Donahue Complaint and OAC Transmission

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post
1/29/12 7:22 PM
Newsletter: Sign In | Register Commenting: Sign In | Register January 29, 2012

0
HOME | MEDIA KIT | SIGN UP FOR BREAKING NEWS EMAIL ALERTS | PHOTO GALLERIES
News
Politics
Sports
Business
Entertainment
Lifestyles
Opinion
Travel
Your Hub
Shopping
Autos
Real Estate
Jobs
Classifieds
WEEKLY AD SPECIALS FROM THE DENVER POST
Search
Site
Home > Opinion > Columnists > Ed Quillen MORE OPINION COLUMNISTS OPINION
PRINT EMAIL 14 COMMENTS
Quillen: A step toward common sense

Quillen: Who you calling elite? Quillen: SOPA vs. common sense Quillen: The bane of the Romney campaign Quillen: A step toward common sense Quillen: Predictions for the new year Quillen: The losing war on Christmas
By Ed Quillen The Denver Post
John Andrews Susan Barnes-Gelt Fred Brown Vincent Carroll Colorado Voices Joanne Ditmer
POSTED: 01/08/2012 01:00:00 AM MST
Last week, petitions were presented to the Colorado secretary of state to put Curtis Hubbard David Harsanyi a measure on this November's ballot. There were nearly 160,000 Al Knight signatures.
Mike Littwin
The law requires at least 86,105 valid signatures, and the petitioner had Tom Noel hoped for 145,000, since inevitably some signatures will be found invalid by Ed Quillen the secretary of state. Mike Rosen
Gail Schoettler Susan Thornton Viewpoints Writers on the Range
Thus it appears a near certainty that Coloradans will get to vote on an amendment to the state constitution designed to "regulate marijuana like alcohol." It would be taxed, users would have to be 21 or older, and small Quillen: Cleaning out my pile of pressing questions amounts of home-grown would be legal.
Quillen: Those squishy liberal kids' tales
Currently, Colorado allows for "medical marijuana." The law seems complicated and convoluted to me. But it can't be that complex, since many Quillen: Why revolution fails of my pot-head friends have medical marijuana cards, and they've reached Quillen: Return of the zygote an age where they have trouble figuring out how to use cellphones and MP3 zealots players.
Quillen: The hazards of nitpicking Quillen: The hills are alive with the sound of freedom
The proposed amendment would eliminate the medical subterfuge, which makes sense. Since Prohibition was repealed nearly 80 years ago, you don't need a prescription to get a shot of rye. So why should you need a doctor's note to fill the bowl and light your pipe? After all, aren't adults capable of making their own decisions? Republicans have been telling us for years that we're the best judges of how to spend our own money, and if we decide to buy certain forms of vegetation, shouldn't that decision be respected? In general, the Obama administration has agreed to respect local preferences on medical marijuana. But there's no guarantee that it won't change policies tomorrow morning this was, after all, an executive decision, not the legislative result of time-consuming hearings and debates. And even if Obama remains steadfast on the course of common sense and
http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_19684274?source=rss
Page 1 of 6
1/29/12 7:22 PM
And even if Obama remains steadfast on the course of common sense and respecting local policies, he won't be in office forever. His successor may well reverse course. One can imagine life under a President Rick Santorum, who has his DEA killing dogs and kicking in doors not just for pills and pot, but also to confiscate birth-control medicines and devices. Making marijuana more legal under Colorado law won't directly change any of that. Even so, there would be some benefits. For one thing, various fees and excise taxes levied on legal marijuana should cover enforcement costs, which are now largely a drain. Thus our hard-pressed state treasury would benefit. We'd have more money for schools and parks. For another, if the state halts enforcement, it sends a message to the feds that it's time to give up on this moronic war against a plant a plant that has never killed anyone with an overdose. Or at least it worked that way during alcohol prohibition, which was supposed to be jointly enforced by the feds and the states. According to "Last Call," Daniel Okrent's history of the noble experiment, state and local governments saved money by backing off on enforcement. New York repealed its prohibition law in 1923. "Repeal only meant that New York police and New York courts, no longer bound by the statute to enforce federal antibooze laws, could hand full responsibility over to Washington." Massachusetts likewise repealed its state enforcement law. The feds were overwhelmed, which provided further evidence that Prohibition was a failure. This generated more public pressure for repeal, which finally happened in 1933. So getting Colorado out of this aspect of the war on drugs could be a good first step on a long march toward simple common sense in American drug policy. If the feds think it's important to protect us from a plant, they can try. There's no reason for us to waste state resources on such stupidity. Ed Quillen (ekquillen@gmail.com) of Salida is a weekly contributor to The Denver Post.
TOP STORIES
American racer disqualifed from X Games for racing with Burke armband Breezy tonight in Denver, highs in the 60s on the Front Range Monday Shaun White gets top spot in X Games superpipe qualifier Colorado social-services system violations amid deaths of 43 kids PETA keeps watches on CU labs and files new complaint Colorado teenager jumps from her mother's moving car, is hit and killed by another vehicle Bridge Project helps Denver-area kids catch up Utah teen accused of plotting school attack visited Columbine High in December Colorado tourism tax in eye of storm CSU earns a signature win over No. 13 San Diego State X Games daredevils have superstitions, rely on lucky charms On the Colorado prep scene, in-house hires often create a coaching challenge Colorado snowmobile-noise fines in the offing
PRINT
EMAIL
RETURN TO TOP
GET HOME DELIVERY TERMS OF USE
Subscribe! Get this column by e-mail.

LIKE THIS ARTICLE? RECOMMEND IT (5 REC'S) ALL READER-RECOMMENDED NEWS
TOP VIDEO
Djokovich Beats Nadal in Australian Op...
Facebook Going Public?
Clashes at Occupy Oakland protest
WE RECOMMEND
Westminster skier died of broken neck at Keystone (The Denver Post - News)
FROM AROUND THE WEB (SPONSORED)

Doctor: 4 Warning Signs of an Imminent Stroke (Newsmax.com) New Evidence Why You Should Stop
Page 2 of 6
1/29/12 7:22 PM
Broncos' draft board will see a lot of changes before April 26 arrives (The Denver
Post - Denver Broncos)
New Evidence Why You Should Stop Smoking (Lifescript.com) 4 risky places to swipe your debit card
(Bankrate.com)
Bill in Colorado legislature puts state-testing call in parents' hands without penalizing schools (The Denver Post)
Gina Carano stars in new arena (espnW)
A New Way to Cover Your Gray Hair Klis: Broncos' new strength coach must help (HaircolorForWomen) solve late-season swoons (The Denver Post Denver Broncos)
[what's this]
Mullen says Dave Logan's staff committed football recruiting violations (The Denver Post)
ARTICLE COMMENTS (14)
Login | Sign Up | Email Support
Is your comment not appearing on the article? Read this. You must be registered to comment (your comment will be saved for you while you register). It's quick (it takes about 30 seconds) and we only require your email and name. Comments that include any offensive material are prohibited. By using our site you agree to our terms of use.
View all this article's 14 comments
1. Use the "Report Abuse" link when necessary (you don't have to be a member, or be logged in) 2. Keep it clean and respect others don't use language you wouldn't use with your parents 3. Read the Post's Article Commenting Ground Rules here (link will open in a new window)
TOGGLE:
OLDEST FIRST
NEWEST FIRST 14 days ago
Face OnMars
HG13004 wrote: rsteeb wrote:The prohibition of Earth's single most beneficial plant species is a crime against humanity.
Single most beneficial plant species? Yeah, right. And it GETS YOU HIGH. It seems to me that most foods would be higher on the list of beneficial plant species. For medicinal plants, top billing should probably go to digitalis and opium.
Perhaps across the board, it could be the most "all around" beneficial species if you take into consideration hemp for industrial purposes (i.e. paper, textiles, etc.) in addition to medicinal purpoes. Regardless if it is THE most beneficial species (a nebulous question to begin with), the plant still holds a wealth of uses for humans and is ultimately a lot less harmful than many other substances humans produce and consume (i.e. alchohol).
http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_19684274?source=rss Page 3 of 6
1/29/12 7:22 PM
Permalink
Report Abuse
Reply to this comment
Hugh G
17 days ago
rsteeb wrote:The prohibition of Earth's single most beneficial plant species is a crime against humanity.
Single most beneficial plant species? Yeah, right. And it GETS YOU HIGH. It seems to me that most foods would be higher on the list of beneficial plant species. For medicinal plants, top billing should probably go to digitalis and opium.
Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment
Dau Tranh
High time.
18 days ago
Timothy T
20 days ago
Great article! Medical marijuana is helpful for those that need it, but it does seem like the system might be a bit abused... This would make everyone happy, both the medical marijuana dispensary patients, as well as the abusers(recreational users faking medical ailments).. And as noted in the article, if the states start to mutiny, what's the feds gonna do? They would have to fold. You also mentioned the enforcement costs being paid for through taxing. Medical marijuana dispensaries have in my opinion, only cracked the surface of the revenue that could come from a marijuana industry. Not too mention the revenue that would come from the American hemp industry finally coming back.
David T
20 days ago
Legalize it and tax it the same as alcohol. Great way to increase tax revenues without increasing tax rates.
Page 4 of 6
1/29/12 7:22 PM
Larry M
20 days ago
I agree with Mr. Quillen. Even though there would no doubt be problems with underage use of cannabis, those problems exist already. One could argue that this simply adds another problem, but all it would really do is get the problem out in the open where its true dimensions could be seen. Not one for the 'wisdom' of the streets, I am certain that cannabis is not harmless, especially to the brains of adolescents undergoing major hormonal and neurological remodeling (by nature). Still in all, abuse of all illegal drugs combined and the harm that they do is dwarfed by abuse of alcohol and tobacco.
Cliff S
20 days ago
smokepole32 wrote:At one time ALL these "dangerous" drugs were legal, until the pharmaceutical companies lobbyists got congress to make them illegal to INCREASE THEIR PROFITS. Cocaine was NOT removed from Cocoa until 1934! Up until then hot cocoa was a good sleep aid. While I don't use marijuana, legal or otherwise,I think the whole drug war bulltooki is a total waste of resources, both money and manpower.
OK, you need to study some history. Cocaine was never in cocoa and it wouldn't make a good sleep aid, in any case. And it wasn't removed from (whatever) in 1934. What you are thinking of is that cocaine was removed from Coca Cola and Pepsi-Cola circa 1904 -- and cocaine is a stimulant, which keeps people awake. Cocaine was outlawed by the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914, which would make your story impossible. You can find lots of historical research at http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/history.htm
View all this article's 14 comments Jump to the latest comment Bookmark this article Subscribe to this article's comments
DENVER & THE WEST
Front Page | Denver | Feeds | More
ENTERTAINMENT
Movies | Music | TV | RSS | Video
Breezy tonight in Denver, highs in the 60s on the Front Range Monday Bridge Project helps Denver-area kids catch up As CU labs give comforts and critters give lives, PETA keeps watch
Another 'American Idol' alum heading to Broadway A night of firsts as Mei-Ann Chen conducts Colorado Symphony 'The Sting' actress Dimitra Arliss dies in LA
Columnists | Letters | Cartoon | RSS
OPINION
Page 5 of 6

