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Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana Tuesday, along with Washington state, which passed a similar measure.
The regulation, possession and cultivation don't immediately take effect, which is causing confusion for those unsure of the timeline before marijuana is regulated and a headache for some local medical dispensaries who spent the day explaining.

Rocky Mountain Miracles said they had more than 150 phone calls this morning alone.
A family-run shop, the owner's daughter and registered nurse, Amanda Thompson said they're excited and it seems everyone else is, too.
"We've had tons of people calling," she explained, "Basically what they're calling and asking about is, can they purchase today? I think everybody woke up this morning and was like.. "Yes! It passed! Now where do we go?""

The problem is, her store is exactly where not to go.

Medical dispensaries across the state have been turning away walk-in customers who believe they can legally purchase pot now that the amendment passed.
Colorado Springs Medical Cannabis Council President Tanya Garduno said she's had a number of frantic store owners calling to ask advice on the unexpected calls and customers.
"It's a lot of people just calling up and saying, "Hey can I shop at your center now?" And the answer is no. Absolutely not," she explained, "I suggested people put signs up on their door."

What people may not recognize is that recreational retail stores and medical dispensaries will be separate entities. Patients and civilians will have different laws and different stores.
"Every center in Colorado remains completely medical, completely patient-focused. And if you don't have the right documentation, meaning your red card, your I.D. or your doctor's recommendation then you aren't getting served. Period." Garduno explained.

So, when will marijuana stores show up?

While this amendment makes recreational sales legal, it also allows local governments to ban the retail stores from their cities. The Colorado Springs City Council will need to make that decision on prohibition by July 1, 2013.
That gives lawmakers time to approve a seperate measure to tax the marijuana up to 15 percent with the first 40-million dollars earned going directly to school construction projects.

But implementation of the bill remains uncertain since the ballot measure contradicts federal law.

Governor Hickenlooper addressed the issue at a morning news conference saying he'll respect voters, and will consult Attorney General Eric Holder.
Supporters said the amendment's passing reflects growing national support for liberalized marijuana laws.
It allows adults over 21 to posses up to one ounce of marijuana and to grow up to six plants in private areas.

Patients say they're not so sure whether to support it or worry about their medical marijuana being lost in a potential lawsuit.
"A lot of folks say that it illegitimizes their medicine by letting it go recreational," Garduno said, "but at the same time, folks who have P.T.S.D, that's not a condition that's accepted in Colorado, so for them to be able to get medicine for that is another avenue."