Marijuana is now legal in Washington and pot smokers couldn't be happier. Hundreds of weed enthusiasts gathered at Seattle Center under the Space needle for the official midnight countdown to the second that marijuana possession officially became legal in the state.
Large crowds gathered close to midnight as they waited for the moment that their drug of choice became legal. When the clock struck, hundreds of people lit up and celebrated the historic moment as if it was a New Year's celebration, according to Fox.
While many gathered in Seattle Park, others met on a sidewalk outside of the north Seattle headquarters of the annual Hempfest. "I feel like a kid in a candy store!" Hempfest volunteer Darby Hageman told Fox. "It's all becoming real now!"
While the people celebrated, there wasn't a cop in sight. Technically what they were doing was still illegal as smoking pot in public is still punishable and those who break the law can receive a fine, just as if they were drinking in public. However police weren't on sight to stop the happy hemp fans from having their moment.
In fact the 1,300 officers of the Seattle Police Department were told not to issue citations for the public marijuana use shortly before the law went into effect. However police advise pot smokers to take their hobby inside, where it is completely legal.
Washington is one of two states that voted to legalize the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana for adults who are 21 or older. They are the first states to do so. Colorado will have to wait until Jan. 5 for their law to take effect.
Under Initiative 502, pot will also be able to be sold, but not quite yet. The state has a year to come up with an organized system which includes state-licensed growers, processors and stores. The marijuana will also be taxed by 25 percent. The marijuana market could bring millions of dollars for the state which will go towards schools, health care and other things.
While hundreds of weed fans gathered to smoke pot in the state on Thursday, several gay and lesbian couples gathered at the King County auditor's office to pick up marriage licenses as Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a law on Wednesday that legalizes same-sex marriage.
Gay and lesbian couples will be able to marry as soon as Sunday after a three-day waiting period between getting the license.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