OPINION SPORTS Rockies | Avs | Nuggets | Preps | RSS | More
1/29/12 7:22 PM
Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun laws (again) Hubbard: True, false and in between
Arcade | Crossword | Sudoku
CU Buffs get commitments from cornerback, tight end South Carolina D-lineman Melvin Ingram on Broncos' radar Kiszla: Tulowitzki understands pressure of being Rockies leader
Balance Sheet Blog | Penny Parker | Tech
WATERCOOLER BUSINESS
Man rescued after being stuck in NM mud for 3 days NY inmate guilty of seeking $890M in tax refunds Museum: Rare coin may be Roman brothel token
Snow Show 2012: World's first ski glove phone from Swany Colorado bill targets foreclosures based only on a lawyer's OK Boulder carving 'natural beef' brand of its own
Woman is 51 But Looks 25 Mom publishes simple wrinkle secret that has angered
ConsumerLifestyles.org
Gay Couple Gift Idea An artist will turn your photo into a work of art.
www.creartypics.com
Northern Trust Open Come out to Northern Trust Open February 14-19 at Riviera!
NorthernTrustOpen.com/PGATOUR
Ads by Yahoo!
All contents Copyright 2012 The Denver Post or other copyright holders. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose. Advertise / Media Kit | Archives | Careers | Contact Us | Ethics Policy | E-mail Alerts | Mobile | Privacy Policy | Web Feeds | RSS | My Yahoo | Repurposing Denver Post content - Guidelines | Site Map | Home Delivery | Terms of Use Our other sites: Viva Colorado | Boulder Daily Camera | Boulder's Colorado Daily | Broomfield Enterprise | Sterling Colorado Journal-Advocate Estes Park Trail-Gazette | The Lamar Ledger | The Fort Morgan Times | Brush (Colorado) News-Tribune
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | MNG Corporate Site Map | Copyright
Page 6 of 6
ACLU endorses marijuana legalization in Colorado | The Colorado Independent
1/31/12 3:16 PM
ACLU endorses marijuana legalization in Colorado

By Scot Kersgaard Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:24 am The ACLU of Colorado Thursday announced it has endorsed the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol. In Colorado we believe our laws should be practical and they should be fair. Yet we are wasting scarce public resources in our criminal justice system by having police, prosecutors and the courts treat marijuana users like violent criminals. It is unconscionable for our state to spend tax dollars to arrest, prosecute and crowd the courts, and jail people for possession of a small amount of marijuana, especially when those being arrested and jailed are disproportionately people of color, said the ACLU in a statement on its web site. The war on drugs has failed. Prohibition is not a sensible way to deal with marijuana. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol will move us toward a more rational approach to drug laws, the statement continued. Rosemary Harris Lytle, communications director at the ACLU of Colorado, said legalizing small amounts of marijuana for adults is a civil rights issue. Current drug laws contribute to the mass incarceration of people of color, especially young people of color. She said that drug use is roughly equal among ethnic groups in the U.S., but that a disproportionate number of those incarcerated for possession of small amounts of drugs are people of color. Moreover, she said the effort to legalize small amounts of marijuana is in keeping with the ACLUs mission of promoting and defending individual rights and freedom. We believe that prosecuting people for low-level possession of marijuana is a waste of the taxpayers resources, Harris Lytle said. Mason Tvert, director of SAFER, which is promoting the legalization effort, said This is a great endorsement. The ACLU is one of the largest organizations in the state and their support lends a lot of credibility to our efforts and helps us make the point that marijuana prohibition is a huge waste of resources. It sends the message to other groups that this is a mainstream issue. In its statement, the ACLU said: Colorado authorities made 17,000 arrests for drug offenses last year. One in five people in Colorados prisons are serving time for a drug offense. See the ACLU statement here.
http://coloradoindependent.com/99623/aclu-endorses-marijuana-legalization-in-colorado
Page 1 of 2
ACLU endorses marijuana legalization in Colorado | The Colorado Independent
1/31/12 3:16 PM
. Categories & Tags: Civil Rights| Economy/Finance| Elections/Campaigns| Justice/Civil Liberties| Law| Politics| ACLU | campaign to regulate marjuana like alcohol | legalize marijuana in colorado | Mason Tvert | mass incarceration | rosemary harris lytle | War on Drugs |
http://coloradoindependent.com/99623/aclu-endorses-marijuana-legalization-in-colorado
Page 2 of 2
Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol |
1/29/12 6:45 PM
H ome
A bout
Facts
N ews
Get Involved
C ontact
D onate
Get the Facts

Learn more about marijuana and the benefits of regulating it and taxing it like alcohol.
January 27th, 2012
E-mail Address
ZIP
New York Times: Marijuana Push in Colorado Likens It to Alcohol
January 26th, 2012
Campaign responds to 'Operation Sweet Leaf'
January 23rd, 2012
GOP columnist: "Real Republicans will support legalizing marijuana" Republican Precinct Caucuses
February 7th, 2012 (All day) January 11th, 2012
Democratic Precinct Caucuses

March 6th, 2012 (All day)
Initiative proponent debates former Drug Czar staffer on The David Sirota Show
Last Day to Register to Vote

October 9th, 2012 (All day)
January 8th, 2012
Columnists at Denver Post and Colo. Springs Gazette express support for the initiative
Election Day 2012

November 6th, 2012 (All day) January 5th, 2012
More events...
Denver Post: Colorado effort to legalize marijuana turns in signatures, tackles skepticism from female voters
January 4th, 2012
CBS 4 (Denver): Advocates Call Legalizing Marijuana In Colorado A Womens Issue
January 4th, 2012
Associated Press: Marijuana activists turn in Colo. petition
January 4th, 2012
ABC 13 (Co. Springs): Petition Group Pushes For Legalized Pot
January 4th, 2012
NBC 11 (Grand Jct.): Pot activists to turn in Colorado legalization petition
http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/
Page 1 of 2
Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol |
1/29/12 6:45 PM
More news...
COPYRIGHT 2011 CAMPAIGN TO REGULATE MARIJUANA LIKE ALCOHOL PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT US
http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/
Page 2 of 2
Colo. voters might see two pot proposals on ballot - The Denver Post
1/29/12 7:02 PM

0
News
Politics
Sports
Business
Entertainment
Lifestyles
Opinion
Travel
Your Hub
Shopping
Autos
Real Estate
Jobs
Classifieds
Search
Site
Home > News > Marijuana News
Colo. voters might see two pot proposals on ballot

By KRISTEN WYATT Associated Press
POPULAR PRINT EMAIL 12 COMMENTS
TALKERS
RECOMMENDED
YEAR AGO
Photos: Denver Broncos cheerleaders, through the decades Photos: The Broncos cheerleaders calendar Polis: Author's assertions on investments 'baseless' Hubbard: True, false and in between Rick Moranis: Another in an endless season of GOP debates Andrews: Still the land of the free? Carroll: Denver's Tarp City is a civic eyesore Stabiner: Paula Deen and the lure of the easy fix Littwin: Imagine Lincoln-Douglas on YouTube Ellis: Like Twitter, but longer
POSTED: 01/18/2012 02:03:35 AM MST UPDATED: 01/18/2012 04:02:03 PM MST
DENVERA marijuana legalization measure on Colorado ballots this fall could face some competition. A second pot legalization proposal won clearance Wednesday from a state title board to begin collecting petition signatures. That sets up the possibility of two ballot questions asking whether to set up a direct challenge to federal drug law by legalizing pot for recreational use. Unlike the "Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol" measure currently awaiting clearance for inclusion on ballots, the second measure sets no age limit. It also allows users to possess any amount and does not set up an excise tax for marijuana.
A marijuana plant flourishes under grow lights at a warehouse in Denver on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010. (Ed Andrieski, Associated Press)
Subscribe to our Afternoon Newsletter

Email Address
Subscribe
The sponsor of the second marijuana measure, Michelle LaMay, said her proposal is simpler than the regulation measure, which allows rules for how pot could be sold. LaMay's measure simply removes criminal penalties for marijuana possession. If approved, LaMay's proposal would not affect people already convicted of marijuanarelated offenses. "I'm not competing with them," LaMay said of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which has received funding from the Washington-based Marijuana Policy Project. The regulation campaign has run afoul of some marijuana activists, who complain it's too heavy-handed. At least one more legalization-related measure is possible, setting up a potentially confusing slate of pot proposals before voters. The last legalization ballot measure, in 2006, lost badly. Mason Tvert of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol said he wasn't worried about voter confusion. "We're glad there's so much energy behind the movement to end marijuana prohibition," Tvert said. The regulation proposal has turned in signatures and is awaiting clearance for inclusion on ballots. Backers of the second amendment can begin collecting signatures and have six
http://www.denverpost.com/news/marijuana/ci_19764838
See a sample afternoon newsletter here
Page 1 of 5
1/29/12 7:02 PM
months to collect the needed 86,000 or so signatures to make the ballot. Online: Proposed Initiative 40: http://goo.gl/No0FO
PRINT
EMAIL
RETURN TO TOP
GET HOME DELIVERY TERMS OF USE
LIKE THIS ARTICLE?
RECOMMEND IT (2 REC'S) ALL READER-RECOMMENDED NEWS
TOP VIDEO
WE RECOMMEND
Djokovich Beats Nadal in Australian Op...
Facebook Going Public?
Clashes at Occupy Oakland protest

Photography: Top Ten National Park Lodges
(Away.com)
Former deputy admits obsession with young girls (The Denver Post - News) Former Bronco Mike Current found dead; he faced child-sex charges in Oregon (The Denver
Post - News)
Laptop Stolen From Checked Bag, Recovered on Craigslist (CSO) Ethics File Uncovered: Gingrich Telling Truth (Newsmax.com) 5 Healthy Crock Pot Recipes to Try Now
(Dinner Tool)
MARIJUANA NEWS: RECENT COMMENTS
Broncos hire Jack Del Rio as defensive coordinator (The Denver Post - Sports) Pro Bowl a super consolation prize for six Denver Broncos (The Denver Post - Denver
Broncos)
4 risky places to swipe your debit card

(Bankrate.com)
NY inmate guilty of seeking $890M in tax refunds (The Denver Post)
Comment on 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (2 hours, 4 minutes ago) Thank you for validating what I have been saying... Kids in a regulated marketplace don't get easy a... Comment on U.S. Attorney John Walsh justifies federal crackdown on medical-marijuana shops (2 hours, 28 minutes ago) What is your point?... Comment on U.S. Attorney John Walsh justifies federal crackdown on medical-marijuana shops (2 hours, 31 minutes ago) SL10 is on fire today. He does not understand the difference between opinion and fact. He thinks ... Comment on 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (4 hours, 31 minutes ago) 15 million in Iraqi dinars?? sounds like we got us an international conspiracy goin' on up in here ... Comment on 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (4 hours, 45 minutes ago) And minors are getting access to pot very easily as folks that advocated that it is okay to smoke re... Visit the marijuana news forum for more discussion More recent comments on Denver Post news articles
[what's this]
MOST COMMENTED
Oakland to assess damage after Occupy protests: 27 comments

TOGGLE: OLDEST FIRST NEWEST FIRST 11 days ago
Steve B
Kickin' it: Gallinari a steal, but comparing to Anthony a bad idea: 26 comments Klis: Broncos' new strength coach a strong hire: 23
Page 2 of 5
1/29/12 7:02 PM
The thing to do would be to put the several measures on a primary ballot with the winner going to the state ballot. Make sense?
comments As CU labs give comforts and critters give lives, PETA keeps watch: 36 comments Colorado tourism tax in eye of storm: 19 comments
john h
11 days ago
Jeffco57 wrote:Lets just legalize everything. Why have any rules, laws, etc? If everyone is stoned or high on their drug of choice, we will all be so mellow or zoned out that nothing good or bad would ever happen or if it did it wouldn't matter. Life would be perfect. Right? hello, is anyone sober out there? Hello?
If you were truly interested in saving people from themselves you should start at the TOP of the list and work your way down to marijuana, way down to number LAST. I suspect you're probably religious and uncomfortable with people living OUTSIDE of your OWN comfort zone.
Timothy T
11 days ago
I applaud Michelle Lamay's efforts with this initiative. There is nothing in her current initiative which addresses cultivation. As mentioned in the article, due to division in the activist community, another initiative may be forthcomming. Good News is that Legalize 2012 (http://www.Legalize2012.com ) will soon be going to Title Board Hearing approval, as well. This is Legalization, not regulation, and perpetuation of a Failed Drug War. Colorado We are confident the Colorado Voters WILL be EDUCATED before the November election, and clearly see LEGALIZE 2012 is the Answer!
Steve
This proposal lends credence to the myth marijuana use makes you stupid. No age limit? Yeah, that's a great idea. What are these fools thinking?
11 days ago
Scott K
11 days ago
Jeffco57 wrote:Lets just legalize everything. Why have any rules, laws, etc? If everyone is stoned or high on their drug of choice, we will all be so mellow or zoned out that nothing good or bad would ever happen or if it did it wouldn't matter. Life would be perfect. Right? hello, is anyone sober out there? Hello?
http://www.denverpost.com/news/marijuana/ci_19764838 Page 3 of 5
1/29/12 7:02 PM
matter. Life would be perfect. Right? hello, is anyone sober out there? Hello? Great comment, Chris. You're right. It's obvious that legalizing marijuana would be as dangerous as legalized alcohol. After all, we see drunks passed out in the gutters. Nearly half of all drivers are drunk. Last time I flew, the pilots came onboard with a big bottle of gin and a carton of cigarettes. Last week a high school football game was cancelled because the players and officials were too busy cheering a trio of topless dancers. In all seriousness, I appreciate you dragging out the standard "anything goes" nonsense because it backs up what many people are beginning to say: the anti-pot nannies are out of touch with reality and their attempt to sway peoples' minds with exaggerated claims of crimes and stoned behavior are sheer nonsense. Keep going Chris. You're the modern image of Carrie Nation, hatchet in hand, face set in perpetual anger, determined to make people follow your notion of right and wrong regardless of what reality might be. Jack Webb would be proud of your devious methods to keep Americans from getting "hopped up on goofballs." After all, lying is OK as long as it's for the proper goals, eh? Now pardon me. It's 7:35 and I'm late for my wake-n-bake behavior before I head off to my job of driving a busload of children to school.
Chris F
11 days ago
Lets just legalize everything. Why have any rules, laws, etc? If everyone is stoned or high on their drug of choice, we will all be so mellow or zoned out that nothing good or bad would ever happen or if it did it wouldn't matter. Life would be perfect. Right? hello, is anyone sober out there? Hello?
View all this article's 12 comments Bookmark this article Subscribe to this article's comments
DENVER & THE WEST
ENTERTAINMENT
Breezy tonight in Denver, highs in the 60s on the Front Range Monday Bridge Project helps Denver-area kids catch up As CU labs give comforts and critters give lives, PETA keeps watch
Rockies | Avs | Nuggets | Preps | RSS | More
Another 'American Idol' alum heading to Broadway A night of firsts as Mei-Ann Chen conducts Colorado Symphony 'The Sting' actress Dimitra Arliss dies in LA
OPINION SPORTS
Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun laws (again) Hubbard: True, false and in between
South Carolina D-lineman Melvin Ingram on Broncos' radar Kiszla: Tulowitzki understands pressure of being Rockies leader Klis: Broncos' new strength coach must help solve late-season swoons
WATERCOOLER
Page 4 of 5
1/29/12 7:02 PM
Man rescued after being stuck in NM mud for 3 days

BUSINESS Balance Sheet Blog | Penny Parker | Tech
NY inmate guilty of seeking $890M in tax refunds Museum: Rare coin may be Roman brothel token
Snow Show 2012: World's first ski glove phone from Swany Colorado bill targets foreclosures based only on a lawyer's OK Boulder carving 'natural beef' brand of its own
Page 5 of 5
Colorado effort to legalize marijuana turns in signatures, tackles skepticism from female voters - The Denver Post
1/31/12 2:24 PM

1
News
Politics
Sports
Business
Entertainment
Lifestyles
Opinion
Travel
Your Hub
Shopping
Autos
Real Estate
Jobs
Classifieds
Search
Site
Home > News > Marijuana News

POPULAR TALKERS RECOMMENDED YEAR AGO PRINT EMAIL 26 COMMENTS
MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION
Colorado effort to legalize marijuana turns in signatures, tackles skepticism from female voters
By John Ingold The Denver Post POSTED: UPDATED:
Photos: Denver Broncos cheerleaders, through the decades Photos: The Broncos cheerleaders calendar Color makes a splash on the slopes - and at SnowSports Industries Americ Funerals 101: How to respectfully pay your respects Green tea a belly-fat buster RSVP: In song and dance, Fine Arts Foundation honors its 2012 Citizen Ju Does life need meaning? CSU tackles ultimate query Job Boot Camp: Two months later, lessons learned, effort pays for some Secondhand but first-rate furnishings at area consignment stores RSVP: Wonderland royalty at Heart Ball
01/05/2012 01:00:00 AM MST 01/05/2012 03:18:16 AM MST
If a campaign to legalize limited possession of marijuana in Colorado is to succeed, it will have to make inroads into skepticism by women, according to a recent poll. Perhaps that's why supporters of the campaign put more than a dozen women front and center at a news conference Wednesday as they turned in about 160,000 signatures to put the legalization initiative on the ballot. Wanda James owner of the medical-marijuanainfused- food company Simply Pure said the showing was intended to counter "a misconception that young men are driving the legalization of marijuana and the cannabis movement." "It's time for this change," James said. ". . . And it's time for women to lead the fight." The initiative needs about 86,000 signatures from valid Colorado voters to make the ballot. If the secretary of state's office determines the campaign collected enough signatures, the measure would be the first certified for the 2012 ballot. The measure would amend the Colorado Constitution to legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for any purpose by people ages 21 and older. People would also be able to grow up to six plants in their homes. The amendment would also allow for retail marijuana stores, regulated in a manner similar to medical-marijuana dispensaries. Communities, though, would be able to ban pot shops. Consumption of marijuana in public would not be allowed. Colorado voters in 2006 rejected a similar legalization measure, 59 percent to 41 percent. But the current campaign's proponents say recent polls give them optimism that the landscape has shifted. A poll put out in December by the firm Public Policy Polling reported that 49 percent of Coloradans say they favor marijuana legalization, compared with 40 percent who oppose it. Women, however, are less confident about legalization than men, with 47 percent in support and 42 percent opposed. When California voters decided on a marijuana-legalization initiative in 2010, the last poll before the election showed women more against legalization than men. The initiative ultimately failed, despite having majority support in polls months before the election.

