I am probably biased considering I live in Humboldt County but it's not a big deal. Yeah a bunch of people here would get really upset if there was a government crack down and weed was illegalized but really it doesn't effect the economy, nor is it much of a gateway drug.
Marijuana is less addictive than coffee, and less harmful. The main problem with weed is that it is labeled as a super awful drug and therefor kids are like "dude, illegal substance yeah."
If weed and alcohol here were both treated like alcohol is in most parts of Europe we wouldn't have such a big problem with either. (Why do I throw in alcohol? Because it too is more harmful and more addictive then marijuana)