Poll Numbers Show Colorado Will Likely Be First State to Completely Legalize Marijuana

If these poll numbers are any indication, it looks like Colorado will be the first state in the union to legalize marijuana for personal use. Residents will be able to grow, possess, consume and give away up to an ounce of marijuana, but it may take about a year before adults can purchase marijuana legally in a store.

Colorado, under the proposed Amendment 64, is treating the legalization of marijuana similar to that of alcohol -- adults 21 and older can use marijuana for recreational use. The measure will be voted on Nov. 6 during the general election.

A poll released in September by Public Policy Polling shows the amendment leads currently by a 47-38 margin, but 15 percent of voters remain undecided. One estimate showed state revenue could increase by up to $50 million per year.

It looks like marijuana won't be sold in stores until at least late 2013 or early 2014.

The measure only covers private use -- folks can't smoke marijuana in public like cigarette smokers -- and employers will not be forced to accommodate marijuana users; they can still test for the drug and fire users, if they wish.

You can read more about Amendment 64 here.