partaking; close to 18 million are daily or near-daily users, on par with alcohol.

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