Recreational pot sales roll out in California, with celebratory ‘blunts’ and big crowds

Taylor Anthony, from New York, takes a whiff of marijuana for sale at 420 Central in Santa Ana, Calif., during the first day of legal recreational-pot sales on Jan. 1.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Jan. 1, 2018 6:41 PM PT

Customers got in line at various outlets to buy such things as pre-rolled joints and topical creams and foods infused with marijuana.

Chris Brown, left, an employee of 420 Central in Santa Ana, Calif., and Jason Ayala thank each other after completing a sale on Jan. 1.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

A line of customers extends out of the front door at 420 Central in Santa Ana, Calif., on Jan. 1.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Customer Kurt Elvis talks to employee Kevin Gardner at 420 Central in Santa Ana, Calif., on Jan. 1, the first day of legal recreational-pot sales in California.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Customers smell marijuana for purchase at Cathedral City Care Collective in Cathedral City on Jan. 1.

(Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times)

Bob and Judy Malgeri discuss their purchase options at 420 Central in Santa Ana, Calif., on Jan. 1.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Customers inspect marijuana for sale at Cathedral City Collective Care on Jan. 1.

(Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times)

Enrique Rodriguez, left, buys marijuana at Cathedral City Collective Care on Jan. 1, the first day of legal recreational-pot sales in California.

(Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times)

Jason Ayala, from New York, reacts to an inspection of a product offered at 420 Central in Santa Ana, Calif., on Jan. 1, the first official day of legal recreational-pot sales in California.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)