Marijuana Law: Seattle Cops Say 'Get Baked'

A new law on recreational marijuana use has come into force in Washington state, allowing smokers to light up at home but not in public.

The authorities issued their own advice - with a light touch - via the official Seattle Police Blotter on the dos and don'ts of rolling a joint.

"Does this mean you should flagrantly roll up a mega-spliff and light up in the middle of the street? No.

"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."

Even so some users celebrated the new law by gathering at midnight to smoke in public beneath Seattle's Space Needle.

Others partied outside the headquarters of Hempfest, the 21-year-old festival that attracts tens of thousands of pot fans every summer.

Marijuana fans light up under the lights of Seattle's Space Needle

"This is a big day because all our lives we've been living under the iron curtain of prohibition," said Hempfest director Vivian McPeak.

"The whole world sees that prohibition just took a body blow."

But after a short grace period, Seattle police officers are now under orders to tell smokers to "take it inside".

Washington's new law decriminalises possession of up to an ounce for those over 21, but for now selling marijuana remains illegal.

The state has a year to come up with a system of state-licensed growers, processors and retail stores, and it will levy a 25% tax at each stage.

It could mean hundreds of millions of dollars a year in revenue for schools, health care and basic government functions.

However, an ongoing federal ban means agents can still arrest people for possession, which remains illegal at federal properties, including military bases and national parks.

The US Justice Department has not said whether it will sue to try to block the new laws in Washington and Colorado, which also voted to legalise recreational use from January 5.

A Washington same-sex couple show off their new marriage licence

Midnight in Washington also saw dozens of same-sex couples obtaining marriage licences.

The state joined several others that already allow gays and lesbians to wed after last month's vote.

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