US: Several states back drug reforms
November 4, 2020
Washington DC voted in favor of decriminalizing some psychedelic drugs, while New Jersey is set to legalize recreational marijuana following two referendums on Tuesday.
Oregon also became the first US state to approve therapeutic use for psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug known as "magic mushrooms." The state also voted to decriminalize several hard drugs, including the possession of small amounts of cocaine and heroin.
Citizens in the US capital of Washington DC voted 77% for effectively legalizing various psychedelic plants and mushrooms, according to the board of elections.
The initiative would lower the enforcement priority for the non-commercial possession, sales and cultivation of these substances.
In New Jersey and Arizona, voters approved measures to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
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Other states set to follow suit
New Jersey looks set to join almost a dozen other states in legalizing recreational cannabis, though a number of experts have said it could take over a year until adults would be able to buy the drug in the Garden State.
Montana and South Dakota were also set to decide on whether to pass similar legalization.
Read more: 5 facts about cannabis laws in Germany
jsi/rs (dpa, Reuters, AFP)