Week 8 Evolution of the legalization of Marijuana

Marijuana has been the center for debate over the past few years in several states.  California and Colorado have acted as the first two states to really address the legalization of the natural plant of Marijuana.  This "drug" is now being used freely in Colorado and large groups have gathered to celebrate and use the drug out in the open, in public.  Federally, the drug is still illegal but the State no longer recognizes the drug being illegal which has marginalized the federal governments enforcement within Colorado.  This legalization will present both challenges and opportunities.  Many consider this drug a gateway drug to worse things where as others see it as a recreational activity that is harmless.  None the less, issues will arise over time whether they be DUI related or taxation related.  My question is, will we see all 50 states and federal legalization in our lifetime?  Will we see federal taxation and what kind of negative and positive impacts might we have as a country?  Personally I believe most states will legalize in then ext 30 - 40 years but the federal government will lag behind and perhaps legalize recreational use but have difficulty and setting laws for growing it in large groups.