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Recreational Marijuana Goes Legal in Colorado

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Colorado has become the second US state to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use.

WASHINGTON, December 11 (RIA Novosti) – Colorado has become the second US state to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use.

Marijuana legalization amendment to the state constitution came into force on Monday following the approval by voters on November 6. A relevant legislation became effective in Washington state last Thursday.

Adults over 21 may now legally possess up to an ounce (about 28 grams) of marijuana, or six plants. Drug users are allowed to smoke “pot” only inside their homes and may face citations with stiff fines over violations.

However, neither state will allow commercial sales of cannabis for at least a year until the state authorities set up a system of reliable controls over sales and taxation at licensed stores.

The move could set both states up for a showdown with the federal government as the federal law still deems marijuana as an illegal drug.

The US Department of Justice explicitly reiterated last week that growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remained a federal crime, regardless of any changes in state law.

A total of 18 US states have already removed criminal sanctions for medical use of marijuana.

 

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