Pubdate: Sun, 29 Nov 2009
Source: Summit Daily News (CO)
Copyright: 2009 Summit Daily News
Contact: http://apps.summitdaily.com/forms/letter/index.php
Website: http://www.summitdaily.com/home.php
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/587
Author: Robert Allen

BRECK TWEAKS LAWS TO MAKE WAY FOR MARIJUANA

Public Consumption, Sale Remain Illegal

BRECKENRIDGE -- 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 town council gave preliminary approval on Tuesday 
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. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake