Vermont residents will not be arrested for small amount marijuana possession starting July 1, as a bill canceling criminal penalties for marijuana possession comes into effect. Vermont will be the 17th state where possession of small amount of marijuana is decriminalized.

Oregon House and Senate finally approved Senate Bill 40 and Senate Bill 82 according to which penalties for marijuana possession will be reduced.

Medical marijuana treatment is now available for Maine residents suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. They are allowed to use medical marijuana if their physician recommends it.

Senate Bill 1250, the Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act, officially died May 3 at the Health Policy Committee without receiving a hearing by lawmakers. Now John Morgan, Orlando attorney, helps activists to organize a signature campaign to place the issue on the ballot in 2014, when the voters will elect a governor, Congress members and state legislators.

According to the poll conducted by Lake Research Partners for the Drug Policy Alliance, 61% of New Jersey residents support marijuana decriminalization and 59% favor taxing, regulating and legalizing cannabis.

A bill decriminalizing possession of small amount of cannabis was signed by Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin.
From July 1 people possessed up to one ounce of marijuana will face just a civil fine.

New York State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 6357 allowing marijuana use by qualified patients. The Bill now goes to the Senate.

New York State senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) stated she was going to introduce a law decriminalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana in New York.

The Governor Pat Quinn`s (D) is going to sign a bill allowing medical marijuana use to Illinois residents suffering from different serious diseases.

Senate Bill 157 permitting hemp cultivation by farmers passed both chambers of the Vermont.