The legalization of marijuana has been a subject of debate for the past decades, but despite the ongoing pros and cons discussion, a vast majority want it to stay illegal despite proof that it is helpful in the medical field.
Medicinal marijuana is not the problem, though. The big debate now lies on the legalization of pot for recreational use, specifically, if the government could trust the citizens to be responsible with narcotics.
In the United States, the marijuana debate can tilt to legalization if initiatives can take place, and the referendums across the country will give people the chance to have their say regarding the issue. Huffington Post also reported earlier in the month that a poll in April showed that the majority of American support the legalization of marijuana but that does not mean that it's automatically legalized everywhere, although more states are allowing its use.
To date, 23 states have legalized the use of marijuana, and here are others that are pushing to decriminalize the use of this drug by the end of the year, as noted by Time Magazine:
FLORIDA
Over two dozen states in the U.S. have already supported the use of medical marijuana, and Florida is yet to join the list. However, Time has noted that there seems to be a lot of support for the legalization of pot, but it would require a 60% supermajority vote to pass.
WASHINGTON DC
If the votes allow, Washington will legalize the possession of up to 2 oz of marijuana as well as cultivate up to six plants in backyards, theoretically speaking. According to Time, the initiative will most probably pass as statistic show that the locals support its legalization by a 2 to 1 margin. Although technically not a state, the legalization of marijuana in the District of Columbia will have resounding effects on the law passed in other states. Considering that it is the heart of the federal government, as noted by Wall Street, legalization of marijuana in the capital will disallow the government to implement prohibition laws in other states.
ALASKA
According to Time, a ruling from the Alaska Supreme Court in 1975 found that citizens have the "right to grow and possess a small amount of marijuana at home. Though opponents have still fought over whether possessing marijuana is legal-sometimes in court-reformers are hoping that a long history of quasi-legalization and a noted libertarian streak will lead Alaskans to vote yes on Ballot Measure 2: It would concretely legalize retail pot, giving the the state the power to tax and regulate like in Colorado and Washington state."
What is your stand about the legalization of pot?