Cannabis goes on legal sale in US state of Colorado

[Jazzy]

The US state of Colorado is making history by becoming the first to allow stores to sell cannabis.

As many as 30 stores around the state are expected to start selling the drug for recreational purposes from 1 January, dubbed Green Wednesday.

Store owners had stocked up, prepared celebrations and hired extra security in preparation for their opening on Green Wednesday.

Under the new law, cannabis will be sold like alcohol. Residents will be able to buy up to one ounce, while those from out of the state can purchase up to a quarter of an ounce.

Cannabis can only be smoked on private premises, with the permission of the owners.

The sale of the drug will be taxed in the same way as alcohol, and state officials have said they expected it to raise millions - the first $40m of which will be used for school construction, The Denver Post reports.

It was not clear exactly how many shops were expected to open on New Year's Day, though around 30 were listed by The Denver Post.

A total of 136 stores have been given licenses to sell marijuana. Most of the shops are based in Denver. Some communities elsewhere in Colorado have exercised their right not to have the stores.

Supporters of legalising cannabis have praised Colorado's move.

But critics say it sends the wrong message to the nation's youth and fear it will lead to serious public health and social problems.

Full article

What are your thoughts on this? Is this a good idea or a bad idea and why?

 

[Nebulous]

They should sell it in all the stores that sell liquor. Makes sense to me, since its legal there.