California, Massachusetts, Maine, Arizona, and Nevada voters are deciding whether or not weed should be legalized for recreational use in this upcoming general election. In three other states, voters will also decide whether it should be used for medical reasons . The drug has grown in popularity over the years despite being illegal under federal law. According to a Gallup poll released in August, the number of adults who have smoked weed has nearly doubled in three years. Marijuana is used for its medicinal properties that have helped children and pets with seizures.