Decriminalize marijuana? Four ways America's views of pot are changing

As polls show national opinion toward marijuana use steadily changing toward greater acceptance, laws are changing and ballot initiatives are coming before voters. 

3. Medical marijuana

Jessica Hill/AP/File
Members of the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford, seen here in a May photo, dealt with medical marijuana usage in the most recent session.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have enacted medical cannabis legislation laws, following California’s Proposition 215 in 1996. Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed the state’s new law Friday. Massachusetts voters will decide on medical marijuana in November. Rhode Island legalized marijuana dispensaries last month. New Hampshire lawmakers will likely send medical marijuana legislation to Gov. John Lynch this week.

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