Oregon legalizes recreational marijuana

PORTLAND, Oregon—Smoking and growing small amounts of marijuana became legal in Oregon on Wednesday, as a growing legalization movement spread down the United States’ west coast. A law allowing recreational use, backed by voters in November, came into effect at midnight, opening the way for marijuana to be sold in shops by next year—though some lawmakers say they will still try to block retail outlets. Similar legislation is already in force in Alaska and Washington State, reflecting a shifting legal landscape for a drug that remains illegal under federal law.