Can legal pot follow the path of same-sex marriage to wider acceptance around the country ? Supporters hope so , in the wake of victorious marijuana legalization campaigns in Oregon , the District of Columbia , and , as appears likely , in Alaska . The D.C. vote brings legal pot into the backyard of the federal government , which still classifies marijuana as one of the most dangerous substances -- on par with heroin . Related : Voters in D.C. , Oregon approve legal marijuana . Related : Republicans seize control of the Senate . Attorney General Eric Holder told CNN recently that he 's `` cautiously optimistic '' about the way Colorado and Washington state so far have handled their legal pot industries . The Justice Department issued guidelines to federal prosecutors last year to focus their attention on eight priorities in marijuana enforcement , including stopping distribution of marijuana to minors , and blocking gangs and cartels from benefiting . The federal government still bans marijuana from federal property , including national parks , which takes up a significant chunk of the capital city . A Justice Department spokesman said : `` When we developed our department priorities over a year ago , we intended to set out a consistent enforcement approach that would be applicable across the country . As our Aug. 29 , 2013 guidance memorandum laid out , the department 's enforcement resources will continue to be aimed at the most significant threats to our communities . This approach relies on states instituting strict regulatory regimes to adequately protect public safety . '' The D.C. law could take effect in March of 2015 , if Congress does n't find a way to step in to block it during a review period . A Republican lawmaker from Maryland has vowed to try to block the DC law , but Sen. Rand Paul , who is in line for a powerful Senate post overseeing the District of Columbia , has said he opposes any congressional interference on the will of city voters . `` This victory is dedicated to everyone still sitting in jail tonight because of marijuana prohibition , '' Adam Eidinger , the Chair of the DC Cannabis Campaign , said in a statement . `` District residents have made their voices heard loud and clear . The road to justice wo n't end on Capitol Hill . '' Related : Holder `` cautiously optimistic '' on legal marijuana .
Washington , D.C. voters approved a measure to legalize small amounts of marijuana for recreational use . Marijuana is still a controlled substance , according to the federal government , which is based in Washington , D.C .