Love it or hate it, one thing for sure smoking marijuana is not the same crime it used to be. In fact in New York City it has been decriminalized to the point that it's a slap on the wrist if you're caught with a small amount.
But with Colorado and Washington State legalizing possession, some wonder if New York may soon follow suit.
Attorney Arthur Aidala said the floodgates are now open for the discussion of legalizing the green leaf in the Big Apple and beyond.
"It is definitely within the realm of possibilities that there will be an initiative put on the ballot either this November or next November regarding marijuana being legal," Aidala said.
But he said that despite state laws, there still may be consequences for possession on a federal level.
"Federally speaking the United States of America still says marijuana is illegal," he said. "The confusion is going to be if New York, New Jersey or Connecticut says it's okay to sell small amounts of marijuana is the FBI going to come in and start making arrests?"
People we spoke to had mixed reactions to the prospect of freely possessing pot in New York.
So while pro-legalization advocates have high hopes for change, lighting up and inhaling in New York could get you a summons.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-16 11:42:27 GMT
Authorities say they plan to resume the search for an upstate man now that a body found in the Hudson River earlier this week has been identified as his companion in a canoe that capsized last December.
Authorities say they plan to resume the search for an upstate man now that a body found in the Hudson River earlier this week has been identified as his companion in a canoe that capsized last December.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:03 PM EDT2013-05-15 17:03:28 GMT
Top Senate Democrat Charles Schumer plans to revive legislation that would protect journalists and their employers from revealing their sources
Top Senate Democrat Charles Schumer plans to revive legislation that would protect journalists and their employers from revealing their sources, days after it was revealed that the Justice Department secretly obtained Associated Press phone records.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:09 AM EDT2013-05-14 10:09:21 GMT
The country's four biggest cellphone companies are set to launch their first joint advertising campaign against texting while driving.
The country's four biggest cellphone companies are set to launch their first joint advertising campaign against texting while driving, uniting behind AT&T's "It Can Wait" slogan.
Saturday, May 18 2013 8:06 AM EDT2013-05-18 12:06:18 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:49 AM EDT2013-05-18 11:49:20 GMT
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:03:04 GMT
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:17:46 GMT
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
