Free Talk Live

Legislators in Colorado are still working out how to regulate recreational marijuana. Until new guidelines are announced medical dispensaries are still playing by the old rule book and only selling to those with valid registrations. While sales will be regulated, Amendment 64 clearly states that its legal for anyone 21+ to possess or gift up to an ounce (and grow 6 of their own plants) the free market has come up with an innovative 64 compliant solution.

The last decade and a half have been good to marijuana (or kind to bud, if you go for that kind of joke). More and more states have passed medical marijuana laws since California blazed the path way back in 1996, and just last year, Colorado became the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. That was a dream come true for both proponents of legalization at the federal level and the long-suffering residents of Colorado, who have absolutely nothing else to do but smoke pot...

WASHINGTON - Advocates of a Colorado campaign aimed at legalizing marijuana through the ballot box are directly targeting the most difficult voters to win over on the issue: parents. "Please, card my son," the billboard reads, which went up Wednesday across from the Denver Broncos' stadium and displays a father with his arm on his son's shoulder.

Eight former Drug Enforcement Administration chiefs said Tuesday that the federal government needs to act now or it might lose the chance to nullify Colorado and Washington's laws legalizing recreational marijuana use.

"We will vigorously enforce the CSA against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law," Attorney General Eric Holder
(They know what is best for us, Don't you think?)Samintn

It has been a little over a month since Coloradans approved a groundbreaking law legalizing small amounts of marijuana for recreational use. Now that the celebratory haze has settled, state officials and marijuana advocates on Monday began sifting through the thorny regulatory questions that go beyond merely lighting up.

As the medical marijuana industry became more legitimate and businesses had the opportunity to profit, the number of MMCs in the state grew from under 50 to more than 1,000. With over 300 in Denver alone, there are more MMCs than Starbucks locations. "The medical marijuana program has generated an incredible amount of government revenue at a time when our state and localities are broke. It's brought in an incredible amount of sales tax and income tax. Vacant lots have been finding businesses," says Mike Elliott, the executive director of the Medical Marijuana Industry Group.

Footage of Civic Center Park right in front of the Colorado State House in downtown Denver.

California's Legislature is considering a bill that would make it the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use as well. It is unlikely to pass this year, but Gray and other advocates hope to have a proposition on the November ballot that would legalize marijuana use for anyone 21 or older.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-03-08-marijuana_N.htm