Retailers in the U.S. state of Washington can now legally sell marijuana for recreational use.
Washington Tuesday became just the second western state, after Colorado, to allow marijuana sales without a doctor's prescription.
Washington has so far authorized 24 stores to sell recreational marijuana and six of them planned to open on the first day allowed for sales.
One of the early buyers was Deb Greene, a grandmother of three and competitive runner. She lined up outside a marijuana store 24 hours ahead of time to be first in line.
"I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime, and to be able to vote for it and to be able to enjoy it legally was just an awesome thing in my life," she said.
A marijuana grower, Bob Leeds, was just as ecstatic about his new undertaking.
"This is so exciting. It's just like being a pioneer," he said. "I came out of retirement to do this, and it's the best thing I've ever done."
Marijuana laws are being debated in local communities and state legislative bodies throughout the United States. But with the country facing a host of other challenging issues, there is no move afoot in Congress to set a national policy on marijuana sales.
Earlier this week New York became the 23rd state to authorize pot sales for medical use.
Some information for this report comes from AP and AFP.
