Pubdate: Sat, 18 Aug 2001
Source: Bergen Record (NJ)
Copyright: 2001 Bergen Record Corp.
Contact:  http://www.bergen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/44
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

POSSIBLE POT PLANT AT GOVERNOR'S MANSION

DENVER -- It may or may not have been marijuana growing at the Governor's 
Mansion, but whatever it was, it's gone.

State workers Thursday removed what appeared to be a knee-high marijuana 
plant from a bed of bluebells and clover after reporters asked about it.

The State Patrol tested the plant and said it was only a marijuana 
look-alike. A Denver Post reporter took a leaf of the plant to experts at 
the Denver Botanic Gardens, who said it was marijuana.

"This is obviously a planted story," joked Dick Wadhams, spokesman for 
Republican Gov. Bill Owens.

Wadhams suggested, jokingly, that it might be a conspiracy by three 
Democrats who are running or may run for governor.

"It's clearly a joint effort," he said. "We believe they're just blowing 
smoke."

If it was marijuana, it probably grew from a seed that blew in or was 
dropped by a pot smoker, State Patrol Sgt. N.A. Nathlich said.

The governor lives with his family in suburban Aurora and uses the mansion 
for official functions.
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MAP posted-by: GD