Pot legalization efforts forge ahead in key U.S. states

Campaign for legalization could cost millions. States may run afoul of federal ban
Reuters
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Efforts to legalize marijuana for recreational use are gaining momentum in Washington state and Colorado, despite fierce opposition from the federal government and a decades-long cultural battle over America's most commonly used illicit drug. Officials in Washington state said an initiative to legalize pot has enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in November. In Colorado, officials are likely this week to make a similar determination about an initiative there.