Pot legalization advocates seek foothold in Michigan, U.S. Midwest

Backers of broad marijuana legalization are looking to break through a geographic barrier in November and get their first foothold in the Midwest after a string of election victories in Northeastern and Western states.

Michigan and North Dakota will decide now if the drug should be legal for any adult 21 and older. They would become the 10th and 11th states to legalize so-called recreational marijuana since 2012.

Meantime, Missouri and Utah will weigh medical marijuana -- which is permitted in 31 states. Even if Utah's initiative is defeated, a compromise reached between advocates and opponents including the Mormon church will have the Legislature legalize medical marijuana.