Even though public opinion has largely shifted on the Drug War and marijuana specifically, there remains a problem of vested economic interests in preserving th

Even though public opinion has largely shifted on the Drug War and marijuana specifically, there remains a problem of vested economic interests in preserving the status quo: pharma and alcohol producers that don't want competition, private prisons and prison guard unions that fear loss of revenue, etc. Having watched legalization play out here in Colorado (quite successfully by any metric), I think what greased the wheels of viability was simple profit motive, for better or worse. The "anti" lobbyists guarding their turf were balanced by "pro" lobbyists who perceived a growth market and investment opportunity; and both citizens and representatives were assuaged by the prospect of significant tax revenue for schools. Paradoxically, it may be that full federal legalization (with a revenue-positive regulatory framework) is more politically viable than decriminalization, even if the latter objectively saves taxpayers money.