I live in Pa, and have been watching the publicity on this with some interest.
As a retired marketing/advertising guy, here is what I see coming:
the politicians are orchestrating the 'war on opioids' (and by that I mean the lawful medications) to pave the way for broad public acceptance of marijuana as a controlled option for pain relief, relieving the stigma that the government created for weed as a 'gateway' to hard drugs.
While this is going on, those that are in the know are quietly acquiring the rights, property, permits, etc. for growing and distributing marijuana once it becomes broadly accepted as a substitute for opioids.
I think you are spot on. Not to mention all the taxes that can be levied on the stuff.