Three Ways Colorado And Washington Will Change Now That Recreational Marijuana Is Legal

Last night, around the same time that the nation was finding out that Barack Obama was to remain its president for the next four years two states, Colorado and Washington began to trend on social media sites for no apparent reason. They hadn't swung the election in any way, which was a landslide in electoral votes. Instead, they grabbed people's attention for legalizing recreational marijuana.

Now citizens of those states can buy up to one ounce (or 28 grams, for those of you scoring at home) of marijuana if you are over the age of 21.

Obviously this is a historic decision made by the people of these states, and one that got me thinking about just how those two states will change beyond just the law itself.

Taco Bell is going to open millions more franchises

Now, I wouldn't know myself but, from what I've heard, partaking in the substance in question, then pulling up to a Taco Bell at 1 a.m. for some Gordita action is an enjoyable experience. Taco Bell would be foolish not to take advantage of that by making its delicious cuisine more available to Coloradans and Washingtonians.

Athletes will want to play in Denver and Seattle more than anywhere else

Athletes are people just like the rest of us. They go to work, they have families, and they occasionally like to enjoy some Mary Jane. Former NFL player Ricky Williams even quit playing football when faced with suspension for using it, because he just didn't want to stop.

With all of that said, you can't tell me that playing and living in a marijuana-legal state won't make the Pacific Northwest or Colorado more appealing than the warm weather of Miami or Dallas. Plus, now the Denver Broncos' stadium, Sports Authority Field at Mile High will be called at Mile High for a good reason.

Drug dealers will become respected members of the community

Think about it, now that the once-illegal drug is illegal, drug dealers will be actual working members of our society. Drug dealing will be an occupation, whether the selling occurs at a convenience store or at a specialty discount marijuana warehouse or wherever people in those states are going to buy their merchandise. Either way, get ready for drug dealers that will finally get the respect they deserve for their enterprising attitude. That's the American dream if I've ever seen it.

Just remember, whether you agree with the decision or not to legalize marijuana in Washington and Colorado, that this is the beauty of the democratic process. And for all of you reading from those two lucky states: just don't go feeding any horses.