Colorado and Washington Legalize Marijuana

On Nov. 6, Colorado and Washington officially became the first states in the US to legalize marijuana for anyone 21 or over. Marijuana supporters nationwide are hoping this will be the beginning-of-the-end for the prohibition of marijuana in the US.

Both states have decriminalized marijuana, just like alcohol, making it a recreational substance for anyone over 21 years of age. The states’ officials still need to write the new laws, tax codes, and other regulations for the soon-to-be marijuana stores and cultivators. But it is safe to say that the two states’ citizens will soon be able to possess and use marijuana openly.

In Colorado and Washington, the law reads that adults 21 years and older can possess up to an ounce of marijuana. In Colorado, those adults can grow up to as many as six marijuana plants. Whereas in Washington, adults will have to purchase marijuana from state-licensed providers. It appears that both states will keep some similar laws, such as smoking marijuana in public and driving a vehicle while under the influence are both illegal.