Marijuana legalization may follow a similar track as same-sex marriage, according to Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.

“The strategy for marijuana legalization is to stick with what’s working,” he said. “Voter referenda seem to be a very appealing scenario for getting support. I would anticipate the most effective strategy for the legalization folks is to focus on other ballots — and to do it in states that have a significant culture of independence or libertarianism or both. I think of Maine as a compelling test state.”

Farnsworth added that Congress may not be too keen to take up the matter just yet, because it could divide Republicans at a time when they’ve just gained control of both chambers.

“I think the Republican Party is increasingly split on marijuana legalization,” he said. “Obviously, there’s the remnants of Reagan’s ‘just say no’ in the party, but there’s also a growing enthusiasm for more libertarianism.”

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