The legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado has been an Internet sensation since its inception. Of course, as with any big and controversial action, the debate over legal marijuana is full of pros and cons.

Among the pros of marijuana legalization, the biggest would be it's good for business. Aside from saving on prison costs and costs related to prosecuting offenders, taxes on legal pot have definitely boosted the state's income. Similarly, while the state income goes up, drug trafficking organizations suffer losses.

Furthermore, government regulation can be used to regulate the proper quality, amount, and usage of the substance by consumers. It can also be used to provide freely available education about how marijuana can be used and consumed properly.

In the bigger picture, this recent legalization can be viewed as a running experiment for the other states and governments to learn what effects and results to expect, thereby providing a better idea of the path ahead if they should follow suit.

On the other hand, one of the biggest cons concerning marijuana legalization is that it may send the wrong message to people that drug consumption is okay. Although groups against marijuana use have not provided specific cons, the stigma against pot still stands strong, especially in more conservative states.

Related health concerns are also a con to marijuana use, especially when it comes to smokers and how it affects their lungs. Continued and excessive use of a substance can always have a negative effect on one's health, and even medical marijuana is not exempt from this fact.

Ultimately, only time and the citizens of Colorado can tell what the real pros and cons are.