paulitician
Platinum Member
- Oct 7, 2011
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Finally some sanity, and hopefully the beginning of the end for the 'War on Drugs.' Adults should have the right to decide whether or not they want to use Drugs. It should have never been a Government issue.
The new year got a little happier for pot smokers in Colorado on Wednesday when retail marijuana outlets began selling marijuana for recreational use.
"Marijuana does not have to be a burden to our communities," said Betty Aldworth, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. "Today in Colorado we shift marijuana from the underground into a regulated market."
The first sale, orchestrated as a media photo opportunity, was made to Sean Azzariti, an Iraq War veteran who has publicly lobbied for legalization and says pot helps mitigate problems stemming from his post-traumatic stress disorder. Azzariti spent about $60 at 3D Cannabis Center for an eighth of an ounce of "Bubba Kush" and a pot-laden truffle.
"Thanks so much," he said to the cashier.
Aldworth said pot sales in the state are expected to reach $400 million this year. More than $40 million is targeted for public schools. Dozens of shops are opened or will open soon. She spoke of jobs, tax dollars and peace of mind for marijuana smokers.
But for many, the new law is all about fun.
"Honestly, I thought I'd never see the day," said a giddy Errin Reaume of Denver, who shared hits of concentrated marijuana at a 1920s-themed "Prohibition Is Over" party in downtown Denver.
There are, of course, limits. Sales are legal in only seven of the state's 64 counties, and nine municipalities including Denver. And Amendment 64, the state ballot issue that legalized pot, does not allow public pot smoking. Buyers -- and users -- must be at least 21 years old, and purchases are limited to an ounce at a time for state residents, a quarter of an ounce for out-of-state buyers.
Driving while smoking pot is illegal, as is driving under the influence of it. The limit: five nanograms or more of THC per milliliter of blood...
More:
Iraq war vet makes Colorado's first pot purchase
DRUDGE REPORT 2014®
The new year got a little happier for pot smokers in Colorado on Wednesday when retail marijuana outlets began selling marijuana for recreational use.
"Marijuana does not have to be a burden to our communities," said Betty Aldworth, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. "Today in Colorado we shift marijuana from the underground into a regulated market."
The first sale, orchestrated as a media photo opportunity, was made to Sean Azzariti, an Iraq War veteran who has publicly lobbied for legalization and says pot helps mitigate problems stemming from his post-traumatic stress disorder. Azzariti spent about $60 at 3D Cannabis Center for an eighth of an ounce of "Bubba Kush" and a pot-laden truffle.
"Thanks so much," he said to the cashier.
Aldworth said pot sales in the state are expected to reach $400 million this year. More than $40 million is targeted for public schools. Dozens of shops are opened or will open soon. She spoke of jobs, tax dollars and peace of mind for marijuana smokers.
But for many, the new law is all about fun.
"Honestly, I thought I'd never see the day," said a giddy Errin Reaume of Denver, who shared hits of concentrated marijuana at a 1920s-themed "Prohibition Is Over" party in downtown Denver.
There are, of course, limits. Sales are legal in only seven of the state's 64 counties, and nine municipalities including Denver. And Amendment 64, the state ballot issue that legalized pot, does not allow public pot smoking. Buyers -- and users -- must be at least 21 years old, and purchases are limited to an ounce at a time for state residents, a quarter of an ounce for out-of-state buyers.
Driving while smoking pot is illegal, as is driving under the influence of it. The limit: five nanograms or more of THC per milliliter of blood...
More:
Iraq war vet makes Colorado's first pot purchase
DRUDGE REPORT 2014®