Colorado, Washington Vote to Legalize Marijuana

President Obama’s re-election wasn’t the only major decision made at the polls today. Voters in Colorado and Washington approved ballot measures legalizing marijuana, according to news reports. In Colorado, the The Denver Post writes that Amendment 64 passed with more than 52 percent in favor of amending the state constitution to allow those 21 and older to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana at specially regulated stores. Adults would be permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes.

In Washington, Initiative 502 passed by a 10-point margin, The Seattle Times reports, making Colorado and Washingotn the first two states to legalize pot for recreational use. Legalization efforts didn’t fare as well in Oregon, where voters rejected Measure 80 by 10 points, according to The Oregonian.

In Massachusetts, voters approved the medical use of marijuana by a wide margin, according to the Boston Globe. More than 60 percent voted in favor of a measure eliminating state criminal and civil penalties for marijuana use by patients who have been diagnosed with a “debilitating medical condition.” Voters in Arkansas rejected a medical marijuana question.