Independence Day will come early for those Oregonians who plan to celebrate history when recreational marijuana becomes legal July 1.

But for others, pot remains a mystery that’s been shrouded in a veil of illegality since 1937, when Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act that effectively banned its use and sale. The “Just Say No” generation that grew up with the propaganda movie “Reefer Madness” will have to adjust to a new reality: that anyone 21 or older can smoke, grow or share pot with friends as long as it’s done in private.

At 12:01 a.m. July 1, Oregonians can start growing marijuana in their backyards, as long as they don’t exceed four plants per household, keep their crop concealed from passersby and pay attention to local ordinances. If they sell their marijuana or take it across state lines — even to Washington, where it’s also legal — they’ll be breaking the law.

The biggest hurdle for anyone who wants to smoke legally July 1 is obtaining pot, because it won’t be for sale in any store. But accepting it from someone as a gift is legal, giving new meaning to the Beatles refrain, “I get high with a little help from my friends.” [Read more at the Medford Mail Tribune]