POT SMOKERS LIT up in Washington state today as recreational marijuana became legal in a historic first for the United States, clouded by the fact that federal law still bans the practice.
Pot parties
Midnight pot parties were reported across the western US state as a new law came into force following a November 6 referendum to legalise private consumption of marijuana for recreational use.
Some 200 people gathered at midnight (8AM GMT) outside Seattle’s appropriately-named Space Needle, a futuristic tower that dominates the skyline, to light up and celebrate their newfound freedom.
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 legalised 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.
But even while Washington’s marijuana fans partied, the limits of the new law were underlined: the Space Needle gathering was technically illegal, since the new law allows only private, not public, consumption of weed.
Officers took no action, and the Seattle Police Department said that for the moment it will only issue verbal warnings, even though in theory they could impose $50 fines on those smoking marijuana on a street or in a public square.
Marijwhatnow?
Police drew praise for a blog – which became an instant Internet hit – taking a light-hearted approach to explaining exactly what is and isn’t legal under the new law.
The “Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use in Seattle” includes a link to a “Lord of the Rings” video clip entitled “The Finest Weed,” showing wizard Gandalf blowing meditative smoke rings with Bilbo Baggins.
In keeping with the spirit of (the new law), the department’s going to give you a generous grace period to help you adjust to this brave, new, and maybe kinda stoned world we live in.
Does this mean you should flagrantly roll up a mega-spliff and light up in the middle of the street? No.
But the police department believes that, under state law, you may responsibly get baked, order some pizzas and enjoy a Lord of the Rings marathon in the privacy of your own home, if you want to.
More broadly, the new Washington and Colorado laws run counter to US federal law, which still bans recreational use of marijuana across the country.
“Regardless of any changes in state law growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remains illegal under federal law,” noted the US Attorney’s Office in Seattle.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say