Vermont has become the ninth state to legalise recreational use of pot, defying attempts by the US attorney-general Jeff Sessions to crack down on cannabis.

Unlike other states where legalisation followed a state-wide referendum, the initiative was taken by Vermont's elected politicians.

Phil Scott, the Republican governor, has said he will sign the bill which was passed by Vermont's senate on Wednesday.

New Jersey is expected to follow suit later this year and cannabis campaigners are stepping up pressure for legalisation in Delaware, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Similar legislation was passed in neighbouring New Hampshire, but it is expected to be vetoed by the governor, Chris Sununu, also a Republican.