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Legalize: Is it time for the U.S. to decriminalize recreational use of Marijuana?

That is the question posed in a recent yahoo news article. The article is based on recent Nov 5th voter initiatives in a number of states and municipalities across the the country relating to the decriminalization of recreational marijuana use.

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As stated in the article:

In Colorado, about 65 percent of voters approved Proposition AA, establishing a 15 percent tax on the wholesale sale of marijuana for adult use, and a 10 percent sales tax on retail marijuana sales, in addition to standard state and local sales taxes. The Colorado Legislative Council estimates that the initiative will generate $70 million in annual tax revenue, some of which will be used to fund the state’s public school construction program.

“We are grateful voters approved funding that will allow for a strong regulatory environment, just like liquor is regulated,” Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said in a statement. “We will do everything in our power to make sure kids don’t smoke pot and that we don’t have people driving who are high. This ballot measure gives Colorado the ability to regulate marijuana properly.”

Meanwhile, voters in Portland, Me., overwhelmingly approved Question 1, eliminating all legal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults 21 and older within city limits.

In Michigan, three cities — including Lansing — voted to decriminalize the use or possession of up to an ounce of marijuana on private property by anyone 21 years or older.

The Election Day pro-pot victories come on the heels of a national poll that found, for the first time ever, a majority of Americans favor legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

According to the Gallup survey released late last month, 58 percent of Americans favor legalization, up 10 percent in the last year.

“Whatever the reasons for Americans’ greater acceptance of marijuana, it is likely that this momentum will spur further legalization efforts across the United States,” Gallup said.

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And on top of this great news, the Justice Department recently said they will not pursue federal law in the states experimenting with decriminalizing efforts; and Eric Holder, the Attorney General, has said the government will not pursue federal minimum sentencing guidelines for drug offenses.

It seems the tides are turning when it comes to the legalization of marijuana…and turning quickly.

Read the rest of the article here

Read about the first national poll with a majority of folks supporting decriminalization here

What do you think? Comment with your thoughts.