Email Address
Subscribe
Recent Activity
Page 1 of 7
1/31/12 2:24 PM
ultimately failed, despite having majority support in polls months before the election.
Sign Up
That result, said Denver pollster Floyd Ciruli, shows the Colorado campaign is starting from a weak position, as voters generally become more conservative on issues as the election approaches. But Ciruli said a well-funded campaign from proponents could change the pattern. So far, the campaign has raised more than $100,000 including about $75,000 from a national marijuana-legalization group. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, who opposes legalization, said he expects the initiative's proponents to far outspend its opponents.
Create an account or log in to see what your friends are doing.
Jack Del Rio getting down to work on Broncos' defense - The Denver Post 7 people recommend this. Ron Paul, Rick Santorum campaign in Colorado for GOP presidential bid today - The Denver Post 8 people recommend this.
Facebook social plugin
"Given the amount of money the marijuana industry is prepared to spend, I think there's a good chance marijuana legalization may be approved," Suthers said.
MARIJUANA NEWS: RECENT COMMENTS
John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com
Comment on 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (1 hour, 18 minutes ago) [/quote]6) Pot consumption I have never done as I am THC Intolerant. But, I have witness what pot ca... Comment on Another pot measure could go to Colorado ballots (2 hours, 21 minutes ago) We had this argument last week.Propents of this garbage see no problem with anything.According to th... Comment on 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (3 hours, 8 minutes ago) I nominate SL10 for the 2012 baloney award if he keeps this up all year he will most certainly have ...
Follow John Ingold on Twitter.

PRINT EMAIL RETURN TO TOP GET HOME DELIVERY TERMS OF USE
LIKE THIS ARTICLE?
TOP VIDEO
1 Sneaky Linguistic Trick
Kim Kardashian Tweets Steamy Pics
SUV Slams Into Conn. House, Pins Slee...
Is Miss Piggy a Pinko? The Muppet Defe...
Comment on 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (4 hours, 15 minutes ago) That is what you do, call people names. You think your fantasies are facts. You present links that... Comment on Colorado woman accused of smuggling pot into NM (4 hours, 44 minutes ago) If you said something like this to a relative of mine, you'd be swallowing teeth. You are a childis... Visit the marijuana news forum for more discussion More recent comments on Denver Post news articles
MOST COMMENTED
Mother left 2-year-old child to die in El Paso County field, court documents say: 41 comments Atheist billboard raising hackles in Colorado: 40 comments
Gingrich sketches Day 1 agenda for his presidency: 34 comments Jack Del Rio getting down to work on Broncos' defense: 35 comments Study: One in four Coloradans have almost no savings: 56 comments
TOGGLE:
OLDEST FIRST
NEWEST FIRST 23 days ago
Nathan W
Dustymack wrote: oldRN

1/31/12 2:24 PM
oldRN wrote:[quote="Dustymack"http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/fashion/19pot.html? pagewanted=all Here is my proof from the times! Try and find something that wasn't created by a pot head as proof that MJ doesn't lead to higher drug use. Most the people that i know that have smoked pot all have used higher drugs. Im talking about 20 people!
Did you even read that article? There was nothing that said there was any sort of gateway effect. The numbers themselves disprove the gateway effect. There are 17+ million monthly pot smokers. There are less than a million monthly heroin users. Do the math, it comes to less than 6%.
Rupert Picante
24 days ago
Dustymack wrote: oldRN wrote: Dustymack wrote:There should be a bill that prevents these stoners proposing this idea ever again. Give it up already. The people that lead successful lives know that MJ prevents most people from being successful and leads to higher drug use. It being used for medicinal purposes is even sketchier. Plus, the dispensaries have even worse people hanging around them than liquor stores. Some guy literally was trying to sell me heroin as i passed by.
Dustymack, you certainly have the right to express your opinions...this is America. Others have the right, with the required signatures, to place any proposal they wish on the ballot.....this is America. And if a majority vote for it, you can either accept it, exercise your freedom to change it, or move. After extensive study, even the DEA admits that marijuana does not appear to be a "gateway" drug. Someone approaching YOU to sell you heroin? Adds drama and flair to your comment, but is hardly credible.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/fashi ... wanted=all Here is my proof from the times! Try and find something that wasn't created by a pot head as proof that MJ doesn't lead to higher drug use. Most the people that i know that have smoked pot all have used higher drugs. Im talking about 20 people!
Page 3 of 7
1/31/12 2:24 PM
You do not want the legal, political process to be allowed. Are you advocating a fascist state or a communist one? I love the United States of America, commie. You also seem to be pretty put off by logic and reason. Good luck with all that.
Maryellen K
24 days ago
Dustymack wrote: oldRN wrote: Dustymack wrote:There should be a bill that prevents these stoners proposing this idea ever again. Give it up already. The people that lead successful lives know that MJ prevents most people from being successful and leads to higher drug use. It being used for medicinal purposes is even sketchier. Plus, the dispensaries have even worse people hanging around them than liquor stores. Some guy literally was trying to sell me heroin as i passed by.
The link provided connects to a New York Times article in the Fashion and Style section titled, "Marijuana Is Gateway Drug For Two Debates." The article's title is misleading- there are no concrete examples in it of marijuana being a gateway drug. One person, with marijuana "addiction" took morphine once and overdosed while trying to stop using marijuana. There was an interesting quote in the article by Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Her institute opposes legalization. She states, (with marijuana) "it's going to take some real fatalities for people to pay attention..." I am flabberghasted that the director of this national institute apparently is not aware that there has never been a
1/31/12 2:24 PM
director of this national institute apparently is not aware that there has never been a marijuana fatality....ever. The article also states that 9% of people who try marijuana become "addicted." Of the people who try alcohol, 15% become addicted. Do some people develop a dependence on marijuana? Of course. Just as some develop a dependence on alcohol, Valium, and fried food. My original point in bringing up the DEA was that an agency that clearly would have an agenda for proving that marijuana WAS a gateway drug could not find concrete evidence to support that. Citing an article from the New York Times Fashion and Stlye section that has "gateway drug" in the title but no solid examples is hardly scientific evidence.
Timothy T
24 days ago
LEGALIZE 2012 HTTP://WWW.LEGALIZE2012.COM BY COLORADO VOTERS Too BAD, those who wish to Dictate Politics are from Maryland and Ohio! Obviously, carpetbagger Loons themselves with financial interests in assuring Colorado Voters don't get to provide a citizen led ballot initiative not driven by Greed for the defense lawyers and Insurance Industry. Our Health Freedoms was the theme ruined by out state interests, payola & politics through HB-1284, SB-109. "like Alcohol" was crammed Down everyone's throat without input from citizenry, 1% Billionaire influence is the BIG SECRET! Just as NORML hasn't been rep-ing the MMJ Industry and taking money in a perverse manner, so too this REGULATION/DOR handoff effort provides undue influence opportunity for existing dispensary owners once it becomes law. "HANG ON for the LONG HAUL and reward will be govt. Paid safety from federal intervention", and other such nonsense are being told to the chosen few who might benefit! Yeppers, HYPOCRITES, one and all! Afraid of the split votes and prohibition continuing, don't really think you could have screwed this up any worst with the current "Business Losses" overregulation seed to sale cicumstance. Where is our Colorado Supreme Court when we need it? :roll:
Dusty M
24 days ago
oldRN wrote: Dustymack wrote:There should be a bill that prevents these stoners proposing this idea ever again. Give it up already. The people that lead successful lives know that MJ prevents most people from being successful and leads to higher drug use. It being used for medicinal purposes is even sketchier. Plus, the dispensaries have even worse people hanging around them than liquor stores. Some guy literally was trying to sell me heroin as i passed by.
Dustymack, you certainly have the right to express your opinions...this is America. Others have the right, with the required signatures, to place any proposal they wish on the ballot.....this is America. And if a majority vote for it,
1/31/12 2:24 PM
proposal they wish on the ballot.....this is America. And if a majority vote for it, you can either accept it, exercise your freedom to change it, or move. After extensive study, even the DEA admits that marijuana does not appear to be a "gateway" drug. Someone approaching YOU to sell you heroin? Adds drama and flair to your comment, but is hardly credible.
Timothy T
25 days ago
Gotta love how the main successes of anything political, marijuana related or not, always relies on money.
Maryellen K
25 days ago
Dustymack wrote:There should be a bill that prevents these stoners proposing this idea ever again. Give it up already. The people that lead successful lives know that MJ prevents most people from being successful and leads to higher drug use. It being used for medicinal purposes is even sketchier. Plus, the dispensaries have even worse people hanging around them than liquor stores. Some guy literally was trying to sell me heroin as i passed by.
DENVER & THE WEST
ENTERTAINMENT
Denver woman killed in crash with fire truck identified
Photos and review: Blind Pilot at the Boulder Theater
Page 6 of 7
1/31/12 2:24 PM
Structure fire doused in Wheat Ridge, no injuries National park dam repairs needed
Photos and review: Ingrid Michaelson plays intimate show at the Walnut Room Pakistani and Indian chefs compete on reality TV
SPORTS
Jack Del Rio getting down to work on Broncos' defense Kiszla: Broncos living in past with Tim Tebow Sam Pagano set standard for family's rich coaching legacy
OPINION
Editorial: Give Pinnacol plan a fair shot Littwin: Here's what Rep. Bradford should do Editorial: Gingrich isn't a serious pick
WATERCOOLER BUSINESS
Forest Service says it won't evict Jesus statue Man rescued after being stuck in NM mud for 3 days NY inmate guilty of seeking $890M in tax refunds
AARP Auto Insurance Over 50? You Could Save $357* On AARP Auto Ins From The
AARP.TheHartford.com
Stocks down, trying for best January since '97 Greece 'a step' away from twin rescue deals Hackers attack large Brazilian bank
FTTN Closes Acquisition! Acquired Interest In New Oil Well Could Mean Price
www.BestMicroCapStock.com
CD Rate Mortal Combat Click to see which bank wins 1st for 1, 2, 3 & 5 yr CDs.
www.RateCatcher.com/Banks-Fight/
Ads by Yahoo!
Page 7 of 7
Colorado marijuana effort seeks older, budget-minded voters | AspenTimes.com
1/31/12 3:27 PM
advertisement | your ad here
Contribute Advertise Place a Classified Ad Archives E-edition RSS Feeds Contact Us Feedback
Search
Go
Home
News
Sports
Entertainment
Opinion
Community
Outdoors
Photos + Videos
Visitors' Guide
Jobs
Real Estate
Autos
Classifieds
News > Lead Stories
Members' Hub!
EXPLORE THE HUB
Colorado marijuana effort seeks older, budgetminded voters Thursday, July 7, 2011
Kristen Wyatt The Associated Press Aspen, CO Colorado
ARTICLE Email
Send us your news << back
Welcome, Guest
What's This Become a Member LOGIN
COMMENTS Print
Drug Dependence Quiz

