article_snippet: So far, four states and the District of Columbia have legalized some recreational use of the drug, and 23 states and D.C. permit 23 states and D.C. use for medicinal purposes.
article_snippet: There are currently 23 states and D.C. which allows marijuana  for medicinal purposes.
article_snippet: But in August 2013, the U.S. Justice Department confirmed the U.S. Justice Department wouldn't challenge Colorado or other states with laws legalizing recreational marijuana.
article_snippet: For example, in Colorado, individuals aged over 21 can carry up to one ounce of cannabis and growing up to six marijuana plants at home without prosecution.
article_snippet: In last year alone, Alaska, and Oregon voted to legalize recreational marijuana, which came into force this year, and Maryland became the 18th state to decriminalize the drug.
article_snippet: Minnesota and New York became the 22nd and 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana in some form.
article_snippet: Minnesota and New York are likely to be swiftly followed by others next year when ballot initiatives in California, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada and Arizona other states are likely to be put to voters.