Stores in Denver, CO are gearing up to begin selling marijuana for recreational use early next week. The first wave of 14 businesses and 17 growers received licenses today, The Associated Press reports, the latest in a years-long process to legalize the recreational drug in the state. It was cleared for personal use more than a year ago, but it's taken longer to get businesses up and running due to a permit process that involves inspections and security requirements. There's also been a moratorium on sales that lifts next week. More licenses are expected to be doled out as state officials approve additional applications from businesses that hope to capitalize on the policy change.

The local Denver sales begin January 1, 2014, just in time for New Year's Day hangovers.