TurnToHelp.com
Identify substance abuse problems Confidential, free online survey
DENVER A campaign to legalize small amounts of marijuana for adult recreational use in Colorado is aimed at middle-aged, budget-conscious voters not the pot smokers typically associated with such efforts. Two marijuana legalization advocates started a signature drive Thursday to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that they say would regulate and tax recreational marijuana to raise money for schools without making make weed available to all. The representatives of the "Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol" wore suits and stood on a public lawn before the state Capitol and made their case that marijuana legalization would raise needed tax revenues and save money spent on arresting and prosecuting small-time pot users. Again and again, they talked about how they would aim to limit the legalization effort only for adults and only in small quantities. "It'll be the strictest control and regulation of marijuana in history," said Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado, a pot-legalization group that helped put forward the proposed ballot measure. Another of the organizers, Mason Tvert, said the campaign wants to appeal to Republicans and older voters, not just young people who typically turn up at smoke-filled pot rallies. A 2006 measure to legalize marijuana in Colorado was soundly defeated, as was a legalization measure last year in California. "We think this is going to appeal to a lot more people," Tvert said. If approved, the measure would make small amounts of pot legal starting in 2013. Marijuana could be sold at newly designated stores and subject to state licensing. Adults would be allowed to have up to six plants. And pot would be subject to sales taxes and an additional state excise tax of 15 percent, with the money designated for public schools. The proposal allows local governments to prohibit commercial pot sales. "This is shifting from a prohibition paradigm to a regulation paradigm," Tvert said. Tvert and Vicente brushed aside concerns that the amendment would set up a federal showdown over marijuana. They point out that medical marijuana is also illegal under federal law, but 16 states allow its use. "It's time for states to step up and take the lead on recreational marijuana the way they did on medical marijuana," Vicente said. But the suggestion to heavily regulate pot has miffed some marijuana activists, who are working on a rival proposal with fewer restrictions on marijuana. Laura Kriho of the Cannabis Therapy Institute said in a statement to reporters the existing petition shouldn't be considered full legalization. "It is merely sentencing reform, nothing more," the statement to reporters said. A ballot measure needs about 86,000 valid signatures to make ballots next year.
Sales Tax Rate Calculator

Avalara.com
City, County, And State Tax Rates For Your Business. Try it for free!
Leafly
View dispensary map. Read reviews. The best strain data.

www.leafly.com
Deals in your inbox

Enter Your Email Here
Event Calendar
UPCOMING EVENTS SEARCH
Submit an Event
VIEW ALL EVENTS >
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20110707/NEWS/110709866/1077&ParentProfile=1058
Page 1 of 3
1/31/12 3:27 PM
Email
Print
Top Jobs
Sections aspentimes.com Services Contribute News Neighbors
News / Sports / Entertainment / Opinion / Community / Outdoors / Photos + Videos / Visitors' Guide About Us / Staff / Login / Become a Member / Site Map / Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions / Terms of Use / Swift Communications Contribute / Advertise / Place a Classified Ad / Archives / E-edition / RSS Feeds / Contact Us / Feedback Letter to the Editor / News Tip / Event / Birth / Obituary / Engagement / Wedding Vail - Colorado / Breckenridge - Colorado / Grand Junction - Colorado / Leadville - Colorado / Snowmass Colorado / Eagle Valley - Colorado / Rifle - Colorado / Carbondale - Colorado / Glenwood Springs - Colorado / Granby - Colorado / Windsor - Colorado / Greeley - Colorado / High Country House & Home Magazine Weather / Road Cams / Recent Comments / Blog Central / RSS feeds / Event List / Comics
Also Online
2005 - 2012 Swift Communications, Inc.
Page 2 of 3
1/31/12 3:27 PM
Page 3 of 3
Colorado pot backers aim for legalization vote in 2012 - The Denver Post
1/31/12 3:43 PM

0
News
Politics
Sports
Business
Entertainment
Lifestyles
Opinion
Travel
Your Hub
Shopping
Autos
Real Estate
Jobs
Classifieds
Search
Site
Home > News > Breaking News

DENVER & THE WEST
Colorado pot backers aim for legalization vote in 2012

By Tim Hoover The Denver Post POSTED: UPDATED:
Photos: Denver Broncos cheerleaders, through the decades Photos: The Broncos cheerleaders calendar Frontier Airlines headquarters to return to Denver Poudre Valley Health, CU Hospital join forces FDIC again warns ailing Mile High Banks Trader Joe's specialty grocers' competition steep in 'most competitive n Northern Colorado residents hoping for rail travel to Denver Parker: Creating an urban option to mortgages Hot start: Dow and S&P have best January since '97 Colorado lawmakers seek to end phone subsidy
05/19/2011 06:01:41 PM MDT 05/19/2011 06:25:42 PM MDT
Pot backers have filed eight initiatives with the state aimed at legalizing marijuana. All of the initiatives would ask voters in 2012 to legalize the use and possession an ounce or less of marijuana for those 21 and older, and all would allow the state to set up a regulatory structure for retail sales of pot. If approved by voters, the initiatives also would allow people to legally grow up to six marijuana plants. The initiatives all specify, however, that they would not permit the public consumption of marijuana.

Email Address
A marijuana plant flourishes under grow lights at a warehouse in Denver. (Ed Andrieski, Associated Press file) Subscribe
"I think people in this state have come to understand that marijuana is not the dangerous substance that law enforcement and the federal government have made it out to be," said Brian Vicente, executive director of Sensible Colorado, which supports legalization. Coloradans in 2000 passed Amendment 20, which eventually led to the state's present system of medical marijuana dispensaries and grow facilities. Critics have said the system is a nudge-nudge, wink-wink way to legally sell and use pot for those who are not truly ill or suffering from pain. In 2006, voters shot down a ballot measure to legalize pot with 59 percent of voters opposed. While 14 states and the District of Columbia now allow medical marijuana, no state has voted to legalize the substance. Even left-leaning California voters shot down a legalization measure last year. Mike Turner, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said he didn't know what the DEA would do if marijuana were legalized in Colorado. "I guess it would be something very similar to the marijuana situation in Colorado right
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18099454
Photos: Republican primary in Florida on Tuesday

Page 1 of 6
1/31/12 3:43 PM
now," Turner said. "It would be in direct conflict with federal law." Some versions of of the initiatives specify that a 15 percent state excise tax would be imposed on wholesale transactions of marijuana, something supporters estimate would generate up to $35 million a year. One version would earmark the revenue for public school infrastructure. There are eight variations of the initiatives, Vicente said, so that supporters can see which of them contains language that will pass the state's Title Setting Review Board. The threemember panel determines if initiatives meet the constitution's single subject requirement. State Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, an outspoken critic of medical marijuana and a three-decade career police officer, doubted Coloradans would vote for legalization. They voted in favor of Amendment 20 because they wanted to help chronically ill people who were suffering, not legalize recreational pot, King said. "I honestly believe that when Coloradans go to the ballot box," he said, "they're going to vote no to dope in Colorado." Tim Hoover: 303-954-1626 or thoover@denverpost.com
Florida on Tuesday
Scenes from the campaign trail on the day of the Republican Primary in Florida on Tuesday. Cancer charity halts grants to Planned Parenthood 1/31 1:47 PM Poudre Valley Health, University Hospital join forces 1/31 3:25 PM Los Angeles teacher charged with molesting 23 kids 1/31 3:09 PM China raises security to contain Tibet protests 1/31 4:10 AM South Africa recalls 1.35 million condoms 1/31 10:43 AM Will Facebook deliver an IPO surprise? 1/31 3:04 PM
Post Poll - Colfax Ave.
Generally speaking, do you consider Colfax Avenue dangerous?

