Colorado becomes first US state to sell cannabis

Colorado on January 1 will become the “Amsterdam of America,” opening the first shops in the US to sell legally cannabis to all comers for recreational use.

Sun (those in authority) conjunct Moon (politicians have decided the first $40 million will be used to build new schools) conjunct Pluto (letting go of the old ("Prohibition is Over" New Year's Eve parties). Ceres (growing, herbs, horticulture, plants) sextile Pholus (celebrations (largest planned New Year's Day cannabis party).

As the state prepared for a wave of so-called “pot tourism,” extra police officers were on duty in the capital Denver and officials sought to limit use of the drug in popular ski resorts amid safety fears.

There were also concerns that cannabis would immediately be bought up and smuggled out of the state, leading to Denver International Airport introducing its own rules banning possession of the drug on its premises with fines of up to $999 (£600).

Under a law voted for by residents of Colorado in Nov 2012, known as Amendment 64, the state is allowing adults aged over 21 to buy up to an ounce of cannabis at licensed shops.

The state is levying a 25 per cent tax and it has been estimated that could bring in revenue of nearly $100 million a year. Politicians have decided the first $40 million will be used to build new schools.
A total of 348 retail licences have already been issued, although only a few dozen of those shops are expected to open at the first opportunity on Jan 1.

Possession of the drug remains illegal under federal law but the US Department of Justice is allowing the Colorado experiment to go ahead.

In Denver officials have adopted local rules which will still allow them to fine people smoking the drug in public places.

Amid fears of disorder they threatened to enforce such fines on people attending the largest planned New Year’s Day cannabis party in the city.

The “Cannabition” party was subsequently cancelled at the 11th hour.

Organiser Matt Brown said: “It is unfortunate that the City of Denver has chosen to take such a hardline stand against the idea of adults assembling to legally celebrate the unprecedented milestone represented by Amendment 64.”

Other “Prohibition is Over” New Year’s Eve parties, with attendees donning 1920s attire, were still due to go ahead.

Tourism companies have lined up packages including clients willing to spend up to $10,000 for a week in a luxury ski resort with a private concierge to take them to cannabis shops.

Adam Raleigh of cannabis supplier Telluride Bud Co. said: “Just the novelty alone is bringing people from everywhere. I have people driving in from Texas, Arizona, Utah, to be a part of history.”
Cannabis is already legal for use by people with medical conditions in 19 US states, including Colorado.

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Source: telegraph.co.uk