Pot Prices in Colo. Quickly Double

As predicted, demand far outpaces supply

At Medicine Man Denver, a shop in Colorado's capital that began selling marijuana for recreational use last week, people waited in line to get their first taste of legal weed. Some shouted "Freedom!" to the cheering crowd as they walked out with bags of dope. They also paid about double the cost of medical marijuana.

Customers were charged $45 for an eighth of an ounce of recreational pot, compared with $25 for an identical amount that he sells for medical purposes, said Andy Williams, the president and chief executive officer.

"They're not used to coming into a facility and paying $25 an eighth, so when they come in, it's just whatever the price is," Williams, 45, said by telephone. "Having the ability to buy safe, reliable, quality marijuana in an environment that's fun and exciting sure beats going in a back alley and saying, 'Hey buddy, you got a bag?'"