Yes, very dangerous Yes, dangerous Yes, a little dangerous
Follow Tim Hoover on Twitter.

Not dangerous, but sketchy No, not dangerous I don't know I've never been on Colfax Ave.
Language Secret Revealed
LIKE THIS ARTICLE?
TOP VIDEO
Vote!
Courtney Lures Ben with Striptease on '...
WE RECOMMEND
Colorado firms got $619 million in venture capital in 2011 (The Denver Post - Economy and
Real Estate)

10 Ways to Stay Depression-Free
(Lifescript.com)
Recent Activity Sign Up

Emboldened GOP wants to abolish state income taxes (The Denver Post - Politics) Kiszla: Broncos living in past with Tim Tebow (The Denver Post - Sports) People: Demi Moore reported hooked on Red Bull (The Denver Post - Celebrity Buzz) Joe Coors announcing run in 7th District (The
Denver Post - Politics)
Worlds Greatest Retirement Lie Dupes Baby Boomers (Newsmax.com) The Best and Worst Products at Trader Joe's
(The Daily Meal)
Ron Paul, Rick Santorum campaign in Colorado for GOP presidential bid today - The Denver Post 8 people recommend this. Jack Del Rio arrives in Denver for Broncos head start - The Denver Post 22 people recommend this.
7 Habits of Highly Frugal People (MoneyNing) If Nike Made Uniforms Like These, the NFL Would Be Better Off (BleacherReport)
[what's this]
Page 2 of 6
1/31/12 3:43 PM
Show oldest comments first (currently newest comments are first)
boog wrote:I am against the outright legalization of pot. It is easy enough for our kids to get it now - lets not make it that much easier. I also agree with what someone else said that it is not as bad as what they are obviously smoking in DC to come out with the crap they come up with. Just my $.02.
Boog, kids are now able to get pot easier than ethoh. The reason is that pot is pushed. OTH, EthOH is controlled. While kids can and do get to EthOH, it is less than pot. g.r. r. | 1:18 AM on Sunday May 22 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
I am against the outright legalization of pot. It is easy enough for our kids to get it now - lets not make it that much easier. I also agree with what someone else said that it is not as bad as what they are obviously smoking in DC to come out with the crap they come up with. Just my $.02. Boog P | 6:31 PM on Saturday May 21 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
RaceStreetCitizen wrote:That press release appears factually incorrect. Why would they criminalize driving under the influence in the constitution, when it is already a crime in statute? Whoever wrote that needs to double check their sources, otherwise they are going to lose their credibility.
Why would they criminalize DUI? Have you read the language--the credibility you think your supporting is flawed. Whoever wrote it read the language. You clearly have not. one brown mouse | 8:11 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
BRT_2 wrote:Pot......is.........illegal......based.....on......Federal.......Law....... I said it slow for the drug addicts .........gotta love pot logic.
Yeah, those evil drug addict pot smokers. They are destroying our society! Laughing, thinking, driving slow in traffic! I think we should line them all up and shoot them! The evil placed upon humanity by these "pot smokers" will come back upon us on May 21, 2011! Gerald V | 3:38 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
WaywardBill wrote:The three you are talking about are Mason Tvert, Brian Vicente, and Art Way who all sold out to the carpetbaggers.
Page 3 of 6
1/31/12 3:43 PM
Bill, is your real last name Massengill? Hank R | 3:25 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Miss Information wrote:"Pot Backers aim for legalization in 2012" I was unaware that pots are outlawed. What are we supposed to use for cookery with all the pots being banned?
There's reason for that...
Hank R | 3:22 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
BRT_2 wrote:Pot......is.........illegal......based.....on......Federal.......Law....... I said it slow for the drug addicts .........gotta love pot logic.
For......now,......Mister.......Pro-hi-bi-tion. I sounded it out for you at the end... Teeheeheehee! Hank R | 3:19 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Miss Information wrote:"Pot Backers aim for legalization in 2012" I was unaware that pots are outlawed. What are we supposed to use for cookery with all the pots being banned?
Put down the bong and re-read. Gerald V | 3:16 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Page 4 of 6
1/31/12 3:43 PM
Re: Colorado aim's for legalization vote in 2012 bulletbob wrote:Colorado will be the first state to legalize marijuana, I can feel it!
I can smell it! Hank R | 3:09 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
WaywardBill wrote:Press Release from Legalize 2012: http://deadheadsunited.wordpress.com/
You GOTTA love the name of that website, too funny! Gerald V | 3:01 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Anyone that devotes their life, or a lot of energy to this doesn't have much to do. If you're gonna, fine. If you're not gonna, that's also fine. It isn't much of a crime now. Gerald V | 2:50 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
CTI is related to a person named Tim Tipton. He is actively involved in their organization Google him. "tim tipton mmj" After researching him, what can you conclude? J garcia | 2:49 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
That press release appears factually incorrect. Why would they criminalize driving under the influence in the constitution, when it is already a crime in statute? Whoever wrote that needs to double check their sources, otherwise they are going to lose their credibility. Jon H | 1:54 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Press Release from Legalize 2012: http://deadheadsunited.wordpress.com/ Wayward Bill Chengelis | 12:19 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
It can't be any worse than what they are smoking in DC these days. Gerald V | 12:00 PM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
By sold out, do you mean that they are actually doing really good work and people actually donate to their organizations? Jon H | 10:43 AM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment
Page 5 of 6
Jon H | 10:43 AM on Friday May 20 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
1/31/12 3:43 PM
MORE HEADLINES
Denver woman killed in crash with fire truck identified Structure fire doused in Wheat Ridge, no injuries National park dam repairs needed Arapahoe commissioners postpone discussion about naming buildings after people Residents of Arapahoe County condo complex go without hot water for weeks Photos: Rick Santorum makes campaign stop in Denver Denver weather mild today, but snow likely on Friday Mother left 2-year-old child to die in El Paso County field, court documents say Atheist billboard raising hackles in Colorado Republican Joe Coors: "I'm a Golden Rule guy," decries GOP presidential attacks
AARP Auto Insurance Over 50? You Could Save $357* On AARP Auto Ins From The
Visit Denver Going On A Trip To Denver? Find The Best Hotels &
Away.com
Washington Express Professional,

www.linestanding.net
Ads by Yahoo!
Page 6 of 6
Colorado pot legalization petition nearing end | SummitDaily.com
1/31/12 2:43 PM
Official Obama Website. Barack Obama needs your help in Seattle today. Are you in? barackobama.com/seattle Leafly View dispensary map. Read reviews. The best strain data. www.leafly.com Epson WorkForce Pro World's Fastest 2-sided Printer Explore Epson's new WorkForce Pro. Epson.com/Workforce
Tuesday, January 31st
25 F | 7-day forecast
Contribute Steal The Deal Advertise Place a Classified Ad Archives E-edition RSS Feeds Contact Us Feedback
Search
Go
Home
News
Sports
Entertainment
Opinion
Community
Outdoors
Photos + Videos
Visitors' Guide Deals Jobs Real Estate Autos Classifieds
Members' Hub!
EXPLORE THE HUB
Colorado pot legalization petition nearing end

By The Associated Press
Email Print Recommend (5)
Send us your news
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Welcome, Guest
What's This Become a Member LOGIN
Share on Facebook
LITTLETON Marijuana isn't the kind of thing one expects to be asked about on a trip to a county administrative building. But folks outside an Arapahoe County building on a recent afternoon were surprisingly receptive to two men gathering signatures to petition a pot question onto ballots next year. The petition, circulating for months, asks whether Colorado should be the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Activists backing the measure say they've far cleared the 86,000 signature threshold to make ballots, and could have petitions to state officials for approval by the end of the year. After that, they start the harder work persuading Coloradans to embrace a direct challenge to federal drug law. Outside the Arapahoe County building, many voters were intrigued by the ballot proposal. Some who signed on said they've never used marijuana but are annoyed by what they consider Colorado's two-step with the feds over whether marijuana is allowed but just for sick people, and how it should be sold and taxed. If we're going to have marijuana, I think it should be controlled, said 80-year-old Barney Richardson of Denver. Richardson has seen medical marijuana dispensaries proliferate, and doubts the validity of some medical ailments on the part of patients. I don't like the way the government's controlling things now, so let the people decide a different way. Richardson said he's never smoked pot. But he added, I used to smoke cigarettes, and think those ought to be banned. Another man who signed the petition, 43-year-old Rick Rome of Centennial, said he doesn't use marijuana either but finds pot laws a waste of taxpayer money. We're looking at tremendous expenditures for drug crimes, Rome said. I think it's a civil rights issue. The organizer of the ballot petition, Emmett Reistroffer of the Marijuana Policy Project, has worked in marijuana advocacy in several states and says Colorado's libertarian streak and longtime experience with medical marijuana makes it a logical place to challenge federal prohibition of the drug. Right now in Colorado, marijuana's like this dirty little secret, Reistroffer said. It's sort of underground, sort of medical, but still illegal under federal law. If we're going to change this, we need to fight on the state level. If it's cleared for ballots, the marijuana question would ask voters whether the drug should be allowed in small amounts for adults over 21. The measure would also instruct state lawmakers to ask voters for an excise tax on the drug. It would say that marijuana can't be used openly and publicly and that pot must be grown in locked, enclosed places. Medical marijuana, in which patients suffering certain ailments can seek doctor recommendations for the drug, would still exist. Mason Tvert, head of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said his group plans to shift into campaign mode once the measure is cleared for the ballot. He said the campaign already has more than 150,000 signatures, which would likely guarantee a place on the ballot even after invalid signatures are tossed. Despite the likelihood the marijuana question makes ballots, Tvert and other activists concede their odds are long for getting voters to legalize pot. Reistroffer, the petition organizer, said he thinks the odds of success at the polls are about 30 percent. He talked about federal saber-rattling over medical marijuana, with the Drug Enforcement Administration cracking down on
VIEW ALL EVENTS >
Deals in your inbox

