I don't live in California (sorry if I gave that impression), but I have been following this since 1996, reading about court challenges, dispensary openings, Oaksterdam University, Richard Lee, seizures, imprisonments and etc. I believe that the state budget crisis, increased public acceptance and some publicized medical reports showing double blind advantages against legally prescribed medical drugs gives marijuana legalization the best chance for succeeding yet in my lifetime.
My personal opinion? Well, I booked the first two weeks in November off and am driving down to California in a motorhome. I hope and fully expect to legally be vaping in Humboldt County in 8 months or so. Wouldn't mind writing a photoblog of our trip.
Again, I'm hopeful. And if it succeeds in California, neighboring states are going to want in on the tax money to be gained (I've heard $50/oz split state/county/municipality?) and a second wave of legalization could happen (Oregon/Washington and Nevada?) after that. After that I would figure it is going to spread country wide as all states want the extra tax money and savings from reduced court/legal and incarceration costs.
I don't see any reason why they shouldn't lead the way in legalization; they're already leading the world in the medical marijuana industry.
Tom