The newly passed Amendment 64 seeks the legalization of marijuana and is seen as a ground-breaking development which is without precedent in the United States. It does not mean just yet that weed is legal to sell in the state and could take up to a year of wrangling before its effect comes into play. Its impact on the individual, though, could come into force in as little as 30 days once the state governor has approved the vote.
“The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will,” Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said in a statement of the measure, of which he is a staunch opponent
“This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don’t break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly.”
Under A64 cannabis, as it is referred to in Europe, will be taxed and regulated in a similar manner to the way in which alcohol currently is.
“Over the past eight years in Colorado, we have argued that it is irrational to punish adults for choosing to use a product that is far less harmful than alcohol,” said co-director of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Mason Tvert in a statement.
“Today, the voters agreed. Colorado with no longer have laws that steer people toward using alcohol, and adults will be free to use marijuana instead if that is what they prefer. And we will be better as a society because of it.”
