After country music legend Willie Nelson was arrested for marijuana possession in November, the long-time activist called for a national movement to advocate an end to the war on cannabis. 

"Tax it, regulate it and legalize it," he said. "And stop the border wars over drugs. Why should the drug lords make all the money? Thousands of lives will be saved."

With marijuana legalization initiatives expected to be on the 2012 ballot in states like Colorado and California, the next year will be crucial in building momentum for reform. And Willie Nelson can help: just as he founded Farm Aid 25 years ago to support struggling farmers in the U.S., he should launch a benefit concert in 2011 aimed at drawing attention to the struggle to end pot prohibition.

Photo Credit: Rick Olivier