The start of the new year marked the first time Colorado residents were able to take full advantage of the new state law established way back in mid 2013 allowing retailers to sell recreational marijuana in stores.

Millions lined up outside of the 37 dispensaries spotted across the state, to spend their hard earned money on the new state delicacy.

Demand for the now legal weed was so great that most dispensaries had to limit the amount of marijuana each costumer could buy even further (state residents were originally allowed to buy up to one ounce while out of town buyers are prohibited to a fourth of an ounce). However dispensers reported that, after the first week, customer traffic was lower they still had lines leading out the door.

In the first week alone dispensers made a combined $5 million, 25 percent of which went to the state. If these sales numbers keep up, the sales tax of marijuana could become one of the most well established sources of income for state and the federal government.

Colorado has put down some ground rules for users, however, such as not to disturb those around them who don’t want to see or smell others smoking. Also, you must be 21 years of age to buy marijuana from dispensers. And you are confined to smoking in private areas. So no “cruising” with your buddies and no smoking out in public. The safest place to do it without being bothered is to do it in your own home, but some restaurants have re-established smoking sections specifically for cannabis.

The most surprising thing about the new legalized plant is just how uneventful it has been. The only real problems came from people being ignorant to the laws prohibiting public smoking or driving under the influence of THC, but since these rules were not universally known many people were let off with a warning. But as people get more comfortable with legal marijuana, many should start expect officers to start cracking down more on those breaking these the laws.

Colorado has people around the United States buzzing with both excitement and worry.

“The nation as a whole should take a lesson from Colorado,” said a DHS student who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s only a matter of time before it gets legalized every where.”

“Well, no doubt it’s going to help out the Colorado economy,” said a DHS staff member who wished to remain anonymous. “But I think it should be up to the individual states to decide.”

While the benefits of marijuana are prevalent many are still opposed to the plant.

“Its a mistake,” said senior Max Simonian. “Its a drug so it should be illegal.”

Many hold a neutral stance on the controversial plant.

“I think the state of Kansas will never pass that law,” said a DHS staff member that also wished to remain anonymous. “I think there are good arguments on both sides. I also think too many of the students here think they’re in Colorado.”

The recent events in Colorado have caused a shock wave to ripple across the nation. This has made many states and their residents, begin to reconsider their stance on the legalization of marijuana.