By KYLA THORPE

The first license to legally sell marijuana in Washington state was given to Sean Green this week. Green, chief executive of Kouchlock Productions, is already an established businessman, operating a medical marijuana dispensary.

This is a big step for the state and will set precedence for the nation. Although marijuana has been legalized, it’s still technically not legal yet since the marijuana shops haven’t been built.

Green isn’t shy about his plans either. He’s made it very clear that he’s a supporter of getting, “stoned,” and will even create a “super-joint.” This involves creating a candle out of cannabis and flowers.

Other than being beneficial to marijuana users in Washington, Green also believes his company will be successful because he will be providing (legal) jobs.

For those of you who might be worried about Green’s ability to properly run his recreational marijuana business, he had to pass certain tests before obtaining his license. This includes passing a criminal and financial background check, making a business plan, and choosing a location not too close to schools or daycare centers.

I think that this will be a great milestone for those who enjoy recreational use of marijuana, but I can’t help but think of all of the potential problems that its legalization will bring.

For example, marijuana use will be legal for those 21 and older and, like alcohol, those underage will still find a way to get it by any means they find necessary.

But maybe not. What will happen to the underground marijuana dealers? Will some of them remain illegitimate to sell to underage customers? Will some of them clean up a little bit, apply for a license, and become legitimate businessmen?

I think that it’s going to be interesting to see how the whole underground marijuana market fares through this, if most of it will remain underground or come into the real world and do things like start paying taxes. It’s been running pretty well for over 75 years so it will definitely take some time for it to adapt.

Green’s shop is set to open in this summer. Like the other pioneers of the recreational marijuana business, he will  be closely watched and heavily reported on. Their success could be what other states need to be propelled into approving marijuana recreationally.

It will be interesting to see how this all turns out when summer finally comes. Will there be strikes from drug-free advocates? Will users be lined up down the street? It has become an on-going national news story.

Most importantly, which state will be the next to approve it?