A medical marijuana dispensary, Annie’s, in Colorado was granted a marijuana retail licence. This dispensary is owned by the company Strainwise, who have another seven dispensaries, and hope that all will be approved for the licence.

The first shops will open on the 1st of January of next year. Colorado’s marijuana legalising Amendment 64 campaign co-director Mason Tvert said that “For the first time in history, those who sell marijuana are receiving licenses from the state instead of rap sheets.” It seems clear cut that soon enough other states will follow suit.

In October, 136 applications were received by the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division, which oversees retail marijuana in the state. Submitters are guaranteed a decision by the end of the year, and it is likely that at least a few more shops will open in January. Only businesses already licenced for medical marijuana sales can apply for the recreational licence. Baby steps.

A 25% tax will be levied on recreational marijuana, which is expected to generate around $70 million in additional revenue for the state in the new year.

All in all, this is a welcome departure from the abysmal idiocy that is the War on Drugs, and perhaps another nail in the coffin of this victimless “crime”.