Partially legalized marijuana in Washington

The District of Columbia, within the borders of which is the capital of the United States, Washington, has legalized the possession of marijuana in small quantities.

As of midnight local time, people who use the drug for recreational purposes - that is, for pleasure or to regain normal well-being - will no longer face criminal prosecution.

In November, 2014, in Washington passed public votein which the majority spoke in favor of lifting the ban on cannabis use for medicinal and recreational purposes.

However, unlike other American territories, the District of Columbia is governed not only by local authorities, but also by Congress.

The majority of Republicans who have been there opposed mitigation of drug laws and did not allow the municipality to completely legalize marijuana.

Thus, the sale of marijuana is still outlawed in Washington.