On January 1, 2014, there was a new scent in the Colorado air. The legalization of new “recreational marijuana” has caught the attention of Colorado citizens. With lines stretching from block to block, everyone seemed to want a taste of what the new law has to offer, such as medical and recreational uses. But, there are many reasons within the state why the law was passed in the first place.

Legalization of cannabis and the selling of recreational marijuana has caused uproar in the Midwest. According to a recent article from CNN, “Voters wanted this. And the law is now in the Colorado constitution after 55% of voters said yes to legalizing recreational marijuana.” Colorado and Washington are the first two states in the U.S. that have officially legalized the distribution of recreational cannabis and are using the distribution taxes to strengthen their economies. The retail weed will be taxed 25% by the state, as well as 2.5% for the normal state sales tax. Counties or cities where it is sold may add additional tax to it if they please. With all the revenue coming in, estimated to be $67 million a year, almost $28 million will be designated to the Colorado school system itself.

The Federal Government has chosen to be a bystander while the legalization process is in hand. CNN stated, “Federal law says the drug’s possession, manufacture, and sale is illegal, punishable by up to life in prison, and its mass cultivation is a sensitive subject among growers, experts say.” They also said that the U.S. Justice Department won’t “challenge” the legalization of recreational marijuana because they want to focus on drug trafficking and keeping the marijuana out of children’s hands. Drug Enforcement Agencies such as the DEA, as well as the Colorado Police force, will be cracking down on illegal sale and distribution of marijuana, as well as keep an extra eye open for anyone under the age of 21 participating in the use of recreational marijuana.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana, there are still many questions to be answered. Although taxes from the marijuana will benefit the school system, drug enforcement agencies will need to be at the top of their game to make sure the drug is not abused nor in the hands of anyone under the age of 21. Also, since it is still considered an illegal drug to the Federal Government, the use of marijuana outside of Colorado will result in jail time and a fine. So, even though marijuana is legal, you need to know and understand the laws to keep out of trouble.