The purchase of marijuana has been outlawed in the United States since the early 20th century. Recently, however, a number of politicians and the American public are beginning to rethink the criminalization of the sale and purchase of marijuana. In November 2012 two ballot measures in Colorado and Washington sought to decriminalize the purchase and use of marijuana. Those two ballot measures were passed and the sale and recreational use of marijuana in those states was legalized. Many marijuana advocates say that decriminalizing, regulating and taxing the sale and purchase of marijuana is a much safer alternative to outlawing it and could bring in much needed revenue to states who are struggling to balance their budgets. Listen to the radio segment in the link below to find out some of the environmental impacts of the industrial growth of marijuana.