Rep . John Hickenlooper is expected to sign the bill , his office said . Colorado became the first state in the nation to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana , allowing pot stores to open for business on January 1 . Police have been ` ` reluctant '' to do business with marijuana sellers due to federal law . Pot sellers are often forced to operate on a cash - only basis , which invites crime .
Rep . John Hickenlooper is expected to sign the bill , his office said . Police have been ` ` reluctant '' to do business with marijuana sellers due to federal law . Pot sellers are often forced to operate on a cash - only basis , which invites crime .