Denver to vote on a second pot measure this fall
August 20, 2007 - Rock Mountain News
Voters will decide this fall on a controversial ballot initiative that would make possession of small amounts of marijuana the "lowest law enforcement priority" of Denver police, the city council decided tonight.
Most of the councilmembers oppose the measure. But a pro-marijuana group forced their hand after gathering enough signatures to put it on the ballot.
"A number of us will be voting to put something on the ballot we won't be supporting ourselves," said councilwoman Jeanne Robb.
Earlier this month the council considered enacting the ordinance, rather than referring it to voters, as part of a complicated legal maneuver to get it thrown out by the courts. Councilmembers decided not to do that, but they say the initiative, if approved by voters, could still be overturned by a judge.
In 2005, Denver voters approved an ordinance making it legal for adults to possess small amounts of marijuana. However, pot possession is still illegal under state law, and Denver police have continued to arrest people for possession.
The sponsors of the ballot initiative hope their proposed ordinance will change that.
"We're pleased it's going to the voters," said Mason Tvert, director of SAFER, the group that gathered signatures to get the measure on the November ballot.
I love how they basically say even if it's approved by voters that they can have a judge turn it over. God how I love this country and it's democratic ways.
August 20, 2007 - Rock Mountain News
Voters will decide this fall on a controversial ballot initiative that would make possession of small amounts of marijuana the "lowest law enforcement priority" of Denver police, the city council decided tonight.
Most of the councilmembers oppose the measure. But a pro-marijuana group forced their hand after gathering enough signatures to put it on the ballot.
"A number of us will be voting to put something on the ballot we won't be supporting ourselves," said councilwoman Jeanne Robb.
Earlier this month the council considered enacting the ordinance, rather than referring it to voters, as part of a complicated legal maneuver to get it thrown out by the courts. Councilmembers decided not to do that, but they say the initiative, if approved by voters, could still be overturned by a judge.
In 2005, Denver voters approved an ordinance making it legal for adults to possess small amounts of marijuana. However, pot possession is still illegal under state law, and Denver police have continued to arrest people for possession.
The sponsors of the ballot initiative hope their proposed ordinance will change that.
"We're pleased it's going to the voters," said Mason Tvert, director of SAFER, the group that gathered signatures to get the measure on the November ballot.
I love how they basically say even if it's approved by voters that they can have a judge turn it over. God how I love this country and it's democratic ways.
