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.
The body of one of three New Yorkers killed in an attack in Afghanistan is scheduled to arrive in his upstate hometown while the funeral of a second victim is being held in the Hudson Valley.
The body of one of three New Yorkers killed in an attack in Afghanistan has arrived in his upstate hometown as the funeral of a second victim was being held in the Hudson Valley.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:27 GMT
Authorities say they still haven't determined what caused six U.S. border agents to require decontamination and medical attention after inspecting a vehicle at a crossing in northern New York.
Authorities say they still haven't determined what caused six U.S. border agents to require decontamination and medical attention after inspecting a vehicle at a crossing in northern New York.
Sunday, June 16 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-06-16 21:39:47 GMT
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking New York colleges and universities to place tougher standards that would make it hard for students to abuse stimulants like Adderall. Schumer during a Sunday afternoon press conference said between 15 and 35 percent of college students frequently use Adderall to stay up to study. He said students shouldn’t be able to get amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall without a legitimate diagnosis and prescription.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking New York colleges and universities to place tougher standards that would make it hard for students to abuse stimulants like Adderall. Schumer during a Sunday afternoon press conference said between 15 and 35 percent of college students frequently use Adderall to stay up to study. He said students shouldn’t be able to get amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall without a legitimate diagnosis and prescription.
Saturday, June 15 2013 7:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 23:36:20 GMT
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo was honored with a portrait that was unveiled inside the Hall of Governors in the state capital in Albany on Saturday. Current governor and son Andrew Cuomo was there as well. "A year ago we presented Governor Mario Cuomo with his official gubernatorial portrait.
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo was honored with a portrait that was unveiled inside the Hall of Governors in the state capital in Albany on Saturday. Current governor and son Andrew Cuomo was there as well. "A year ago we presented Governor Mario Cuomo with his official gubernatorial portrait.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:24:26 GMT
A high-profile New York Air National Guard airlift wing has promoted sexual abusers instead of punishing them, according to the retired officer who handled claims of sexual assault in the unit.
A high-profile New York Air National Guard airlift wing has promoted sexual abusers instead of punishing them, according to the retired officer who handled claims of sexual assault in the unit.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:01:57 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the Wednesday morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the Wednesday morning rush. Crews have bee working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:04 GMT
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
