5 states could legalize recreational marijuana use this year - here's what we know

Nearly half of the US has already legalized marijuana, for either medical or recreational use. This November, another eight states could continue the trend.

Rick Wilking/Reuters

Customers shop for "Green Friday" deals at the Grass Station marijuana shop on Black Friday in Denver, Colorado November 28, 2014.

Of those eight states, five have ballot initiatives that could result in outright recreational legalization. Most significantly, California could legalize recreational use - thus making the entire west coast a legal enclave for recreational cannabis.

All the initiatives below can be voted on this November alongside the presidential election. Here's everything we know.