Medical marijuana is now legal in 16 states and the District of Columbia. New York is not one of the 16. But according to an article in the current issue of Time magazine, the trend across the entire country is moving toward the decriminalization of marijuana possession.

In November, Washington voters will decide whether to make pot legal for recreational purposes in their state. Polls indicate that in several states, supporters and opponents of marijuana legalization are about equally split.

Washington may not be the only state with marijuana on the ballot this fall. Advocates of legal marijuana use are gathering signatures to put the issue on the ballot there as well. Similar efforts are underway in several others states, including California.

Supporters of legalizing marijuana possession argue that pot does no more harm than alcohol or tobacco. On principle, the argument goes, people over the age of 21 should be allowed to make their own decisions. The state should therefore not use the criminal law to coerce decisions.

There is also the practical argument that laws against marijuana possession are no more effective than laws against alcohol possession were during Prohibition.

Opponents counter that marijuana is a gateway drug that can result in people getting addicted to ever-stronger substances, such as cocaine or heroin

It's also true that, even if Washington or another state legalizes marijuana possession, marijuana would remain a controlled substance under federal law.

Still, it seems fair to say that attitudes toward marijuana possession are changing, both in New York and across the country.

Source: "Legal Recreational Marijuana: Not So Far Out," Time, 2-6-12