Colorado is first US state to legalise recreational pot

DENVER (REUTERS) - Colorado on Tuesday become the first state to legalise the possession and sale of marijuana for recreational use, in defiance of federal law.

A similar measure in Washington state also appeared headed for voter approval.

Supporters of a Colorado constitutional amendment legalising marijuana declared victory and opponents conceded defeat after returns showed the measure garnering nearly 53 per cent of the vote versus 47 per cent against.

In Washington, cannabis legalisation measure was leading by a handy margin, according to state returns, and local media, including the Seattle Times, called the race in favor of approval.