What states could see marijuana legalized In 2017?

Local ordinances to decriminalize weed are catching hold, but not all are successful as their home states attempt to enforce far stricter laws.

Local ordinances to decriminalize weed are catching hold, but not all are successful as their home states attempt to enforce far stricter laws.

Legal or not, millions of Americans already use marijuana regularly.

Legal or not, millions of Americans already use marijuana regularly.

This is a pivotal year for American drug policy. More states than ever will consider easing restrictions on marijuana use this November: Voters in five states will decide whether to fully legalize recreational use, while voters in four more will weigh in on whether to allow medical marijuana.

This is a pivotal year for American drug policy. More states than ever will consider easing restrictions on marijuana use this November: Voters in five states will decide whether to fully legalize recreational use, while voters in four more will weigh in on whether to allow medical marijuana.

DALLAS (1080 KRLD) – In Dallas, being caught with some marijuana may not mean a trip to jail anymore.

DALLAS (1080 KRLD) – In Dallas, being caught with some marijuana may not mean a trip to jail anymore.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Marijuana possession in small amounts in Illinois will be punishable by fines but not jail time after Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Friday that makes the state the third largest to decriminalize minor pot offenses.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Marijuana possession in small amounts in Illinois will be punishable by fines but not jail time after Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Friday that makes the state the third largest to decriminalize minor pot offenses.

On Jan. 10, the 85th Texas Legislature got underway and the state's approach to marijuana will be one of the most-discussed issues.

On Jan. 10, the 85th Texas Legislature got underway and the state's approach to marijuana will be one of the most-discussed issues.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A group supportive of the push to decriminalize marijuana in Nashville took to the streets downtown.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A group supportive of the push to decriminalize marijuana in Nashville took to the streets downtown.

Call it a victory for pot-smoking in a college town.

Call it a victory for pot-smoking in a college town.

Federal law prohibits marijuana and its transportation across state lines; but the new number of cannabis-friendly states sharing borders may end up testing that ban.

Federal law prohibits marijuana and its transportation across state lines; but the new number of cannabis-friendly states sharing borders may end up testing that ban.

Organizers are closing in on their goal of collecting 2,300 signatures to get marijuana decriminalization on the November ballot in Kansas City.

Organizers are closing in on their goal of collecting 2,300 signatures to get marijuana decriminalization on the November ballot in Kansas City.

Kansas City voters on Tuesday decided to lower penalties in city court for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.

Kansas City voters on Tuesday decided to lower penalties in city court for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.

Wichita residents will likely get another chance at a ballot initiative to lower the penalty for small-time possession of marijuana.

Wichita residents will likely get another chance at a ballot initiative to lower the penalty for small-time possession of marijuana.

Bill would allow adults to grow up to 5 plants for personal use. Kentucky could become one of the next states to legalize the leaf for recreational purposes.

Bill would allow adults to grow up to 5 plants for personal use. Kentucky could become one of the next states to legalize the leaf for recreational purposes.

Once an issue reserved for dreadlocked Green Party supporters, marijuana legalization has become a mainstream political topic.

Once an issue reserved for dreadlocked Green Party supporters, marijuana legalization has become a mainstream political topic.

Legislators in more than a dozen states have introduced measures to loosen laws restricting access to or criminalizing marijuana, a rush of legislative activity that supporters hope reflects a newfound willingness by public officials to embrace a trend toward legalization.

Legislators in more than a dozen states have introduced measures to loosen laws restricting access to or criminalizing marijuana, a rush of legislative activity that supporters hope reflects a newfound willingness by public officials to embrace a trend toward legalization.

In addition to the members supporting legalization, 254 congressmen and senators support policies related to the decriminalization of marijuana, or to allowing marijuana for medical use.

In addition to the members supporting legalization, 254 congressmen and senators support policies related to the decriminalization of marijuana, or to allowing marijuana for medical use.

In Missouri, if you are caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana and you don’t have a prior criminal record, you’ll be charged but only have to pay a fine.

In Missouri, if you are caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana and you don’t have a prior criminal record, you’ll be charged but only have to pay a fine.

SAN ANTONIO -- Call it a windfall for weed. Four states approved the recreational use of marijuana last week, and four others approved the medicinal use. And Texas could follow suit.

SAN ANTONIO -- Call it a windfall for weed. Four states approved the recreational use of marijuana last week, and four others approved the medicinal use. And Texas could follow suit.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The city of Nashville became the first in the state of Tennessee to lessen the penalty for small amounts of marijuana Tuesday night.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The city of Nashville became the first in the state of Tennessee to lessen the penalty for small amounts of marijuana Tuesday night.

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.

New Hampshire remains the only New England state that hasn't decriminalized the drug.

New Hampshire remains the only New England state that hasn't decriminalized the drug.

In his final days as the state's top executive, outgoing Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin is expected to issue what could be hundreds of pardons to Vermonters convicted of what are now considered minor marijuana violations.

In his final days as the state's top executive, outgoing Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin is expected to issue what could be hundreds of pardons to Vermonters convicted of what are now considered minor marijuana violations.

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.

BOSTON (AP) -- Having proven they can win in the West, advocates for recreational marijuana hope the Nov. 8 election brings their first significant electoral victories in the densely populated Northeast, where voters in Massachusetts and Maine will consider making pot legal for all adults.

BOSTON (AP) -- Having proven they can win in the West, advocates for recreational marijuana hope the Nov. 8 election brings their first significant electoral victories in the densely populated Northeast, where voters in Massachusetts and Maine will consider making pot legal for all adults.

In a switch, one of Virginia’s most powerful elected officials said Tuesday that he supports studying the decriminalization of marijuana.