In Oregon, The Holiday Weekend Was Red, White, Blue And Green

On Friday, people in Oregon celebrated the state's legalization of recreational marijuana use.

The state's more relaxed drug policy went into effect on Wednesday, though retail sales of the stuff isn't set to be allowed until next year.

To get around rules barring the sale of recreational marijuana, cannabis enthusiasts organized and event called "Weed the People" on July 3 at which growers, artists, producers and anyone involved in the field could show off and offer samples of their latest offerings.

Big Draw

The event drew around 1,400 participants who were willing to pay a $40 entrance fee in order to sample the various cannabis-themed products inside.

As the state won't accept applications for recreational sales permits until January, pot companies are using events like this one to get their products into the hands of consumers. Growers at the event offered free samples of their strains and artists sold hand-made glass pipes with which to smoke it.

Related Link: Get Your Greens: Farm-To-Table Marijuana

Shifting Tides

The event signaled a shifting tide in the U.S. as more and more consumers call for legalized marijuana. While recreational marijuana is still outlawed in most U.S. states, places like Colorado and Oregon have proven that there is a demand for a recreational marijuana market.

Not only has it become a part of mainstream culture, but the marijuana industry is poised to bring in thousands of tax dollars for local governments as it grows.