Voters in Oregon approved ballot measures Tuesday allowing the recreational use of marijuana by adults.
Oregon will join the company of Colorado and Washington state, where voters approved the recreational use of pot two years ago, according to Reuters.
The ballot measure, measure 91, passed with 54% of the vote, Time.com reported. It will make marijuana legal for residents 21 and older.
The new law also means adults can possess and grow marijuana, according to Time.com. The state liquor control commission will be held responsible for regulating the substance.
The District of Columbia is on the same path unless Congress, which has review power, blocks the move, Reuters reported.
The newly passed law is to follow the example of Colorado and Washington state in setting up systems for regulating and taxing retail sales of marijuana, according to OregonLive.com.
Oregon's measure calls for pot legalization by July 1, and requires the state Liquor Control Commission to adopt regulations by Jan. 1, 2016, OregonLive reported.
Oregon sheriffs were among the law's chief opponents, contending that legalization would give children access to marijuana and could lead to more people driving under the influence, according to OregonLive.
In 2012, Oregon voters rejected a 2012 recreational pot measure, but two October polls showed the current initiative favored to pass by about 52 percent to 41 percent, Reuters reported.
"It's a freedom issue. We are Americans, we should be able to do whatever we want - within reason," said Ben Wilcox, a bartender waving signs backing the measure at an intersection in downtown Juneau, Alaska, according to Reuters.
