Oregon legalizes recreational pot, Florida says no to medical marijuana

Oregon legalizes recreational pot, Florida says no to medical marijuana
(Image credit: CC by: Amarillyon)

Florida voters rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed medical marijuana in the Sunshine State, thanks to the requirement that it get 60 percent of the vote and a huge infusion of anti-legalization cash from Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. But marijuana legalization advocates are faring much better in their other big contests of the night.

Washington, D.C., voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative 71, allowing anyone over 21 to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to three plants. Congress can (and likely will) block the measure from taking effect. But Oregon will join Colorado and Washington State in the legal pot experiment, with The Oregonian projecting a win for Measure 91. Polls haven't closed yet in Alaska, the final state voting on legal marijuana tonight.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.