Pubdate: Wed, 09 Nov 2005
Source: Technician, The (NC State U, NC Edu)
Copyright: 2005 The Technician
Contact:  http://technicianonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2268
Author: Jenell Jackson

MARIJUANA LEGALIZED IN DENVER

Now that marijuana has been legalized in Denver, the "Mile High City" 
definitely means something new.

Denver residents voted 54 percent to 46 percent to legalize the 
possession of an ounce of marijuana for those over 21 years of age. 
State possession laws, however, will still be applied according to authorities.

Those who support the law agree that use of marijuana is safer than 
cigarettes and second-hand smoke. Members from the group Safer 
Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) educated voters on the 
more harmful effects of alcohol on society as opposed to marijuana.

At N.C. State students are split on the issue of whether or not any 
amount of marijuana should be legal. Ryan MCcauley, a junior in 
sports management, said he believes that making marijuana legal is 
safer for its users.

"It's a smart idea [to make marijuana legal] because so many people 
are doing it anyway, and if it's legal there is less danger involved 
in people buying and selling it," McCauley said.

Less violence is one reason that some are in favor of the law, other 
reasons include decreasing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths.

"Marijuana should definitely be legal," Kelly Clark, a junior in 
political science, said. "If it's made legal than people would get 
into less trouble trying to hide it."

Denver is not the only state to follow these laws; Seattle, Oakland 
and even a couple of college towns have made laws on possession 
minimal priority for law enforcement.

According to Clark, making possession of marijuana legal will cut 
down on drinking and drinking related deaths.

"Kids [who] are smoking pot aren't drinking and driving, nor are they 
nearly as impaired as a drunk person," Clark said.

Some feel that to legalize marijuana would cause increased drug 
addiction percentages and higher chances of school age children using 
it as well.

"If pot is made legal, then kids won't be afraid to do it," said 
Lucia Lazarowski, a junior in Education, said. "If it's made legal 
more people would do it and become addicted."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman