Without all the bells and whistles of celebration as seen in Colorado and Washington, Alaska has become the third state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults. There were no street parties or public displays of smoking marijuana like there were in Alaska’s two predecessors in the push for marijuana legalization. Supporters of the legalization said they were glad the historic milestone was more subdued, saying that they want to promote responsible use of marijuana.

 

While the substance itself was legalized for recreational, private use by adults, there are still some restrictions. Adults 21 years and over are allowed to have up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants on private property, are even allowed to share their pot with other adults, but smoking marijuana in public places is still illegal as is driving under the influence, and there are no recreational marijuana retail establishments.

 

Legalization supporters in Alaska hope to set forth a regulatory system on recreational marijuana that will pave the way for national legalization under appropriate standard practices. Taylor Bickford, spokesperson for the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, says “Now that the campaign is over, it’s time to establish a robust regulatory system that sets an example for other states.”

 

Oregon passed a bill similar to Alaska’s back in November, but the substance will not be legal until July there. Washington, D.C. overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative legalizing marijuana possession, but not sale. It is expected that D.C. will soon be following in Alaska’s footsteps. Proponents of legalization are looking into starting campaigns in California, Arizona, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts.