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Fresh from organizing successful student referenda calling for the equalization of campus penalties for alcohol and marijuana offenses at the University of Colorado in Boulder and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, a Colorado group Wednesday announced it had taken the first step to place a measure legalizing marijuana possession in Denver on that city's November ballot. SAFER, which stands for Safer Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation, the group which organized the campus referenda, has submitted the text of its proposed initiative to the Denver Elections Commission for approval.

The initiative would revise city ordinances to read that possession of marijuana by persons 21 or older is not a crime under municipal law. Under state law, possession of less than one ounce is a petty offense with no jail time, while possession of up to eight ounces is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 18 months in jail.

"The purpose of this initiative, which will be known as the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative, is clear from the language," said Mason Tvert, director of SAFER. "Alcohol is far more likely than marijuana to lead to premature death or crimes of violence. In general, marijuana is simply far less harmful -- both to the user and to society ? than alcohol. Therefore, we hope that the people of Denver express the sense of the city that the use and possession of marijuana should not be considered an offense for individuals 21 years of age and older," he said.

"The initiative expresses the sense of the people of Denver that the private adult use of marijuana should not be a law enforcement priority," Tvert said. "It would also send a message to the state house that marijuana prohibition creates more harm than it prevents."

If the measure passes in November, Tvert said, SAFER plans to lobby the legislature to allow Colorado cities and counties to adopt their own marijuana policies. But first, the measure needs to be approved and qualify for the ballot. Once approved by the elections commission, organizers will have less than two months to gather 5,400 valid signatures to place the measure on the ballot.

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Denver

Updated: 22/01/2005

Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 4.5

Legislation: Medical Marijuana is legal in Colorado, so that patients who possess written documentation from their physician recommending the use of marijuana and are registered with the state and issued an identification card may legally possess no more than two ounces of marijuana or no more than six marijuana plants.
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is a petty offense. The offender receives a summons to appear in court, and upon a promise to appear in court, the offender is to be released from detention. The maximum penalty for a violation is $100.

Possession of greater than one ounce is a misdemeanor, punishable by 6-18 months in jail and a fine of $500 - $5,000, plus a $600 surcharge.

Transfer of less than one ounce of marijuana for no consideration is considered possession and is punished as such.


Law Enforcement: Generally it is quite safe to smoke in Denver, or as some local said:?In 30 years of smokin - been caught about 3 times (always well under 1 oz.)- twice the cop dumped the bag - once I got a ticket for 1 plant - the DA dismissed the charge??.

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