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Marijuana On The Ballot: D.C. Voters OK Legalization

Early results showed more than a 2-1 lead for a measure to make recreational marijuana use legal in Washington, D.C. A sign promoting the initiative is seen on a corner in the Adams Morgan neighborhood Tuesday.
Allison Shelley Getty Images
Early results showed more than a 2-1 lead for a measure to make recreational marijuana use legal in Washington, D.C. A sign promoting the initiative is seen on a corner in the Adams Morgan neighborhood Tuesday.

In the first of several widely watched votes on marijuana in the midterm election season, voters in Washington, D.C., have approved the legal use of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Supporters of the D.C. marijuana measure had a 65-29.5 percent lead as of 9:09 p.m. ET, with 20,727 voting in favor. We'll update this post as more results come in. You can also follow our special coverage at NPR's Election Party.

Pot is also on the ballot in Oregon, where Measure 91 would legalize recreational use, and in Alaska, where Ballot Measure 2 would do the same thing. The provisions restrict use to adults who are at least 21 years old.

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In Florida, voters will decide how they feel about legal medical marijuana. And voters in Guam reportedly legalized medical marijuana use today.

The D.C. case could create friction between the city's leaders and Congress — particularly if, as many expect, Republicans take control of both chambers. The District's Initiative 71 includes provisions that allow residents to grow six or fewer marijuana plants in their homes and possess up to 2 ounces of the drug for their own use.

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