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Washington became one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2012. But there are a lot of challenges ahead: the state must set up a licensing system for marijuana growers and sellers, the federal government may mount a challenge, the need to set a new limit on amount of marijuana in the bloodstream for safe driving. And medical marijuana is still in the picture.Over the next several months we will be exploring the issue and tracking the impact of I-502.

Sizing Up Washington's Pot Market

Flickr Photo/prensa4 (CC-BY-NC-ND)

Starting today, you can light up in the privacy of your home. State law has changed regarding marijuana possession, but the business rules will have to be developed. The state Liquor Control Board has a year to figure out how to set up Washington’s marijuana market. The federal government’s tax laws will put a crimp on any Washington state entrepreneur until Congress makes a change. We talk to the Aaron Smith of the National Cannabis Industry Association about the path ahead.

Also this hour: We hear from couples lined up outside the King County Administration Building for the state's first same-sex marriage licenses and check in with UW law professor Peter Nicolas; Katy Sewall visits with animal communicator Rachel Millikan; we listen back to an old-time radio Christmas tale called "The Cinnamon Bear;"  plus, feeling hungry? Sara Dickerman joins us with a lunch recommendation for tasty spam in a truck from Marination Ma Kai.