Marijuana has been recreationally legal here in Washington since 2012, and it's become big business for the state. 

Last year sales topped $1 billion, and the state earned hundreds of millions in taxes on marijuana.

As the drug’s popularity in the state has increased, so has its potency.

As this episode's guest would say, it’s not your dad’s weed.

Now, doctors are seeing more harmful, and sometimes fatal consequences from overuse of marijuana. 

KUOW online editor and producer Stephen Howie has reported a deep dive on the subject and he’s here to explain how a new generation of weed is impacting a new generation of users.

Guest:

Stephen Howie, KUOW online editor/producer

Relevant link:

KUOW - Weed sick: High-potency cannabis leads to ER visits, illnesses for some users

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.