Washington state’s new law legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana took effect Thursday and stoners gathered at the Space Needle at midnight to show just how fired up they are.
Just so you've been warned… If you walk past the Space Needle, you may get a contact high. The 502 is burning…
— Rich Lyons (@StillRichEnough) December 6, 2012
People are having a huge as smokeout at the Space Needle saying its a huge historic moment for them…….lmfaooo
— Its not Zura, Its Katsura (@HelloUliii) December 6, 2012
Historic!
Sparking a new era – marijuana smokers light up legally in Washington. pic.twitter.com/XPOXilUE
— Jim Forman (@JimFormanTV) December 6, 2012
Space Needle pot party. pic.twitter.com/CW1s4YVE
— Jim Forman (@JimFormanTV) December 6, 2012
Of course, it isn’t actually legal to smoke up in public.
Possessing Marijuana for personal use becomes legal in the American state of Washington today. Smoking in public still not allowed.
— Kate Forbes (@forbeesta) December 6, 2012
Not that that stopped anyone. The Seattle Police Department isn’t quite ready to enforce the new law and says that “adult personal use remains the City’s lowest law enforcement priority.”
Seattle police told tonight to issue verbal warnings only to people caught smoking pot in public.
— WA Most Wanted (@catchwmw) December 6, 2012
“SPD Officers Shall Not Take Any Enforcement Action" For Public Marijuana Use #hashtag http://t.co/wt57ZZK5
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) December 6, 2012
Police plan to rely on “helpful reminders” until the state or city “gives officers clear direction on how to deal with the provisions of I-502 prohibiting public use of marijuana.” More from the Seattle Police Department:
In the meantime, in keeping with the spirit of I-502, the department’s going to give you a generous grace period to help you adjust to this brave, new, and maybe kinda stoned world we live in.
Does this mean you should flagrantly roll up a mega-spliff and light up in the middle of the street? No. If you’re smoking pot in public, officers will be giving helpful reminders to folks about the rules and regulations under I-502 (like not smoking pot in public). But the police department believes that, under state law, you may responsibly get baked, order some pizzas and enjoy a Lord of the Rings marathon in the privacy of your own home, if you want to.
So, uh, smoke ’em if you got ’em! You have the police department’s blessing.
It's like the people partying outside the Space Needle cause weed is legal in Seattle now don't have jobs to go to in the mor—- ah. I see.
— Hyphen (@DJHyphen) December 6, 2012
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