You have to be 21 to buy weed as well, I'm not really sure what you mean. I agree that consumption is up, that's the price you pay for not arresting people (and distracting police who could be doing anything else).

I don't know the details of who was imprisoned in NYC, but I do know they were still making tons and tons of arrests for minor consumption and possession charges just a few years ago, and when you get arrested you might lose your job, fail background checks for the next 7 years, not make rent because you couldn't work while you were dealing with the court, have to pay bail and a lawyer, etc. etc. The consequences can be very bad. I don't understand how you can add meaningful friction (beyond strict regulations that are already in place in every legalized state) without threatening very severe and harmful consequences.

> still enabling folks to consume or sell a small amount as long as they were discrete

This was never true for everyone. NYC police arrested tens of thousands every year before legalization for minor marijuana possession. If what you're saying were true, how could it be effective friction? Who would care if nobody ever gets arrested for small amounts?