Image Source: CBS BY JEREMY TRUITT ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT   In his final State of the City address Thursday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a big change to the city’s long-standing marijuana laws. “ New York City plans to stop booking people arrested for low-level marijuana possession charges. People who get picked up for having a small amount of marijuana will be released with desk appearance tickets.” Mayor Bloomberg said the legal change will apply only to those with valid I.D. and who clear a criminal warrant check. Additionally, he said “It will allow us to target police resources where they’re needed most.” In his weekly radio address, Mayor Bloomberg clarified that while he is not in favor of marijuana legalization, he is in favor of more flexibility. “I personally am not in favor of legalizing marijuana or any drugs, I think it’s a dangerous thing. But the reality is that for small amounts of marijuana, there’s a lot of kids who have it and you’re just clogging the jails and courts .” The initiative will save the city millions of dollars a year while also raising overall revenue from tickets. New York has made over 400,000 low-level marijuana arrests since Bloomberg took office, costing the city roughly $600 million during that time . The announcement comes just days after Washington Governor Jay Inlee sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder outlining his plans to move forward with legalization in his state. According to Norml.org , an organization dedicated to ending marijuana prohibition, public opinion continues to lean towards marijuana legalization. Five states are considering legislation to legalize the adult consumption and sale of marijuana. Nine states are considering legislation to decriminalize minor marijuana possession offenses. Eight states are considering legislation to legalize the use of marijuana for therapeutic purposes. A recent CBS poll reports 51% of Americans now support the legalization of marijuana for adults compared to 27% as far back as 1979.