The Medical Cannabis Act has made its way past the first hurdle of many on the road to becoming law in Nebraska.

New Hampshire is the only state left in the New England area to not have marijuana decriminalization laws on the books already.

New Hampshire is the only state left in the New England area to not have marijuana decriminalization laws on the books already.

Gov. Chris Christie has long opposed legalizing recreational marijuana, recently calling the idea “beyond stupidity.’’ He won't be in charge soon.

Gov. Chris Christie has long opposed legalizing recreational marijuana, recently calling the idea “beyond stupidity.’’ He won't be in charge soon.

Vets would be able to sign up for the medical cannabis program without a medical diagnosis.

Vets would be able to sign up for the medical cannabis program without a medical diagnosis.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice William O'Neill, long the bench's liberal voice and a current candidate for the governor's seat in 2018, has staked a vocal claim in favor of full-on marijuana legalization in the state.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice William O'Neill, long the bench's liberal voice and a current candidate for the governor's seat in 2018, has staked a vocal claim in favor of full-on marijuana legalization in the state.

Perhaps the best way to avoid another large marijuana-party raid such as the one that took place in Philadelphia on Saturday is to legalize marijuana altogether at the state level, Mayor Jim Kenney said Monday.

Perhaps the best way to avoid another large marijuana-party raid such as the one that took place in Philadelphia on Saturday is to legalize marijuana altogether at the state level, Mayor Jim Kenney said Monday.

Democrats from states where marijuana is legal say so many Americans have access to pot products that the federal government should begin regulating the industry, which generated more than $7 billion in sales last year.

Democrats from states where marijuana is legal say so many Americans have access to pot products that the federal government should begin regulating the industry, which generated more than $7 billion in sales last year.

Lawmakers looking to draw attention to pet issues have formed groups in favor of everything from auto care to zoos. Now, there’s a caucus for cannabis.

Lawmakers looking to draw attention to pet issues have formed groups in favor of everything from auto care to zoos. Now, there’s a caucus for cannabis.

Public support for marijuana legalization surged in 2016, according to data just released from the General Social Survey.

Public support for marijuana legalization surged in 2016, according to data just released from the General Social Survey.

ST. PAUL — Legalizing recreational marijuana would fall into the hands of voters if a proposal by State Rep. Jason Metsa, DFL-Virginia, makes its way through the Legislature.

ST. PAUL — Legalizing recreational marijuana would fall into the hands of voters if a proposal by State Rep. Jason Metsa, DFL-Virginia, makes its way through the Legislature.

Hearings on Massachusetts' recreational marijuana begin in the Statehouse in Boston Monday, where lawmakers will mull potential changes to the voter-approved legislation legalizing marijuana use among adults and paving the way for commercial sale of the drug.

Reefer madness appears to be fading into oblivion -- at least when it comes to popular attitudes. The law lags behind.

Reefer madness appears to be fading into oblivion -- at least when it comes to popular attitudes. The law lags behind.

New Approach South Dakota is pushing to legalize medical and recreational cannabis in the Mount Rushmore State.

New Approach South Dakota is pushing to legalize medical and recreational cannabis in the Mount Rushmore State.

Advocates for legalizing marijuana in Texas for medical purposes delivered a simple plea to state lawmakers Tuesday night: Don’t let misconceptions continue to block a life-improving treatment for people with serious health problems.

Advocates for legalizing marijuana in Texas for medical purposes delivered a simple plea to state lawmakers Tuesday night: Don’t let misconceptions continue to block a life-improving treatment for people with serious health problems.

Thursday morning, Texas state Representative Joe Moody, surrounded by police officers and a retired judge, took a lectern at the Texas Capitol to argue for something he’s pushed hard for over the last two legislative sessions — the decriminalization of marijuana possession.

Thursday morning, Texas state Representative Joe Moody, surrounded by police officers and a retired judge, took a lectern at the Texas Capitol to argue for something he’s pushed hard for over the last two legislative sessions — the decriminalization of marijuana possession.

In 2016, we saw four states successfully legalize recreational cannabis and eight states approve new medical policies.

In 2016, we saw four states successfully legalize recreational cannabis and eight states approve new medical policies.

A measure legalizing marijuana use in Vermont cleared the state's legislature on Wednesday.

A measure legalizing marijuana use in Vermont cleared the state's legislature on Wednesday.

5th District Congressman Tom Garrett has introduced legislation aimed at federally decriminalizing marijuana.

5th District Congressman Tom Garrett has introduced legislation aimed at federally decriminalizing marijuana.

RICHMOND – Virginia probably will ease up a bit in its laws against marijuana by making it easier for epilepsy patients to obtain cannabis extract oils and by relaxing the penalty for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.

RICHMOND – Virginia probably will ease up a bit in its laws against marijuana by making it easier for epilepsy patients to obtain cannabis extract oils and by relaxing the penalty for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.

This action makes West Virginia the 29th state to legalize medical marijuana. 

This action makes West Virginia the 29th state to legalize medical marijuana. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate passed legislation Wednesday that would legalize medical marijuana in the state.