Post date: Aug 17, 2013 11:41:9 AM
Marijuana enthusiasts in Seattle, Washington kick off their annual "Hempfest" festival for the first time since recreational marijuana use was legalized last year.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (AUGUST 16, 2013) (NBC) - Marijuana enthusiasts in Seattle, Washington kicked off the annual "Hempfest" celebration on Friday (August 16), marking the first time the festival has been held since voters in Washingtonlegalized recreational marijuana use last year.
The ground-breaking ballot measure made the Pacific Northwest state one of just two in the nation - alongside Colorado - to legalize recreational marijuana use.Hempfest organizers last year raised eyebrows by officially taking a neutral stance on the measure, which called for a state-regulated regime of marijuana growers, processors and sellers that is set to take effect next year.
This year, they hope a more collegial approach by the police, who have said they plan to distribute Doritos tortilla chips instead of citations, will be mirrored by attendees, some of whom had been concerned that the initiative could negatively affect the distribution and use of medical marijuana.