Enter Your Email Here
Event Calendar
UPCOMING EVENTS SEARCH
Submit an Event
1/31/2012 International Snow Sculpture Championships Viewing Week 1/31/2012 Community Dinner 1/31/2012 Free Texas Hold'em 1/31/2012 Al-anon meeting 1/31/2012 Kung Fu- Lethal Funk 1/31/2012 Trivia and $2 Tuesdays 2/1/2012 International Snow Sculpture Championships Viewing Week 2/1/2012 Kundalini Yoga 2/1/2012 Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Center 2/1/2012 Tumbling Tots (Ages 1 1/2 - 3)
SEE ALL
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20111218/NEWS/111219833/1078&ParentProfile=1055
Page 1 of 3
1/31/12 2:43 PM
dispensaries in California and Montana. I don't think the thought process has gone that far, where people are willing to say, Let's challenge this,' Reistroffer said. The proposal has already raised opposition from law enforcement authorities in Colorado, including the state's top lawyer, Republican Attorney General John Suthers. A marijuana legalization question on ballots in 2006 failed badly. And so far, the pot campaign isn't rolling in money. According to state filings, the issue committee working on the campaign, called the Coalition To End Marijuana Prohibition, had only about $20,000 on hand in mid-October. Much of the money came from out-of-state donations, especially from the Washington-based Marijuana Policy Project Foundation. Tvert said the campaign will start slow, trying to persuade voters that marijuana doesn't pose the public threat some fear it does. We will be focused on educating Colorado on the fact that marijuana is safer than alcohol, Tvert said, echoing the campaign's argument that pot should be limited and taxed, but still legal for adults. Tvert worked on the unsuccessful 2006 campaign and said the state's attitude toward pot is much different now. He expects donations to pick up for a fall media campaign in support of the ballot measure. Colorado has made the most progress in establishing sensible marijuana policies and we have no doubt Colorado will be the first state in the country to end marijuana prohibition, Tvert said. Follow Kristen Wyatt at http://www.twitter.com/APkristenwyatt
Top Jobs candidate will be a self starter, able to multitask, detail oriented and have excellent wor Unit cleaners Unit CleanersFor job specifics and to apply online please visit: www.beaverrun.com (970)453-8737 Cook, kitchen staff Front House Staff. Murphys Now hiring Front of the House Staff. Apply in person 501 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne. Property Manager Property Manager. PROPERTY
Email
Print
ShareThis
facebook
Other Top Items

Related Articles
Summit County: Pets available at the shelter Ask Dr. Dolamore: Adopt a pet, change two lives Summit High School honor roll Sixth-Grade Snapshot tonight at SMS Breckenridge Resource Recovery & Education Center open house on Wednesday
Most Recommended Articles

John Williams: Tired of bad dog encounters | (68) For the love of America, grow some boundaries (34) Peter Erickson: Something rotten in Frisco | (204) Terry Power: Not a Spike fan | SummitDaily.co (182) Scott Mathews: Protect the right to choose | (16)
Comments
Dear Readers, We've received your feedback, and are evaluating the options available for a different commenting system. One thing's sure, the old system won't return as it was. We still have lots of ways to share your opinion, including Letters to the Editor. Thanks for bearing with us. Thank you!
Sections summitdaily.com Services Contribute News Neighbors
News / Sports / Entertainment / Opinion / Community / Outdoors / Photos + Videos / Visitors' Guide About Us / Staff / Login / Become a Member / Site Map / Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions / Terms of Use / Swift Communications Contribute / Steal The Deal / Advertise / Place a Classified Ad / Archives / E-edition / RSS Feeds / Contact Us / Feedback Letter to the Editor / News Tip / Event / Kudos / Obituary / Engagement / Wedding Vail - Colorado / Aspen - Colorado / Winter Park - Colorado / Leadville - Colorado / Snowmass - Colorado / Eagle Valley - Colorado / Rifle - Colorado / Glenwood Springs - Colorado / Grand Junction - Colorado / Windsor Colorado / Greeley - Colorado / High Country House & Home Magazine Weather / Road Cams / Recent Comments / Blog Central / RSS feeds / Event List / Comics
2005 - 2012 Swift Communications, Inc.
Also Online
Page 2 of 3
1/31/12 2:43 PM
Page 3 of 3
Colorado voters might see competing marijuana regulation proposals on ballot | The Republic
1/31/12 2:27 PM
Colorado voters might see competing marijuana regulation proposals on ballot

KRISTEN WYATT Associated Press First Posted: January 18, 2012 - 4:01 am Last Updated: January 18, 2012 - 6:03 pm
DENVER A marijuana legalization measure on Colorado ballots this fall could face some competition. A second pot legalization proposal won clearance Wednesday from a state title board to begin collecting petition signatures. That sets up the possibility of two ballot questions asking whether to set up a direct challenge to federal drug law by legalizing pot for recreational use. Unlike the "Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol" measure currently awaiting clearance for inclusion on ballots, the second measure sets no age limit. It also allows users to possess any amount and does not set up an excise tax for marijuana. The sponsor of the second marijuana measure, Michelle LaMay, said her proposal is simpler than the regulation measure, which allows rules for how pot could be sold. LaMay's measure simply removes criminal penalties for marijuana possession. If approved, LaMay's proposal would not affect people already convicted of marijuana-related offenses. "I'm not competing with them," LaMay said of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which has received funding from the Washington-based Marijuana Policy Project. The regulation campaign has run afoul of some marijuana activists, who complain it's too heavy-handed. At least one more legalizationrelated measure is possible, setting up a potentially confusing slate of pot proposals before voters. The last legalization ballot measure, in 2006, lost badly. Mason Tvert of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol said he wasn't worried about voter confusion. "We're glad there's so much energy behind the movement to end marijuana prohibition," Tvert said.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/71d7d784d5b24525b2e20427cdf1268c/CO--Legalizing-Marijuana/ Page 1 of 2
We also have more stories about: (click the phrases to see a list) Category: Colorado Subjects: Alcohol laws and regulations Flowering plants Plants Living things Government regulations Government and politics Places: Denver Colorado United States North America
Colorado voters might see competing marijuana regulation proposals on ballot | The Republic
1/31/12 2:27 PM
The regulation proposal has turned in signatures and is awaiting clearance for inclusion on ballots. Backers of the second amendment can begin collecting signatures and have six months to collect the needed 86,000 or so signatures to make the ballot. ___ Online: Proposed Initiative 40: http://goo.gl/No0FO 0
The Republic newspaper on

Facebook Like 4,867
Content enhanced with OpenCalais.
All content copyright 2012 The Republic, a division of Home News Enterprises unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Click here to read our privacy policy.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/71d7d784d5b24525b2e20427cdf1268c/CO--Legalizing-Marijuana/
Page 2 of 2
Legalizing pot would make Colorado safer - The Denver Post
1/31/12 3:14 PM

0
News
Politics
Sports
Business
Entertainment
Lifestyles
Opinion
Travel
Your Hub
Shopping
Autos
Real Estate
Jobs
Classifieds
Search
Site
Home > Opinion

OPINION
Legalizing pot would make Colorado safer

By Tony Ryan
Photos: Denver Broncos cheerleaders, through the decades Photos: The Broncos cheerleaders calendar Job Boot Camp: Two months later, lessons learned, effort pays for some Funerals 101: How to respectfully pay your respects RSVP: In song and dance, Fine Arts Foundation honors its 2012 Citizen Ju 1950s women may have triggered obesity epidemic Train like a cave man Does life need meaning? CSU tackles ultimate query RSVP: Wonderland royalty at Heart Ball Color makes a splash on the slopes - and at SnowSports Industries Americ
POSTED: 10/02/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT UPDATED: 10/03/2011 05:12:05 PM MDT
Consider this a front-line report from Colorado's War on Marijuana. As a 36-year veteran of the Denver Police Department, I'm joining many of my fellow law enforcement officials to say that the battle is being lost. Our combined efforts to stop marijuana use have not only failed, but they've actually made Colorado communities more dangerous, not less, and at a tremendous expense in lives and dollars. Unless we change strategies, drug use won't be reduced, respect for the law will continue to erode, and untold numbers of Coloradans' lives will be ruined all at an ever-increasing cost. While elected officials are reluctant to act, Coloradans are taking the issue into their own hands, forcing much-needed change at the ballot box next year. Since Richard Nixon declared a joint federal-state-local War on Drugs in 1971, we've pursued two strategies: interdiction (seizing the drugs to choke off supply) and prosecution of users (to discourage demand). Pursuing those strategies, my fellow officers arrested 12,358 otherwise law-abiding Coloradans in 2007. Almost all these arrests, 94 percent, were for simple possession (as opposed to sale) of marijuana. Although we don't have specific figures for the fiscal cost to Colorado taxpayers, we know that nationwide, enforcing marijuana laws costs taxpayers roughly $8 billion every year. Pot prohibition adds to Americans' increasing disregard for the law, and any patrolman can tell you how widespread and dangerous this lack of respect has become. Just as with prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s, our efforts have created a criminal class that reaps billions of dollars satisfying America's steady appetite for marijuana. Since arrests and seizures haven't worked, let's try the only approach left: restrict the possession and sale of marijuana to adults age 21 and above and set up a system to regulate and tax it, just like alcohol. A measure is likely to appear on the November 2012 ballot that would do just that, making Colorado the first state in the nation sensible enough to face the facts of marijuana prohibition
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_19007826

