In the wake of the state of Colorado legalizing recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1, AL.com decided to ask readers if Alabama should follow suit.

An overwhelming majority of readers, some 71 percent said the state of Alabama should legalize marijuana as it would increase tax revenue for the state.

Only 21 percent were against legalization, and 6 percent indicated they didn’t care either way.

A total of 1,531 votes were cast before the poll closed after a 24-hour period.

Thousands of mellow pot smokers lined up outside of Colorado cannabis stores across Colorado on Wednesday.

Marijuana sales remain illegal under federal law, but under Colorado law state residents can purchase up to an ounce of marijuana and out-of-state residents can buy a quarter-ounce.

The state of Colorado is projected to rake in $130 million in tax revenue from the legal sale of marijuana alone in 2014, according to a Forbes magazine report.

The Denver Post reported marijuana advocates and Denver officials worked together to design and print 50,000 fliers encouraging those buying marijuana to not take the product outside of Colorado, resell it or give it to someone under 21 years old or engage in public marijuana use and driving while impaired by marijuana.

Here are some of the responses shared by AL.com commenters:

Cameron Harris wrote: Wait, how exactly would this hurt children? That is always a fail safe for politicians isn't it? "Think of the poor children!!". Please, I'd rather see a teen smoke a joint and play on his computer than drink a fifth and drive his car.

Kislath wrote: Yes. I fully support Medical weed and it's derivative products, but not recreational. I've known too many potheads. Some wee cool, but too many others weren't. I also want a lottery, but not the same kind of lottery you see in other states. I have a much better idea.

Augrandpa wrote: I have no problem with medical use. I have a personal problem with any mind altering including alcohol. As I said that is a personal decision and if used is a safe manner that does no potential harm to others it's none of my business. I do note that these folks stood in long lines in the freezing weather to make a purchase. That does sound like an addiction to me.

The Stig wrote: Colorado also has passed very restrictive laws concerning legal firearms owned by civilians. Should Alabama follow suit?

AL.com's online polls reflect the views of readers who choose to participate and are not the kind of scientific sampling of opinion used to predict the views of the public as a whole.