DENVER — The world’s first-ever marijuana retail license was issued in Central City, Colorado on Thursday. The recipient of the local license, Annie’s, which is currently operating as a medical marijuana center, still must receive its state license. Businesses in localities across Colorado are scheduled to begin selling marijuana to adults 21 and older starting January 1, 2014.
Statement from Marijuana Policy Project director of communications Mason Tvert, who co-directed the successful campaign in support of the statewide ballot initiative to regulate marijuana like alcohol in Colorado:
“Colorado is moving forward and leaving marijuana prohibition behind. For the first time in history, those who sell marijuana are receiving licenses from the state instead of rap sheets. Marijuana will be sold to adults by legitimate, taxpaying businesses instead of drug cartels in the underground market.
“Colorado is proving to the rest of the world that marijuana can be regulated like alcohol. It will not be long before voters and lawmakers in other states decide to adopt similar policies. Marijuana is objectively less harmful than alcohol, and it is finally starting to be treated that way.”