Pubdate: Fri, 06 Oct 2006
Source: Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)
Copyright: 2006, Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Author: Marcel Peelen

AMENDMENT WON'T MAKE MARIJUANA LEGAL

I often read, hear and see on TV the words "Amendment 44 would 
legalize marijuana in Colorado." This is simply not true and again 
uses fear and misinformation to "stir up" the public.

To quote one of the sentences in the overview of the amendment 
proposal, "Judges have discretion when assessing fines, and the 
maximum fine is not levied against all offenders." Under current law, 
police in Denver can charge offenders under state law instead of city 
law. In this context, marijuana is not legal. If it were completely 
legal, one would be able to smoke it anywhere or have a bag of pot 
sitting on a restaurant table without fear of retribution.

Marijuana won't be "legal" simply because one can still be fined, 
thus it is still a misdemeanor and a crime. And this assertion from 
an article in the News: "Amendment 44 . . . a statewide ballot 
measure seeking to legalize marijuana use for adults . . . " is 
completely incorrect. Will someone please inform the public with the 
truth instead of fearmongering?

Marcel Peelen

Denver
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MAP posted-by: Elaine