In Canada, another Washington neighbor, pot is illegal under federal law. Border enforcement of drug laws is stringent, but enforcement for possession for personal use is relaxed. Grass is smoked openly in parks and at pot cafes in British Columbia. Distribution of medical marijuana to patients with needs deemed legitimate through pot dispensaries is also allowed
A spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sgt. Duncan Pound, said it is too early to predict what effects legalization in Washington will have.
A marijuana advocate in British Columbia, Jodie Emery, worries Canada might intensify border controls because of Washington's weed legalization.
Emery also speculates that legalization in Washington could lessen the flow of people traveling to Vancouver, British Columbia to try some "BC Bud."
"British Columbia does have a lot of tourism for people who want to experience the marijuana culture but that is shifting," Emery said.
Back in Oregon, the tip sheet to marijuana users issued by Portland police states that possession of less than an ounce has been a "low law enforcement priority for 35 years in Portland and this will not change due to the new Washington law."
But the advisory also has this caution: If you go to Washington to "buy some weed," the "Portland Police Bureau cannot predict or control the enforcement activities of federal authorities."
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AP Correspondent Todd Dvorak in Boise, Idaho, and AP reporter Nigel Duara in Portland contributed to this report.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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