Washington state lights up as marijuana legalized
Daily news | ankakh | December 7, 2012 17:43Pot smokers lit up in Washington state as recreational marijuana became legal in a historic first for the United States, clouded by the fact that federal law still bans the practice.
Midnight pot parties were reported across the western US state as a new law came into force following a November 6 referendum to legalize private consumption of marijuana for recreational use.
Some 200 people gathered Thursday at midnight (0800 GMT) outside Seattle’s appropriately-named Space Needle, a futuristic tower that dominates the skyline, to light up and celebrate their newfound freedom. “You can smoke and not feel like a criminal. It’s really no different than having a beer or something. In fact, I think it’s less dangerous,” Calvin Lee told the local Kiro 7 television station.
The law made it legal for those over 21 to possess and use up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana. A number of US states have already legalized pot for medicinal purposes, but Washington is the first allowing it purely for fun. Colorado residents approved a similar law last month, on the same day President Barack Obama was re-elected, but its pot lovers will have to wait until January 5 to light up with impunity.
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