Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper
/ FOX21: file photo
DENVER -- Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper was openly against the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes leading up to the General Election Tuesday.
It didn't matter. Colorado voters passed the measure, with more than a million people voting YES on Amendment 64. Ballots are still being counted, but as of Wednesday morning, 53 percent of the state said yes to legalizing the drug.
Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana, and Washington joined in legalizing it about an hour later Tuesday.
Hickenlooper said his office will act upon the decision of the voters but cautions supporters against celebrating too soon.
“The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will," Hickenlooper said in a statement Tuesday night. "This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don’t break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly.”
Whether Hickenlooper was making a sly joke about pot smokers' eating habits or simply chose two stereotypical munchies is unknown.
Colorado's Attorney General said he will move forward with implementing a law to legalize pot.
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