Final answer:
Washington and Colorado were the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in November 2012, marking a significant change in government's stance on the drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
In November 2012, marijuana was legalized for recreational purposes in Washington and Colorado through ballot initiatives approved by voters. Despite marijuana remaining a Schedule One controlled substance under federal law, the federal government has signaled that it will not intervene in states' decisions to ease marijuana laws. The initial steps taken by Colorado voters represent a significant shift in the government's stance on marijuana, as it was one of the first states to approve recreational marijuana use.
Following Colorado's decision, forty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that legalize the use of marijuana to varying degrees, including for medical purposes. Medical marijuana is often prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of health conditions such as the side effects of chemotherapy. Public opinion on the legalization of marijuana has greatly shifted, with a majority of Americans now favoring some form of legalization.