You are correct that a lot of opposition comes from the Christian Right, a little research will show support there also. Many of them believe in the constitution, less government involvement, check out who defended the young man in his Bong Hits For Jesus case.
Most of the reason Marijuana isn't legal is the 'Fear Factor'. The reason we are talking about gay marriage is because they came out of the closet. The reason we are just now fighting for madical marijuana, not full legalization is because we didn't, we can't have leo looking at us. we will get arrested.
The least expensive way to legalize marijuana is by State Ballot Initiative, 22 states have some form of this. I figure a commitment of about $5 million should do it for Michigan, they spent about 1/2 that amount to put Medical Marijuana on the ballot, and a lot of that went to the little people, they ones that stood out there on the street asking registered voters to sign the petition. I went to the meeting were our board of canvessors had to vote to put it on the ballot, they were in shock, the politicians still don't believe its there, and the opposition waited until last month to mobilize. By the time 'they' take legalizaion seriously it will already be on the ballot. Michigans economy is going to go in the shitter, we will lose 1/2 or all of the auto industry jobs in the next few years. A well written bill legalizing marijuana would bring our tourist industy back, create jobs and keep our states money in our state. 1/5 of our General FUnd goes to the Corrections Department, we spend more for prisons then we do for Schools.
I have a few ideas too. VV
