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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom