High spirits: Thai stoners celebrate legal weed smoking (Photos)

In headbands and tie-dye, they came out of the smoky shadows to celebrate Tuesday.

Weed enthusiasts gathered in a celebratory mood to roll spliffs and get a head start on the legalization of recreational weed hours before it was officially announced in the late afternoon, with a cheer going up at 4:55pm. 

Among them was Rattapon “Guide” Sanrak, who years ago founded a group called Highland to elevate awareness and campaign for legalization. 

“It’s a big deal, a big move – something we hadn’t expected to happen this quickly. That’s why we’re gathered here today,” Guide said.

420 now! Hopes high Thailand will fully legalize weed today

Just after 4pm, a march departed from outside the tourism ministry building on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road around the corner to the United Nations headquarters to “light the joints” of celebration.

Though…