Let it be known that Tuesday, June 8, 2014, a trace of sanity prevailed: state law in Washington now allows the sale of cannabis beginning this morning. Washington joins Colorado as the second state to legalize pot for purely recreational use. You know marijuana has hit the mainstream when there’s an article in Time Mag titled Everything you need to know about buying weed …
So, who is allowed to buy pot?
As with alcohol, only those 21 and older can purchase recreational weed. Out of state residents are allowed to purchase pot, but it must be consumed in Washington. Marijuana remains illegal in neighboring states. And plan on paying with cash. While some legal establishments may be able to take debit cards, none can accept credit cards because of federal banking regulations. …
Aren’t there supposed to be shortages?
Likely so. As in Colorado, people will be drawn out by the historic nature of the occasion, and 24 retail shops is a fraction of the more than 334 the state plans to eventually license. Owners of those few open establishments might decide to ration their product, setting lower-than-normal limits on how much each person can buy, or raise prices while supply is low and demand is high.
That thing about credit cards quietly hints at the gaping chasm between federal and state law on the subject. Banks that accept deposits and provide checking accounts for pot sellers and the entire supply chain risk everything from Revenge of the Treasury to being prosecuted under the RICO Act. But still, it’s good to know that with all the pseudo religious crap and political bullshit and rabid conspiracy claims making their all too dreary and predictable rounds, there are still pockets of progress being made in the elusive intersection between public policy and common sense.
