Quote:

"DENVER - Voters in Denver have passed a measure that makes it legal for residents over the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana."

"The measure, known as Initiated Question 100, was leading by a margin of 53% to 47% with 96% of the votes tabulated.

Opponents have said that it will have no practical effect because it would be trumped by Colorado state law.

However, 9News political analyst Floyd Ciruli says it would send a powerful message to groups around the country working to decriminalize marijuana.

He said one reason the measure passed may be because opponents presumed it didn't have a chance and were more focused on other campaigns like Referenda C and D.

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IMPORTANT first step.






McKennaDMT

Quote:

But Denver officials said an I-100 amendment of local law would change nothing, because the vast majority of marijuana possession busts ? which were a mere 3.2 percent of all city arrests in 2004 ? will continue to be prosecuted under state law.

Gene Moffett, a TV cameraman, rejected the initiative voting at a church in his south Denver neighborhood.

"No. I just think that would just open up more cans of worms," he said.

Eighty-year old Republican Lila Fehrer was also wary of the proposal.

"I voted against that. Drugs are just too prominent everywhere," she said. "And to make it legal I think it would get out of hand."

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