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A lot of states are currently facing some tough decisions about making major cuts to state services--education, healthcare, state parks, roads, utilities, police and other emergency services. It think the tide is turning gradually towards a position where taxpayers would rather rather not be paying to house marijuana users and growers in state prisons. Yes, the prison system is enormously profitable, supporters of that system need to be reminded that it is in every way a socialist entity and they are paying for it.
It's also becoming very clear that the illegal drug industry is incredibly profitable for organized crime in South and Central America. Mexican drug cartels are now a seriously threatening the overthrow of that country's government. The funding for the cartels is payed for largely by U.S. citizens.
When it is decriminalized, states can issue licenses for growing and dispensing, and tax the sale of marijuana. California made 12-15 million dollars from taxing the sale of marijuana in 2007, that's a lot of teachers, cops, park facilities, or whatever. This was during a period of heavy prosecution from the federal government.
Since Obama has taken office there has been a continuation of arresting and persecuting state-licensed marijuana distributors in California. I believe this is a political move by people within the DEA to force the issue on the administration.
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