ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Recreational marijuana officially became legal in Alaska today, making it the third state -- alongside Colorado and Washington -- to allow recreational use.
Alaska's new law, passed by voters in 2014, means people over age 21 can legally consume small amounts of pot, but individuals are not allowed to sell it or buy it. They are allowed to grow up to six plants and possess up to an ounce of weed. Smoking in public is not allowed.
State officials launched the public education campaign "With great marijuana laws comes great responsibility" to encourage responsible consumption.
Even with the state law, some local governments are taking steps to place further restrictions on the marijuana movement. In Wasilla, the sixth-largest city in Alaska, the city council banned homemade marijuana edibles, concentrates and extracts.
On Monday, Gov. Bill Walker proposed creating a Marijuana Control Board that will regulate the industry and enforce the state laws.
Oregon and Washington, D.C., voters legalized use last year, as well. D.C.'s law will go in effect this week. Oregon's is scheduled to begin later in July. In 2012, recreational marijuana use was legalized in Colorado and Washington.
