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Calif. Governor Not Sure Legal Pot A Good Plan, Country Could Lose Competitive Edge

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California Governor Jerry Brown says he is not sure legalizing pot is a good idea in his state because the country could lose its competitive edge if too many people are getting stoned.

Brown says he worries that if pot smoking gains more legitimacy, it could have negative effects on the state and nation.

Californians voted to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. But Brown says he is watching closely to see how Colorado and Washington handle their new laws that go a step further by regulating the growth and sale of taxed pot at state-licensed stores.

Brown says the world is dangerous and competitive, so people need to stay alert.

In a wide-ranging interview aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," Brown also discussed California's drought problems, climate change and his future political career.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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