In a recent article for HIGH TIMES, I predicted that Michigan would be one of the next states to legalize recreational marijuana. Not only has the state established a semi-functional medical marijuana program, but several counties have also voted to decriminalize minor possession of the herb. In addition, even though I do not put much stock in the polls, some of the latest data indicates that most Michiganders support putting an end to prohibition.

Interestingly, after some review, I noticed that my faith in Michigan, at least when it comes to legalizing weed, has been strong ever since the end of last year’s November election. About a month after Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia passed initiatives to legalize the leaf, I published another piece, also in High Times, suggesting that Michigan was well on its way to becoming the first state in the Midwest to establish a taxed and regulated cannabis industry.

Some of the local media outlets apparently took this prediction very seriously. The Detroit Metro Times posted the headline “'High Times' lists Michigan as one of 8 states most likely to legalize marijuana next” shortly after my story published, which admittedly put some pressure on my ability to predict social and political climates that point towards legalization.

At the time, my prediction was simple: "With efforts to decriminalize wildly successful, some believe the state could be the first in the Midwest to establish a recreational pot market."

Now, more than six months since I last suggested that Michigan was in line to be one of the next recreational states, my opinion has not changed – in fact, it is stronger than ever.

Although I do not have much faith in the Michigan Legislature approving a recent proposal aimed at legalizing recreational weed, I do believe MILegalize is on their way to generating the campaign finances needed to get their voter initiative passed in the 2016 election.

As long as MILegalize can secure enough signatures to get on the 2016 ballot, not to mention do what other states have done and turn their proposal into household names, Michigan voters will turn out in support of full legalization.

Ultimately, it will be MILegalize that will legalize weed in Michigan -- not any of the other initiatives, and most definitely not the state legislature. Therefore, it is important for you, the die-hard pot supporter, to make sure you support the right plan.

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