The United States Of America, Part Five. This is the story of how the American Republic developed from colonial beginnings in the 16th century, when the first European explorers arrived, until modern times.
Medical marijuana is now legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Of those states, Washington and Colorado have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Colorado's first retail marijuana stores opened Jan. 1 for sale to people 21 years and older. Under federal law, marijuana is still an illegal drug.
Before Election Day, 26 states and the District of Columbia had legalized medical marijuana, while Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington state and Washington, D.C., had legalized recreational use of the drug. From a public health standpoint, the effects of legalization are unclear.