AMERICA’S $11 BILLION MARIJUANA GOLD RUSH

Oregon became the first state to decriminalise pot in 1973. There are nine states where recreational cannabis is legal, including California and Colorado, for adults over the age of 21.

Oregon has some of the most relaxed rules, allowing every resident to grow four plants per household and possess 8oz at home.

Medical marijuana is legal in another 29 states, 17 states limit medicinal use, while four states – Idaho, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska – ban it.

It is still illegal to smoke in public spaces or within 100 yards of a school.

A recent poll showed that 64 per cent of Americans favoured legalisation.

National marijuana sales are expected to top $11bn (€8.9bn) this year and reach $21bn (€17bn) by 2021, becoming more lucrative than the soft drinks industry.

Marijuana raised $1.4bn (€1.1bn) in taxes last year. A new study estimated the industry could generate 1.1million jobs by 2025 if it is legalised in all states. The industry employs 125,000 people nationwide.

Celebrity advocates of legalisation include Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston.

Products on the market include weed cola, weed pizza and weed coffee.