In a trifecta for marijuana legalization initiatives Tuesday, Alaska has joined Oregon and Washington, DC, in voting to free the weed. That makes it the fourth state to do so.

[image:1 align:right]Measure 2 allows adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants (three mature). It also allows individual growers to possess the fruits of their harvest. It will set up a complete system of commercial marijuana cultivation, processing, and distribution under the purview of the Alcohol Control Board -- or, if the legislature chooses to create it, a Marijuana Control Board.

Despite uncertainty generated by inconsistent and conflicting poll results, Measure 2 led throughout the night as the ballots came in. According to the state Division of Election's unofficial results, just before midnight Alaska time, with 42% of the votes counted, Measure 2 was winning with 52.21% of the vote. [Update: Measure 2 finished up with 51.15%.]

But shortly after that, supporters were ready to call the election.

"The results are in, and marijuana prohibition is on its way out," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. "Americans are fed up with wasteful and ineffective laws that punish adults for using a less harmful substance than alcohol. The folks trying to keep marijuana illegal are relying on the same scare tactics today that they have relied on for decades, but voters just aren't falling for it anymore. The results are particularly encouraging since voter turnout during a midterm election is typically smaller, older, and more conservative. Clearly, support for ending marijuana prohibition spans the political and ideological spectrums.

Look out for 2016, Kampia said. "Proposals to regulate marijuana like alcohol are headed for the ballots in at least five states in 2016, and they're being considered in legislatures around the country," he revealed. "This year's election was a large step forward, but the 2016 election will be a huge leap toward ending marijuana prohibition in this country once and for all."