The problem is complex.
Who will profit from its legalization?
The lawmakers know that thousands of narcotic cop jobs will go away.
They won't be able to arrest many minorities for possession and/or use - so judges and prison populations will change.
They know that nations - like Mexico and other central and south American nations - stand to profit a lot from farming the product.
Cleaning, dealing, packaging, marketing....all are biting at the bit for their chance to jump in.

This won't be an easy transition.

I think we may get it federally legalized soon. This was an example of corporate interests and racism in a symbiotic relationship. Since it was viewed as a drug that mainly Hispanic and black folk used, they could target it and protect big Pharma, Lumber, paper, rope, and other industries that the use of marijuana and hemp would impact while keeping the prison system flourishing with steady flow of people of color. It was a win win for powers that be.

Once they've gone underground they're almost impossible to root out until fully mature I'm told.

I think the truth is not that simple. Is the plant really the foe or is it just an excuse to bash on some targeted minorities more likely to use it?

I thought it was more like 70+ years.

Hard to beat such a popular contender.