On April 1, local time, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 220 in favor and 204 against to pass legislation to legalize marijuana nationwide and remove long-standing criminal penalties for possessing or distributing marijuana.
The Senate will vote next and will need at least 60 votes to pass the legislation.
The legislation would also impose a federal tax on marijuana sales to provide aid to communities harmed by the so-called "war on drugs" policy, which imposes harsh penalties for distribution and use.
The sales tax will start at 5% and gradually increase to 8% over five years.
(CCTV reporter Yin Yue)