Earlier today, the Washington, DC City Council  voted unanimously in favor of medical marijuana. The bill will now go to Mayor Adrian Fenty’s desk, where he is expect to sign it. This will add DC to the long list of states that have already approved the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Medical marijuana has been a long time in coming to the District. Over a decade ago, the residents of the city voted overwhelmingly in favor of a medical marijuana ballot initiative, but DC was stopped from enacting the change by Congress.

It is possible that DC will soon be joined by its neighbor Maryland in legalizing the use of cannabis for those suffering from serious medical conditions. Similarly, South Dakota has become the first state this year to certify a medical marijuana ballot initiative; it will appear before the voters in November. A previous ballot measure there was barely defeated in 2006 with 47.7% in favor, and 52.3% against.