The past few days were of a big win for all those who were in favour of making weed legal in the states in the US. The drive was initiated by nine states and voters gave their overwhelming consent to this drive in some seven states. Florida became the first state to legalise it. Around 29 states in the US have laws that favour the use of marijuana either for medicinal or now recreational purposes too. Under the new President, those in the business of marijuana expect it to grow to the tune of $21 billion by 2020.

Now that all states of US have slowly passed the legalisation of weed one particular ballot initiative that needs special mention is the ordinance 300 in the city of Denver. If this ordinance is passed, it would simply translate to the fact that social cannabis consumption would be allowed. And after the counting, the news is that it is passed, which means that those in cannabis business can apply for social consumption permits. The application needs to be backed by one neighbourhood group. Until now, cannabis on premises was allowed in Denver in some of the private events, but with the passage of this ordinance, it can be socially consumed in places that have a licence for the same. Any individual above 21 years of age whether a resident or a tourist will have access to it.

The neighbourhood group backing the permit will have much-negotiating power and the permits will be custom-tailored accordingly. The three conditions that are common to all are:

• Clients will bring their own buds.

• While cannabis smoking is allowed in public view, cannabis vaporising can only be done in designated indoor areas.

• Permits will be allowed only to those businesses that operate away from places like schools and parks, where children are present.

Reacting to the news of cannabis being legalised, most of the people are ecstatic – especially those in the business. Kim Cole, the owner of a place that deals in cultivation, manufacturing and retailing stated, “It is essential that people have a place to consume cannabis for so many reasons. We don’t want tourists to light up in their hotels or cars. Some people cannot consume in their apartments due to lease agreements, while others would prefer to not smoke in front of their young children.” This statement indicates that people understand their responsibility as citizens and adults.