Pubdate: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 Source: Daily Telegraph (Australia) Copyright: 2013 News Limited Contact: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/readers-comments Website: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/113 Note: LTE form at bottom of comment page AMERICA IS LEGALISING MARIJUANA MARIJUANA users in Colorado and Washington are counting down the hours before the western US states become the first to legalise recreational pot shops on January 1. Blazing a trail they hope will be followed in other parts of the US, cannabis growers and others are also rubbing their hands, while tax collectors are eyeing the revenue the newly-legalised trade will generate. Companies are offering marijuana tours to cash in on tourists expected to be attracted to the pot culture - including in Colorado's ski resorts. "The novelty alone is bringing people from everywhere," said Adam Raleigh of cannabis supplier Telluride Bud. Medical marijuana is already legal and regulated in 19 US states, and has been for 20 years. Private consumption is not classified as a crime. Colorado and Washington are creating a recreational market in which local authorities will oversee growing, distribution and marketing. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D