is light the fire under the outright legalization efforts but I don't think that can be voted on until 2014.

I don't use the stuff myself but have my friends that have their card and depend on the dispensaries.

Patients need to network and share secure planting areas (backyards or secure lots) where they can share and maintain
harvests with each others' help.

Cannabis is much like solar energy---Ultimately, more of a money-saver for regular folks rather than a big longterm boon for investors.

Most profit will come from aiding *cultivation by regular consumers* (via hydroponic and grow-supply stores). Only the top growers (and a relatively small number of dispensaries) will make good money, eventually, as the price comes down--They will produce the top-shelf, specialty/gourmet product people will travel to sample and enjoy, like on wine and cheese tours.

Most folks will either grow it themselves or assist a friend who does, and share in the harvest.
Even northern areas are viable--You just sprout and grow the plants indoors under fluorescent lights from January to late May.
In the last 7-10 days of May, you move the plants OUTSIDE to large containers or in-ground spots with lots of sunshine. Maintain sensibly as you would beans/tomatoes/onions in a regular garden. Harvest, trim & dry in late summer. That's all.

Cannabis is not a top-down, centralized-production product like gasoline, most (non-solar) electricity, standard pharmecuticals, electronic devices, and other manufactured stuff.
Anyone who can grow good heirloom tomatoes can grow good quality cannabis, in quantity, if permitted by law.

There is no reason for big companies or investors to dominate the cannabis market, unless the rights of regular people to grow it themselves are severely restricted.
So, sorry big investors, but if you want to make money off cannabis, 1st push for legalization, and then buy a few grow-supply stores. For the most part, Wall Street should not be allowed.

Cannabis epitomizes the concept of, "For The people".