Pubdate: Thu, 03 Nov 2005
Source: Rocky Mountain Collegian, The (CO Edu)
Copyright: 2005 Rocky Mountain Collegian
Contact:  http://www.collegian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1370
Cited: SAFER (www.saferchoice.org)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)

HIGH HOPES FOR MARIJUANA DEBATE

Rocky Mountain high usually refers to altitude. Not anymore. Denver
voters passed I-100, which legalized the adult possession of small
amounts of marijuana. While other cities such as Seattle and Oakland,
Calif. have set up laws making adult pot use a low police priority,
Denver has become the first city to legalize adult pot possession of
one ounce or less.

This is progress. The city of Denver and its voters should be
commended. Finally a law that represents the sentiments and actions of
the people has been put into effect. For some time now, the
legalization of marijuana has been in question. Groups like Safer
Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) and proponents of I-100
argue that pot is the safer alternative to alcohol.

But before you decide to light up within city limits, think twice. Pot
is still illegal in the city of Denver because state laws apply.

Passing this law now gives credibility to the legalization argument.
It opens the door to more laws and enlightenment. Other cities have
taken notice. Next year Nevada will place an initiative on their
ballot to tax and regulate pot like alcohol.

Opponents of the law will argue that marijuana is a gateway drug that
leads to further abuse of more serious narcotics. It is hard to argue,
however, that alcohol is any less of a "gateway" toward the abuse of
other substances. Alcohol alone can be considered a more dangerous
drug than marijuana when the factors of drunk driving, violence and
health are considered.

The passage of I-100 is by no means the end of this argument, but for
the voters of the Denver area, it is a start in the right direction.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake