Michigan Voters Approve Marijuana Legalization

Voters in Michigan have decided to make their state the next to legalize marijuana.

A ballot measure to replace cannabis prohibition with a legal and regulated system of cultivation and sales was well ahead on Tuesday night with more than 50 percent of precincts reporting, and ABC projected that it passed.

The measure will allow adults over 21 to possess, grow and use small amounts of marijuana legally. Those provisions are set to take effect within 10 days of the vote being certified, which should be soon, meaning that cannabis is expected to become legal in the state this month.

Portions of the new law allowing for licensed businesses to grow, process and sell cannabis to consumers will come online over the next year.

"The victory in Michigan highlights just how widespread support is for marijuana policy reform, Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said. "This issue does not only enjoy strong support on the coasts, but also in the Midwest and all throughout the country. Marijuana has now been legalized for adult use in one out of every five states and medical use in three out of every five, so it is safe to say federal law is in need of an update."