CO Legalization Initiative in 2012 | Give Input

[DenverRelief]

Sensible Colorado sent an email yesterday describing the process by which it constructed the eight legalization ballot initiative submitted last week by Sensible Colorado, SAFER, and others.

Share your concerns with those who are handcrafting the bill. We have worked with Sensible and SAFER for some time and they will hear your concerns.

Marijuana legalization: Brian Vicente mending fences with locals over 2012 initiatives filing - Denver News - The Latest Word (http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/05/marijuana_legalization_brian_vicente_mending_fence s_2012_initiative.php)

[DenverRelief]

The yet to be finalized measure would remove penalties for private marijuana possession and limited home growing, and establish a legal and regulated marijuana market for adults 21 and older.

[HighPopalorum]

I think the ounce limit is too low. Two ounces seems more reasonable. I'll be voting yes.

[DenverRelief]

The ounce is low, but it's in line with previous efforts by Sensible and SAFER.

That's like restricting a person to a single carton of cigarettes or a handle of liquor, both of which are more dangerous than cannabis.

Why is it necessary to include the weight provision given that it is a legalization initiative, not a decrim?

[HighPopalorum]

I don't think it is necessary, but it's not the kind of thing that would keep me from supporting the initiative. I assume it is included because the framers believe an initiative without limits on possession or growing would have less chance of passing.

[DenverRelief]

In a way it implies the dangerousness of marijuana which is a reputation we would do well to distance ourselves from.

I really don't have a sense one way or the other whether the weight provision increase its chances of passing.

In the mind of many on these boards, any limit of any kind is too much, and it could effect the way people vote on the provision.

I am not sure you are going to gain any votes from those against marijuana by setting any kind of limit. Many are against it right at face value, and any amount is too much.

Perhaps no limit would increase its chances. At this point I can't conclude either way.

[CDS]

I think you do a great job of describing two extremes: those who are against any amount of cannabis and those who are for unlimited amounts of possession. I think they decided to appeal to the middle; people who are fine with adults possessing a fair amount of marijuana. Whether that limit is a gram, ounce or pound... we'll find out soon.

[HighPopalorum]

I'm an incrementalist. Any liberalization of marijuana law will get my vote. I'd prefer an initiative without limits, but that isn't necessary.

[DenverRelief]

I'm an incrementalist. Any liberalization of marijuana law will get my vote. I'd prefer an initiative without limits, but that isn't necessary.

It's a pragmatic attitude to have and is a welcome contrast to so much idealism.

30+ years ago the war on drugs was declared. "Drugs" are fighting back one step at a time.

The small victories will secure the overall victory.

[copobo]

I have to wonder why the legalization effort isn't aimed at giving all 21+ Coloradoans medical status. No more Dr. recs required (unless maybe for edible count recs?)

If they are going to give it to the DOR anyway, it won't cause a need for a whole new kind of dispensary and regs and confusion.

[DenverRelief]

I have to wonder why the legalization effort isn't aimed at giving all 21+ Coloradoans medical status. No more Dr. recs required (unless maybe for edible count recs?)

If they are going to give it to the DOR anyway, it won't cause a need for a whole new kind of dispensary and regs and confusion.

It's a good question.

Should one of these pass are you envisioning that the medical marijuana center will exist along side recreational marijuana centers?

It seems that the propositions have been designed to make it a somewhat seamless transition from regulating medical to recreational.

Yet the medical benefit of cannabis does and always will exist so it would be strange to draw a black and white line between med and rec if it is legalized for adult use.

[HighPopalorum]

Our MMJ program is a good thing, compassionate and just in its own right, but I've always seen it as our Trojan horse for legalization of recreational use. After a ten year siege, we're inside the walls. It's time to open the trap door, pour out of the horse and sack the city.

[copobo]

Accepting all 21+ Coloradoans into the medical marijuana system would be a better alternative to any initiative I've seen so far. It also would remove the BS with redcards and doctor recs, etc. It would be the least complicated way to legalize here in CO, given the current framework. I bet it would be the easiest thing for the average Coloradoan to understand as well.

There would be no need for a new class of dispensary or a new set of health and labeling regs. Why go through all that BS again? What is going now is working, somewhat, it seems..

EDIT: It would also eliminate a whole new set of local battles. AND the feds would likely have an easier time swallowing expansion of a medical program over out and out legalization..

[senorx12562]

It's a good question.

Should one of these pass are you envisioning that the medical marijuana center will exist along side recreational marijuana centers?

It seems that the propositions have been designed to make it a somewhat seamless transition from regulating medical to recreational.

Yet the medical benefit of cannabis does and always will exist so it would be strange to draw a black and white line between med and rec if it is legalized for adult use.

It was strange and hypocritical from the beginning to draw the line you refer to between "medical" and "recreational" use. It still is. What's more, the same is true of EVERY other drug, from amphetamines to caffeine to morphine. It is also an immoral distinction for the government to make with respect to what one puts into one's own body.