Pubdate: Thu, 02 May 2013
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2013 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: John Ingold

REPEAL OF NEW POT LAW COOLS DOWN AT CAPITOL

Plans for a measure that could repeal marijuana legalization in 
Colorado have lost momentum at the state Capitol, according to 
lawmakers and advocates involved in the debate.

Last week, several legislators confirmed they were working on a 
proposal that could overturn marijuana legalization if voters do not 
approve new taxes on legal pot this November. Supporters of the idea 
said, without the tax money, the state can't adequately pay for 
enforcement of forthcoming recreational marijuana stores.

But talks on the plan have proved difficult, throwing into question 
whether it will even be officially introduced.

"I think people are counting their votes," said House Speaker Mark 
Ferrandino, a Denver Democrat who didn't endorse the repeal proposal 
but previously said he was open to the discussion. "I think there are 
people on both sides who have concerns about it."

Ferrandino said proponents have now scaled back the plan. Under the 
latest draft proposal, commercial marijuana sales in Colorado would 
be put on hold until voters approve extra taxes on the sales Ferrandino said.

Rep. Frank McNulty, a Highlands Ranch Republican who supports the 
repeal idea, said lawmakers may not have time to pass the possible measure.

Opponents of the idea, he said, "could drag the (proposal) out to the 
point where they make it difficult to pass."

This year's legislative session ends next Wednesday, and any measure 
would have to be introduced by Monday morning to have even a glimmer 
of hope of passage.

The marijuana legalization repeal - or suspension - proposal would 
have to be approved by voters.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom