Recreational marijuana usage and possession was legalized in Washington D.C., Alaska and Oregon Tuesday, with voters turning out to show varying degrees of support for the measures.
Washington D.C.'s Initiative 71 will allow residents to grow up to six marijuana plants and possess up to 2 ounces of weed for personal use, according to NPR.
But while the law will allow usage and possession for those ages 21 and older, it will not allow retail sales of the drug, Reuters reported.
An added complication is that federal law currently bans the possession of marijuana, setting up a potential clash between Congress and local residents, especially considering that use of the drug will likely remain illegal on federal land in the region.
As for Alaska, the state narrowly voted to pass Ballot Measure 2, a provision that will permit the drug and will convene a board to oversee regulations 90 days after the election is certified later this month. Sales will not be allowed for those under age 21.
Oregon, too, jumped on the marijuana train, with Measure 91 gaining passage; it will allow residents to grow up to four plants.
Both states will permit recreational use as well as retail shops, offering up a model that is similar to what has been operating in Washington and Colorado since 2012.
There was also a push for legalization in two cities in Maine, with marijuana usage passing in South Portland and failing in Lewiston, according to the Portland Press Herald.
These votes were merely symbolic, though, as marijuana for recreational usage is still illegal in the state.
And Florida's Amendment 2, which would have legalized medicinal marijuana, narrowly failed. While the provision had the support of 57 percent of residents, it needed a 60 percent majority to pass.
These changes come as polls indicate that Americans are becoming more supportive of pot legalization.
(H/T: NPR)
Billy Hallowell
