Recreational Marijuana Shops Open for Business in Colorado

Citizens of Colorado waited for hours in cold, windy weather in anticipation of the state's first legal recreational marijuana dispensaries. 

While most of us spent January 1st watching parades and football and eating ham and black eyed peas, many citizens of Colorado rang in the New Year waiting in long cold lines, in anticipation of the first recreational marijuana dispensaries opening for business. With the sale of recreational marijuana becoming legal in the new year, 24 shops opened yesterday in the state, many located in Denver. This follows the recent legalization of the drug for recreational use in the state, allowing anyone over the age of 21 to purchase the substance.

Surprisingly, officials have reported things went smoothly, despite a few citations for individuals smoking in public, according to Barbara Brohl, Colorado's top marijuana regulator. Inspectors from the state were sent to each of the shops to make sure the seller's understood the tracking system in order to stop the illegal sale of marijuana purchased from the dispensaries. "Pot" bought within the state must stay in Colorado. Washington will have similar restrictions when they open recreational marijuana shops later this spring.

So how much money does legal marijuana cost? Prices vary greatly from shop to shop. However, recreational users may be paying up to 3 times as much as medical users. Sources say that the first transaction of the year was for 3.5 grams, costing $40, and laced chocolate truffles for $9.28. Some say that the large revenue gained from these sales (estimated up to $200 million) may cause other states to follow suit. This, of course, is to the dismay of opponents of the drug, who fear legalization of marijuana will lead to drugged driving and underage smoking.

What do you think about the new law? Tweet me, @DaniOnUS105.