Three States In Line to Legalize Marijuana

The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it would not challenge states that had legalized marijuana as long as they ensure tight regulations for it was welcomed by proponents of marijuana legalization. The move has boosted efforts in other states. Here are three states that could legalize marijuana next:

Oregon

Oregon was the first state to decriminalize the possession of marijuana (limited to one ounce) back in 1973. However by 2012, while Colorado and Washington voters approved measures toward marijuana legalization, a similar effort in Oregon failed. Nevertheless, staunch legalization supporters hope the department's announcement  will bolster state efforts.

Alaska

In 1975, Alaska's Supreme Court actually ruled that possession of up to four ounces of marijuana in the home was protected by the state constitution. Legalization proponents however, report that the marijuana legalization laws in the state are somewhat in flux. According to the Marijuana Policy Project, “supporters need more than 30,000 signatures to secure ballot access for marijuana legalization in 2013.” Fortunately, the move is supported by Alaska's only congressman, Don Young.

California

California is one of the first states to legalize the drug through ballot initiative. Since 1996, the medical marijuana industry has continued to grow in the state. However, despite their legal status, federal efforts to crack down on medical marijuana dispensaries have been renewed under the Obama Administration. This move isn't expected to stop voters from approving legal marijuana come voting time though.