Prohibition Ends In Colorado: Recreational Weed Sales Brisk In Denver

COLORADO: The home of America’s first pot arrest is also the home of its first licensed recreational sales, as dozens of medical and recreational fans of cannabis who wanted to be art of history lined up in the freezing Denver dawn this morning to purchase the first legal bags of pot sold in America since before 1937.

“I’m really excited. It’s awesome, this is a major moment in American history,” said 34 year-old Adam Hartle of Jacksonville, FL., who was first in line at 3-D Cannabis in Denver.

The New Year marks the beginning of state-regulated sales of marijuana to any adult over 21 with proof of age, the latest development since Colorado voters legalized cannabis in November 2012. Some $600 million in retail pot sales are expected in the first year, with $67 million in taxes flowing to Colorado schools and public health.

Clad in beanies, hoodies, coats, jeans and gloves, customer sbegan signing up in line at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at 3-D Cannabis Center. The former medical marijuana dispensary is one of 18 Denver businesses officially cleared to open by Jan. 1. Doors opened at 8 a.m. with limits of one quarter-once for $35-$50 plus 21% tax.

The first sale at 3-D Cannabis went to Sean Azzariti, a Denver-based Iraq war veteran treating post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). Azzariti said full legalization benefits those suffering from PTSD — a condition not covered under Colorado’s medical marijuana law despite repeated efforts to add it.

Virginia resident Jacob Elliott lined uwas 14th in line at 3:30 a.m., saying he uses pot for fun, as well as anxiety and motivation. “It gets me going.” He purchased seven individual grams of flowers.

“I just wanted to come out and enjoy the experience of making history. I can’t believe it.”