Kemp Hannon, the Long Islander who is chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said it doesn't make sense to loosen marijuana laws at a time of growing concern about illegal sales and abuse of prescription drugs.

WSJ: Medical-Pot Debate Rises in Albany

"When enforcement resources that could have been used against heroin and cocaine are instead used against marijuana, this could have the unintended effect of worsening heroin and cocaine abuse, " he added.

BBC: Cannabis 'not linked to harder drugs'

The success of "Ted, " about a foul-mouthed, pot-smoking CGI teddy bear, "makes an argument for trying an even crazier joke, " says Mr. Rogen, whose film features marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy use and a "Rosemary's Baby"-esque scene involving the abuse of a man (Jonah Hill) by a demon.

WSJ: From 'The Heat' to 'Hangover': The Summer Comedy Boom