America’s First Legal Recreational Cannabis Sales Since Prohibition Begin Today In Colorado
The first legal recreational cannabis sales in the United States since before the start of prohibition will occur today, with dozens of retail outlets in Colorado planning to begin sales to anyone 21 and older.
As of today, January 1st, the portion of Amendment 64 which allows for recreational retail outlets to distribute cannabis takes effect, with dozens of outlets – most of which are in Denver – having already received their official business licenses. In total, 348 businesses have been approved to sell, cultivate or manufacture recreational cannabis or cannabis products in Colorado. Most of these locations are expected to be open by the summer.
Outside of these cannabis outlets, anyone 21 and older in the state can legally cultivate up to 6 plants at home, and can legally possess up to an ounce of cannabis; consuming in public remains illegal, but is a ticket, rather than an arrestable offense.
In Denver, where many of the recreational retail outlets that are beginning sales today will be located, the city has established a map on their website pointing people to the locations that are planning to be open; the map can be found by clicking here. A statewide map can be found here.
In many locations, lines have formed hours before doors open (sales can legally begin at 8AM), with crowds celebrating the arrival of legal cannabis.
According to reports, cannabis legalization in Colorado will save the state tens of millions of dollars in enforcement costs, while generating tens of millions in new taxes.
– TheJointBlog