PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Voters in Maine's largest city have legalized possession of marijuana for recreational use.

Portland voters approved a local question making it legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to 2½ ounces of pot. Buying or selling marijuana, or using it in public places, remain illegal.

The measure received about 67 percent of the vote with unofficial citywide results.

The vote comes a year after Washington and Colorado voters passed statewide referendums legalizing possession of up to an ounce of pot by adults 21 and over.

Supporters say marijuana is less harmful than alcohol, but critics say its use carries number of health risks and that legalizing it sends a bad message to youths.

Even with the vote, pot possession remains illegal under state and federal laws.