Reefer for all!  In the wake of election day, people in several states are busily adjusting to the new way of life they wake up to.  Several historic ballot initiatives passed last night, all of which concern personal liberty in some form or fashion.  Colorado and Washington state have legalized the growth and distribution of marijuana to adults over 21, and Maine and Maryland became the first states where voters voted to legalize gay marriage.  Previous gay marriage decisions have came at the hands of the courts, not the will of the majority.  Same-sex marriage ballot initiatives have failed in 32 other states, including Maine in 2009.

“The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will,” said Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, who opposed legalized marijuana in his state. “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 Goldfish too quickly.”

In Washington state, the mechanics and distribution tax laws are already in place.  Growers kick back 25 percent, distributors kick back 25 percent, buyers pay 25 percent, have to be 21, and can only buy from licensed dispensers.  It is expected to bring in as much as $500 million in that state   Meanwhile, Colorado legalized up to 1 ounce of pot or 6 plants for personal use, so get your green thumb ready!  Of course, marijuana is still legal federally, so… that’ll be a fun court battle.

It’s amazing that the first state to legalize pot wasn’t California, isn’t it?  California’s ballot measure for that failed in 2010, yet it remains one of America’s premier drug-smuggling destinations.

Tags: colorado, washington, maine, maryland, gay marriage, legalized marijuana, legal pot, ballot initiatives, colorado and maryland legalize marijuana, maine and maryland legalize gay marriage, first state votes to legalize marijuana, first state votes to legalize gay marriage by ballot, voting, election day results, unusual laws, law and order, john hickenlooper

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