I knew more than a few people like that myself. Now, I'm about to stray into the realm of anecdote, so take this with a grain of salt, but I knew these people well (I was one of them) and, honestly, if they didn't have weed to smoke they would have found something else to waste their time with. I'm not trying to say that this is true across the board, but i do find it hard to believe that people who are inherently driven and intelligent can be radically changed by something like pot.

Besides, the current laws are not stopping people from doing it. Most know that weed is something which can be enjoyed recreationaly without risking their health or lifestyle. It doesn't hurt anyone around them, so current law is viewed as arcane and unjust. What benefit are these laws providing to society?