Pot smokers lit up in Washington state as recreational marijuana became legal in a historic first for the United States, clouded by the fact that federal law still bans the practice.
Midnight pot parties were reported across the western US state as a new law came into force following a November 6 referendum to legalize private consumption of marijuana for recreational use.
Some 200 people gathered Thursday at midnight (0800 GMT) outside Seattle's appropriately-named Space Needle, a futuristic tower that dominates the skyline, to light up and celebrate their newfound freedom.
"You can smoke and not feel like a criminal. It's really no different than having a beer or something. In fact, I think it's less dangerous," Calvin Lee told the local Kiro 7 television station.
Midnight pot parties were reported across the western US state as a new law came into force following a November 6 referendum to legalize private consumption of marijuana for recreational use.
Some 200 people gathered Thursday at midnight (0800 GMT) outside Seattle's appropriately-named Space Needle, a futuristic tower that dominates the skyline, to light up and celebrate their newfound freedom.
"You can smoke and not feel like a criminal. It's really no different than having a beer or something. In fact, I think it's less dangerous," Calvin Lee told the local Kiro 7 television station.
