"It simply can't go on the way it is," Kamin said. "It can't be a big industry and a Federal crime at the same time."

Amendment 64 in Colorado will alter the state constitution to legalize and regulate the production, possession, and distribution of marijuana for people age 21 and older.

The Washington state measure includes a 25% tax imposed when the grower sells marijuana to a processor, again when the processor sells it to a retailer, and a third time when the retailer sells it to a customer.

Supporters estimated it would raise as much as $500 million for the state -- a figure analysts say is overstated.

While Washington and Colorado voters became the first to legalize marijuana for recreational use, a similar proposal was rejected in Oregon Tuesday. And Arkansas voters narrowly said no to a medical marijuana referendum similar to the one that passed in Massachusetts.

"Will there continue to be fits and starts, federal government incursion into state sovereignty and obstinate politicians?" NORML's St. Pierre wrote. "Surely. However, the dye for major cannabis law reforms is now cast."

"The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is before us all."