The popular tide is turning towards the legalization of marijuana in United States. According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of American adults in favor of legalization has jumped 31 points to 53% in the last 15 years . And starting in 1989, voters or legislatures in 25 of the 50 states have helped enact laws legalizing weed in one way or another. Hell, even traditionalist, “values” politicians such as Ted Cruzare warming up to it.

Long gone are the scary days of Reefer Madness and an insurmountable societal fear of cannabis. CNN's Sanjay Gupta recently blew up a 70-year myth about the enigmatic herb, confirming its medicinal properties. This, while some states are legalizing the herb's recreational use, and even more states already permit medical marijuana and its derivatives.

If you vote in Massachusetts, you've probably had a least one debate with a friend this year about whether the state should allow marijuana for recreational use.

But have you looked at the mechanics of the legal marijuana industry that ballot Question 4 would create? We've summarized key elements, in case you don't have time to read all 24 pages of the proposed act before voting on Nov. 8.

Here's a list, beginning with broad and general items and moving into details. If we've missed something you think is interesting or critical, let us know!

Growing cannabis uses a lot of energy, according to a report by EQ Research LLC, an organization that provides clean energy analysis for businesses and nonprofits. According to the report, cannabis grow facilities have energy needs similar to those of data centers.

The reason cannabis cultivation is so energy intensive, says Rachael Speegle, director of operations at the Verdes Foundation, New Mexico's highest-grossing medical cannabis producer, is because the plants are usually grown inside.

Bob Marley's youngest son, along with business partner Ocean Grown Extracts, has created a poetic metaphor and multi-million dollar business model in one.

Damian Marley has announced that he, in partnership with Ocean Grown Extracts, is converting a former 77,000 square foot California State prison into a cannabis grow space that will cultivate medical marijuana for state dispensaries.

"Many people sacrificed so much for the herb over the years who got locked up," says Marley, 38, noting the poetic justice of turning a prison that once housed non-violent drug offenders into a cannabis cultivation facility. "If this [venture] helps people and it's used for medicinal purposes and inspires people, it's a success."

Legal marijuana in Oregon is still in its infancy, but the state is hoping to become the epicenter of cannabis research and development. 

"I think it helps overall to have people feel like pot is gaining legitimacy," said Barry Schubmehl with the German company Fritsch. 

Eighty people ranging from scientists to doctors came to Chalice Farms' corporate headquarters in Northeast Portland to learn more about the science behind marijuana. 

Even as they shed old stoner stereotypes, cannabis growers are already being labeled with a new stigma: resource hogs.

In Oregon, where many consumers want everything to be sustainable, there's a retail-side push for growers to use different methods. But varying climates throughout the states, as well as an uncertain regulatory environment, can make things hard for growers who want to use more eco-friendly methods.

Colorado voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2012, making it the first American state to legalize recreational marijuana. Since January 2014, when the residents began legally buying marijuana, a billion–dollar–a–year legal marijuana industry has emerged (expected to surpass $1 billion in sales by November 2016).

Did legalization cause marijuana abuse to skyrocket? Or did marijuana legalization actually work? The just-released Colorado Department of Public Safety report shows how legalizing recreational marijuana has affected Colorado. Here’re the key findings:

Political leanings can skew guidance given to patients on issues including abortion and cannabis use, research indicates.

Doctors’ political beliefs can skew the advice they give patients on sensitive issues such as abortions and cannabis use, according to new research.

A survey of more than 200 doctors found that those with conservative views were more likely than others to discourage patients from having an abortion in the future. They also handed out more stern warnings over the legal and health risks of using cannabis.

Medical marijuana advocates have a new ally ― and he’s tweeting his support to a massive audience.

Justin Bieber criticized pharmaceutical companies on Twitter Sunday to raise awareness of the industry’s attempts to block medical marijuana legislation.