"Therefore, it??s important to ask a host of questions: Who is going to determine or regulate how marijuana is produced and distributed? Who will it be distributed by? How is the state going to collect the taxes? Will it really have an impact on the illicit trafficking and production of marijuana? "

These questions are very relevant in my opinion. This could also set the precedent for many other states to follow so how it is done once it voted into law is vitally important.

I think it would have an impact upon illicit production and trafficking; Why buy what is offered when one can either grow their own and grow better than whats available? The consumer will have market choice and economic freedom, which results in lower prices, increased product selection, and increased technology creation. When the consumer has that choice they tend to "vote out" inferior products by not purchasing them.

The smuggling of pot into the U.S. could possibly drop altogether when the demand is satisfied by production here by those who grow organically and more cleanly, and care more about their product than the large grows in say Mexico. The costs and risks associated with growing over there and then smuggling in wouldn't be worth it when someone can simply utilize their back yard (property they already own and are taxed upon), a spare room, attic, etc.. to grow superior stuff.

Think about the grows being done in our national forests and parks by illegals that are creating so much environmental damage. That could go away as well.

The state is going to collect taxes and profit from the following I think;
The amount of cash currently dedicated to the ridiculous law enforcement agency effort towards God gift to us all can be used in either other law enforcement areas or better yet, dedicated to the education system to assist our youth into becoming better as a generation and helping them pull their heads out of their asses.

The additional money received from increased sales taxation upon grow equipment would add in to a small point. The tax money created from over the counter sales much like buying a pack of cigarettes, and we know for sure those little bastards kill you.

The only reason tobacco isn't illegal at this point is control of production = tax monies. That could be a huge source of income based upon those who either don't have the space, knowledge, desire, time, or want to grow and the convenience to pick up a pack of joints is more valuable. (There are WAY MORE mj smokers than mj growers out there I'm thinking.)

Speaking of control, think of how many prisoners are locked up for simple possession, growing, and/or selling who shouldn't be there? The costs of locking up someone is not cheap and releasing those prisoners could further fund locking up the baby rapers, molesters, and other sociopaths.

The extra jobs that could be created just like those dispenceries that sell in Cali right now, the grow shops, and related product sales would increase accordingly and they are all required to pay sales and income taxes as well.

I think the benefits of legalizing and decriminalizing outweighs the cost of fighting a war against something that God gifted us, a shift in the flow of tax monies from every department at the state and federal level would be more rational and practical going towards education, help and healthcare for our veterans, etc...

The first immediate change would prove to be a challenge but a most important example for the rest of the states.