California's pursuit to legalize Marijuana in 1996 has urged similar initiatives in America. Today, after almost 20 years, more than half of the states permitted its medical use. But with Marijuana Ballot Measures being pushed through, seems more states are threading the same path.
In November voters in Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia are following the advocacy started by Washington State and Colorado to legalize recreational Marijuana. It's been 40 years since Congress has imposed the present ban on the drug. Earlier, the said states had already allowed medical Marijuana, and this time they're on the way to permanently lift the ban for the drug, which they claimed are far less harmless than alcohol.
"Since Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia already allow medical marijuana, taking the next step makes good sense," The New York Times Editorial Board states. "Yes to Marijuana Ballot Measures" relay the combined effort of Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia to Legalize Pot.
District of Columbia proposes that all civil and criminal penalties will be revoked including possession of pot for personal use. The state also suggests that private cultivation will be legalized for people aged 21 and above.
Oregon Measure 91 indicates that Oregon Liquor Control Commission is mandated to regulate the drug as well in reviewing the taxes timely, where $10 is imposed per ounce for leaves while $35 per ounce for flowers. The measure also suggests Marijuana legalization for those 21 and older. The state has already issued almost 65,000 medical marijuana cards for the Oregonians.
Alaska has already legalized Alaskans to possess small quantities of pot in their homes. This time, the state is pursuing to form a Marijuana Control Board that would control drug taxes at $50 per ounce (wholesale.)
More and more states have been actively expressing their concern in overturning the drug's prohibition. At the moment, as majority of the states favor its legalization, the Congress still says no to repeal the ban on the controversial weed.