Pubdate: Sun, 29 Nov 2009
Source: Aspen Times Weekly (CO)
Copyright: 2009 Aspen Times
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/zKpMPhQ7
Website: http://www.aspentimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3784
Author: Robert Allen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

BRECKENRIDGE TWEAKS LAWS TO MAKE WAY FOR MARIJUANA
DECRIMINALIZATION

Public Consumption, Sale Remain Illegal

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. -- A new set of marijuana laws is  nearing
approval in Breckenridge, where possession of  the drug and
paraphernalia by people over 21 is to be  decriminalized Jan. 1.

The regulations would make public display and  consumption of
marijuana punishable by a $100 fine and  up to 15 days in jail.

Breckenridge Police Chief Rick Holman said he doesn't  foresee much
change in the town that, in 2008, issued  only 10 tickets for
possession of small amounts of  marijuana and four for possession of
paraphernalia  under the municipal laws.

"We've never had a high incidence of public display and  use in
Breckenridge," he said. "I don't expect that to  change."

Holman acknowledged that "some people are miseducated"  about what
passed in this month's ballot initiative for  decriminalization.

Use of marijuana at Breckenridge Ski Resort remains  illegal under the
Colorado Ski Safety Act.

The town will continue to prohibit selling and driving  under the
influence of the drug.

The town on its website explains that non-medical  marijuana
possession still violates state laws, and  that the local police "may
still exercise, at their  discretion, the authority to charge those in
violation  of state or federal law."

Holman has said such enforcement would vary depending  on the
situation.

Unlike the city of Denver -- which decriminalized pot  in 2005 -- the
Breckenridge town code will specifically  allow for people over 21 to
possess paraphernalia.

The draft to which the Town Council gave preliminary  approval last
week also allows for transfer without  sale of less than an ounce of
marijuana between people.  Sale of marijuana remains a felony.

Possession between 1 ounce and 8 ounces is still to be  a misdemeanor
in the town, with possession of more than  8 ounces a felony.

Election results earlier this month reflect about 71  percent of town
residents who voted favored  decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D