I think it's important to note that the pro-legal and pro-medical is both a small percentage of the overall population and an even smaller portion of the voting population.

Amendment 20 was passed in 1998. Good economy, nothing really going on at home. This was pre September 11th, before the terrorists' won, if only for a time.

There are still people who think pot is a drug, that drugs are bad, and they shouldn't be legalized in any form. Those people vote more often than 'our' crowd, and our legislators are mindful of that.

While the politicians tell us they are championing the rights of the poor and the little guys, they are also telling the bible thumpers that they won't allow drug dealers on street corners selling to kids.

For what it's worth, I'm happy to pay extra sales tax if it means remaining legal. That's absolutely an associated cost when I think of what I used to deal with. I don't agree with it, but if it means paying 6% to keep my dispensaries open and the general public at peace, then fine. It's a tiny, tiny price to pay to be able to have this kind of unprecedented access to medicine. see CL.