Colorado, Washington Legalize Marijuana; Oregon Does Not

Voters in Colorado and Washington voted to legalize marijuana on Tuesday, while voters in Oregon voted against a similar initiative. 

Measure 80 failed in Oregon, largely because female voters soured on the initiative.  

Washington state voters legalized recreational use of marijuana.

In Colorado, voters approved an initiative that would make it legal for those over 21 years of age to possess one ounce of marijuana.  

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (D) said while “voters have spoken and we have to respect their will,” federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug. 

“This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through,” Hickenlooper stated. “That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don’t break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly.”

Many Colorado residents expressed concerns that this initiative would turn Colorado into a magnet state for marijuana dealers.