Private Marijuana Clubs Open in Colorado

Some people in Colorado celebrated New Year’s Eve in private marijuana clubs, which were allowed for the first time under the state’s new recreational marijuana law.

One such party took place in Denver’s Club 64. People filled out an online application and paid $30 to join. The club is named after the new law, Amendment 64, ABC News reports.

Robert Corry, the club’s attorney, said the party included several hundred smokers. “We’re emerging from the shadows of prohibition, so there’s a lot of pent-up demand and interest,” he said. Smokers brought their own marijuana. The new law allows individuals to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and to grow six marijuana plants. They can only smoke in private spaces.

According to the law, the state legislature will establish laws governing the licensing and selling of marijuana. It is still against federal law to possess or sell marijuana.

In December, President Obama said people who use marijuana in Colorado and Washington state, which also legalized the recreational use of the drug, should not be a top priority for federal law enforcement officials. President Obama said he does not currently support widespread legalization of the drug. He acknowledged public opinion on the issue is changing, and there are limited government resources to punish people who use marijuana.