California votes to legalise recreational use of marijuana

Voters in California on Tuesday approved the recreational use of marijuana in the nation’s most populous state, officials said.

Voters in California on Tuesday approved the recreational use of marijuana in the nation’s most populous state, officials said.

William Britt (left) and Al Moreno (right) celebrate after Californians voted to pass Prop 64, legalizing recreational use of marijuana in the state, in Los Angeles, California. (Reuters Photo)

Citing partial results, the secretary of state’s office said the measure had been approved by more than 55% of voters -- a major victory for the legalisation movement.

That means California joins Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington state and Washington, DC in allowing the use of recreational cannabis for adults.

Several other states on Tuesday were voting on whether to approve medical marijuana use.