Stores across the State of Washington are reporting massive increases in the sale of cookies, potato chips, small cakes, pastries and ice cream with some grocery stores running out of supplies early this morning.
Possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by adults became legal today in the state and the new law has boosted the local sugary and savory snack economy in towns and cities across Washington.
Initiative 502, passed last month by Washington voters, legalized recreational marijuana use starting December 6, but it will take a year before there are rules for growing and selling it.
However that hasn't stopped "stoners" hitting the stores and stocking up food ready for the "munchies".
"It is fantastic news" said Harold Rodriguez, a store owner in Seattle, "It isn't just your normal potheads who are coming in grabbing all the snacks, middle aged hippies, professionals - even a couple of lawyers. They are spending - it is like - hey - what fiscal cliff?"
The legalization of marijuana in Washington State however did cause one problem for a visiting tourist from France, who upon arriving in the Nation's capital of Washington DC proceeded to light up a joint as he toured the city.
Jean Pierre Bastardo was jumped on by cops who beat the Frenchman to a pulp as he puffed away on his joint while admiring the Lincoln Memorial. He suffered serious head wounds and died en-route to hospital.
American Embassies have been issued a memorandum that advises visitors to the United States that while smoking weed in Washington State is legal, indeed encouraged, smoking weed in Washington DC will result in a beating by cops and if you are lucky to survive such a beating you will receive a $200 fine.
