Colorado first to finalize recreational pot rules

Colorado has become the first state in the country to finalize rules for recreational marijuana businesses, which are expected to open at the beginning of next year.

The Denver Post reports the rules released late Monday by the Colorado Department of Revenue cover everything from pot shop licensing to inventory tracking to marijuana packaging and advertising. They changed little from their draft form but could add certainty for marijuana entrepreneurs.

Washington and Colorado legalized the recreational use of marijuana last fall.

Washington’s Liquor Control Board recently tweaked its proposed rules to clarify how many pot stores will be allowed in the state, and in each county. It’s on track to approve the rules and begin issuing licenses for pot growers, processors and sellers around the end of the year.