Pot legalized Thursday, Island County quietly sober

No clouds of malodorous smoke or bong-wielding hippies were reported on Whidbey Island Thursday as marijuana smoking officially became legal in the state.

No clouds of malodorous smoke or bong-wielding hippies were reported on Whidbey Island Thursday as marijuana smoking officially became legal in the state.

While some pot smokers made a stink at the Space Needle in celebration of the law change, Whidbey Island pot smokers apparently feted in private.

In November, Island County voters joined others around the state in passing a referendum legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. It’s currently not legal to buy, sell or grow pot for strictly recreational use, but that will be coming in the next year unless the federal government steps in.

The law allows adults 21 years old or older to possess up to an ounce of the controversial bud.

Law enforcement officials on Whidbey pointed out that smoking weed in public places still isn’t kosher. It isn’t technically a crime, but police can hand out civil infractions, as they can for people caught drinking alcohol in a public place.