TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The city of Denver, which has a population of about 650,000 has more than 60 marijuana outlets, which sell various products of the drug as well as cookies, creams, pipes and T-shirts. Only a decade ago, it was illegal to sell alcohol on a Sunday. Now anyone of age 21 years or older is allowed to purchase marijuana.
A police officer said to he was worried when Amendment 64 first passed, but that fear turned out to be unproven.
"We found there hasn't been much of a change of anything," he said. "Basically, officers aren't seeing much of a change in how they do police work."
But not all parliaments were convinced legalization is the right thing to do. Governor John Hickenlooper recently called the legalization reckless, while Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said he's against the legalization.
Despite their concerns, the state has gained US$60 million (Rp 753 billion) in pot tax revenue since passing the amendment. Last month, Hancock spent $4 million (Rp 50 billon) on new programs for the city.
Eventhough marijuanan is legal in Denver, it remains illegal on the federal level. Most major banks are reluctant to handle the money marijuana dispensaries bring in, as businesses are unable to use credit or debit cards.
Manager of 3D Cannabis Centre said that being robbed was his biggest fear. He worries about it everyday.
CBC NEWS | WINONA AMANDA