DC leaders legalize pot despite threats from Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defying threats from Congress, the District of Columbia legalized possession of marijuana for recreational purposes today, becoming the first place east of the Mississippi River with legal pot.

The new law took effect at 12:01 a.m., despite last-minute maneuvers by Republican leaders in Congress and threats that city leaders could face prison time. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, who took office in January, said it was her duty to implement the initiative city voters approved overwhelmingly in November.

"This is a major milestone on the road to ending marijuana prohibition in the United States," said Robert Capecchi of the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization. "If the president can brew and drink beer in the White House, adults should be allowed to grow and consume a less-harmful substance in their houses."

Possession of up to 2 ounces of pot for use at home is now legal, and people are also permitted to grow up to three mature plants. Smoking marijuana in public remains illegal, as does buying or selling the drug.