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Mason Tvert, right, spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project, prepares to deliver a petition to National Football League headquarters, earlier this week in New York. Kevin Fitzgerald, left, director of building security, waits for the handoff. Tvert's organization is asking the NFL to allow its players to use marijuana in states where it is legal to do so. The Seattle Seahawks play the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Feb. 2, in the Super Bowl. Both Washington and Colorado have legalized marijuana use.

(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

In a new interview with CNN, President Barack Obama says removing marijuana from the government's list of so-called "schedule I" drugs, which includes heroin, ecstasy and LSD, is a job for Congress.

Obama also said the drug should be treated "as a public health problem and challenge."

The president echoed concerns about legalization and the risks of corporate marijuana interests. His remarks echoed that of anti-marijuana activists, such as Kevin Sabet and former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy.

"But I do offer a cautionary note," Obama told CNN. "…Those who think legalization is a panacea, I think they have to ask themselves some tough questions, too, because if we start having a situation where big corporations with a lot of resources and distribution and marketing arms are suddenly going out there peddling marijuana, then the levels of abuse that may take place are going to be higher."

The Boston Globe editorial board gives Massachusetts high marks for its medical marijuana program, calling it a model system.

Here's an excerpt from the Thursday editorial:

Health officials designed a rigorous process for vetting applicants, which weighs a number of factors, including local support in the town where they intend to open, plans to keep the facilities secure, and the ability to make marijuana accessible to patients who can't afford it. (This is important because, according to state law, people who can't afford to buy it have the right to seek permission to grow it in their homes, which would be much more difficult to regulate.)

This request for detailed plans, as well as the $30,000 application fee, have eliminated all but the most serious candidates. The teams of 100 finalists vying for 35 licenses include at least five medical doctors, one former member of the US Congress, a former state Senate minority leader, a former secretary of public safety, and a senior staff member of a respected drug treatment program. This may be a calculated show of political muscle and mainstream respectability, but it also suggests that fly-by-night operations will struggle to compete for licenses.

Closer to home, a two-day conference on the business of marijuana in Oregon continues today in Ashland. Thursday opened with a talk by California entrpreneur Troy Dayton, who said Oregon is fertile ground for marijuana business opportunities.

Oregonian staff writer Harry Esteve reports on Gov. John Kitzhaber's meeting Thursday with Oregon newspaper editors. Kitzhaber said lawmakers should be prepared to deal with marijuana legalization.

Some lawmakers also have suggested working up a ballot referral that would legalize recreational use of pot. Kitzhaber said that might be a good idea.

"I hear the drumbeats from Washington and Colorado," states that recently approved legalization measures, he said. Oregon voters could do the same.

"I want to make sure we have a thoughtful regulatory system," Kitzhaber said. "The Legislature would be the right place to craft that."

Interested in following the Ashland business conference on pot? Follow me on Twitter. (@NoelleCrombie)

And in Washington, lawmakers are considering proposals that would prevent local governments from imposing bans on marijuana retailers.

-- Noelle Crombie