WASHINGTON -- As more states lessen or eliminate marijuana penalties, the Army is now changing its policy.

The Army is now granting hundreds of waivers to enlist people who used the drug in their youth as long as they realize they can't do so again in the military. The number of waivers granted for pot use jumped to more than 500 this year, an increase from 191 in 2016.

As of three years ago, no such waivers existed. The increase is one way officials are dealing with orders to expand the Army's size.