The government in Delaware signed the legalization of recreational use of marijuana, and Massachusetts has also approved the opening of the state's first marijuana dispensary in Salem.

On June 18, Delaware governor Jack Markell signed the bill of decrimilalising possession and use of small amounts of marijuana. Backed by the democratic party, the state now allows possession and private use of up to one ounce of marijuana, The Guardian reported.

Punishment for public use has also been lowered to a $100 civil fine, compared to previous criminal sanctions of up to six months in jail and a maximum amount of $1,150 in fines.

The law is effective for 6 months, and still gives the police the authority to confiscate excessive possession and public use.

This makes Delaware the 18^th state to approve recreational marijuana use. The state was also among the 23 states that has already legalized medical use of marijuana in the U.S.

In Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker has also approved the opening of the state's first marijuana dispensary in Salem.

The Alternative Therapies Group has received permission to sell medicinal marijuana on June 17, Newburyport's Daily News reported.

With a temporary and one-time approved waiver effective for 90 days, the ATG can legally dispense farm-grown marijuana for medicinal use while waiting for its long-term approval after the state has fully-tested the products.

Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Mary Lou Sudders told the Daily News that "the waiver allows for small amounts of marijuana to be dispensed for medical use while testing facilities ramp up."  

"The capabilities of the testing labs, at this point, fall a bit short of what the state requires," said ATG Executive Director Chris Edwards. "The labs are working toward the goal of being able to offer fully compliant testing as soon as possible."

Edwards added that he "feels great" and is "excited" for getting marijuana easily accessed by patients.