Email Address
Subscribe
TOP OPINION STORIES
Editorial: Give Pinnacol plan a fair shot Littwin: Here's what Rep. Bradford should do
Page 1 of 8
1/31/12 3:14 PM
Colorado the first state in the nation sensible enough to face the facts of marijuana prohibition and pursue a better approach. Under the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012, marijuana prohibition will be repealed: adult Coloradans will be able to purchase and possess limited amounts of marijuana for their own private use. Instead of permitting criminal gangs and foreign drug cartels to profit from street-level drug sales, this new law will enable local and state government to take in revenue, just as they do with alcohol. I know many of my brother and sister officers would welcome the chance to end marijuana arrests and prosecutions and focus instead on what's really important: fighting crime and making our streets, neighborhoods and homes safer. Not once in all my years as a Denver police officer from patrolman to lieutenant did I ever meet a fellow officer who went into law enforcement to arrest people for marijuana. We can all help Colorado lead the way for a sensible drug policy by signing one of the ballot petitions that are circulating now throughout Colorado. Visit RegulateMarijuana.org. Tony Ryan is a 36-year veteran of the Denver Police Department. He is a board member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (copssaylegalizedrugs.com).
Editorial: Gingrich isn't a serious pick Guest Commentary: NO: Current state law and public awareness are enough Guest Commentary: YES: Studies indicate impairment even at low levels Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget

MOST POPULAR: OPINION: PAST 3 DAYS
Carroll: Denver's mysterious values Stabiner: Paula Deen and the lure of the easy fix Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun laws (again)
Littwin: Obama-level fantasy for all Editorial: Is state flu shot mandate even necessary? Sirota: Americans suffer from economic normalcy bias Littwin: Imagine Lincoln-Douglas on YouTube
LIKE THIS ARTICLE?
TOP VIDEO
Language Secret Revealed
Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget Is Miss Piggy a Pinko? The Muppet Defe... Guest Commentary: The state of shale gas in Colorado Carroll: Denver's Tarp City is a civic eyesore
MOST-COMMENTED: OPINION: PAST 72 HOURS
Editorial: Gingrich isn't a serious pick Name That Toon: Contest No. 187
76 51 39
Littwin: Here's what Rep. Bradford should do

YES: Studies indicate impairment even at low levels 39 Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun
Legalize it and tax it.
Page 2 of 8
1/31/12 3:14 PM
Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun laws (again) 34
Jewew z | 10:01 AM on Friday Oct 7 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse OPINION: RECENT COMMENTS
Found a great resource for both sides of this issue. Great material for and against in a format that is easily understood...it may even educate and change some of the "reefer-madness" crowds minds, at least those with open minds to begin with! :mrgreen: http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/ Ron R | 8:35 AM on Friday Oct 7 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Comment on Editorial: Gingrich isn't a serious pick (3 minutes ago) I'm no fan of Obama, but are you being serious?Do you mean Gingrich would be more wonderful than Oba... Comment on YES: Studies indicate impairment even at low levels (1 hour, 21 minutes ago) What hateful propaganda and nonsense!Many people think marijuana consumption causes accidents like a... Comment on Another in an endless season of GOP debates (2 hours, 4 minutes ago) Denise:Repubs like KenP do not have a sense of humor. Any comment made about a repub must neccessar... Comment on Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun laws (again) (2 hours, 25 minutes ago) Maybe you'd better turn your guns in to the nearest authorities before they jump up and shoot you al... Comment on Guest Commentary: YES: Studies indicate impairment even at low levels (3 hours, 4 minutes ago) Another republican crusading against MMJ. He cannot even finish his first sentence without demonizi... Visit the Denver Post opinion forum for more discussion All recent comments on Denver opinion articles
Wildcats wrote:PLEASE do not use marijuana no mater what its legal status may be! I think what is going to happen is: We will legalize marijuana. We will see great reduction in drug related crimes. We will see a marijunana industry come to life and produce great money making. We will see great benefits in medicine from marijuana usage .. and then the bill will come... Humanity is a fallen race, we are not basically good--look at our history--it may take some time, but eventually we will be worse off, it is just a matter of time (maybe 10 months or maybe 100 years...) it is human nature--the law of diminisdhing returns should warn us. Please Colorado do not this evil thing. Great danger! PLEASE do not use marijuana no mater what its legal status may be! PLEASE. Thank you for your toleration of my point of view, and God's mercy to all of us.
I can see that you really don't want anyone to smoke MJ. I acknowledge that viewpoint. However, if we discuss reality here on earth aside from whatever the next life brings, you don't really provide any real supporting information or logic that would give many (if any) a good reason to maintain the failed war on MJ. From a biblical standpoint you are on shaky ground (FYI). All the warnings about danger and harm are pure unsubstantiated speculation on your part. Someone else could say things would be wonderful and would be just as hard pressed to back their statement up. Saying please a lot just isn't compelling. Just an observation. edit - I don't know what you mean by this "I think what is going to happen is: We will legalize marijuana. We will see great reduction in drug related crimes. We will see a marijunana industry come to life and produce great money making. We will see great benefits in medicine from marijuana usage .. and then the bill will come..." I agree with all the points except perhaps the leaps in medicine, though that is possible I suppose. What do you mean by the "bill will come"? It sounds like you are saying we can do this and we'll have lot's of pie, but at some point in such an efficient pie providing system, we'll be forced to buy pie? What am I missing here? Jon P | 1:26 PM on Wednesday Oct 5 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
PLEASE do not use marijuana no mater what its legal status may be! I think what is going to happen is: We will legalize marijuana. We will see great reduction in drug related crimes. We will see a marijunana industry come to life and produce great money making. We will see great benefits in medicine from marijuana usage .. and then the bill will come... Humanity is a fallen race, we are not basically good--look at our history--it may take some time, but eventually we will be worse off, it is just a matter of time (maybe 10 months or maybe 100 years...) it is human nature--the law of diminisdhing returns should warn us. Please Colorado do not this evil thing. Great danger! PLEASE do not use marijuana no mater what its legal status may be! PLEASE. Thank you for your toleration of my point of view, and God's mercy to all of us. Terry H | 12:35 PM on Wednesday Oct 5 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
@Saxon: Apparently you believe drug prohibition is keeping a significant number of people from using drugs. It's not. In fact, the evidence we have indicates the opposite. Drug use goes down with legal regulated sale. If you want fewer drug addicts on the streets, and fewer problems with the drug addicts we have, support legal regulated sale and an end to drug prohibition. I don't know if you watched the Ken Burns special "Prohibition" on PBS about alcohol prohibition in the 1920s. If you didn't, I encourage you to do so. The failure and socially disastrous unintended consequences of alcohol prohibition are being duplicated by present-day drug prohibition.
Page 3 of 8
1/31/12 3:14 PM
Steve W | 6:14 AM on Wednesday Oct 5 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Saxon wrote:I don't see how more drug addicts on the streets will make anyone safer.
Yeah, those damn pot addicts are really filling up the streets! Nathan W | 9:28 PM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
I don't see how more drug addicts on the streets will make anyone safer. Hillbilly DeLuxe | 5:25 PM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
You say legalizing marijuana will in the long run do more harm than good, but present no evidence to support your assertion. Do you have any? Do you fully appreciate the immense amount of harm being done to individuals, families, and society by drug prohibition? The second video I suggested http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=DnLaTnfwJVA describes the devastation drug prohibition is causing in the black community. It's appalling. You may be willing to let drug prohibition destroy our society because it coincides with your particular view of what is moral. Take a hard look at what drug prohibition is actually doing, and try to tell me it's the moral high ground. It's not. It reeks with immorality, far more so than an otherwise law-abiding individual who happens to prefer to relax in the evening with marijuana rather than with beer or a cigarette. I don't know if you consider beer and cigarettes immoral, but whether you do or not, realize that marijuana use is the same class of activity. Would people be better off not using any of them? Undoubtedly, but that is no reason to make people who smoke or drink into criminals, or marijuana users, either. Doing so might satisfy your sense of morality, but it would benefit neither the people nor society, and it wouldn't work. We found that out with alcohol prohibition. It didn't work. Neither does drug prohibition. From a religious point of view: What would Jesus do with a drug addict? Heal him and return him to his family, or put him in prison and leave his family without a provider? The Jesus I know would heal him. The Roman legions would imprison him. Steve W | 1:06 PM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse RECENTLY RECOMMENDED
MOST-COMMENTED, PAST HOUR
Kiszla: Broncos living in past with Tim Tebow
12
Mother left 2-year-old child to die in El Paso County field, court documents say 8 Study: One in four Coloradans have almost no savings 8 Ron Paul, Rick Santorum campaign in Colorado for GOP presidential bid today 7 Joe Coors announces bid for Colorado's 7th Congressional District 5
maybe we should actually study the plant marijauna's effects on the human body and do some studies instead of relying on 'talking points.' In the absense of such science I am going to have to vote 'yes.' for legalization of pot.... as to the social placebo effects of pot I think a lot of them are harmful. It's time to take the spookery away from the extremely useful plant. gordon D | 12:40 PM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
1. Talk of 'tornado tourism' stirs anger in Joplin (about 2 minutes ago) 2. IRS says 105 targeted in identity theft sweep (about 5 minutes ago) 3. Structure fire doused in Wheat Ridge, no injuries (about 9 minutes ago) 4. Evergreen to hold inaugural Winter Festival this weekend (about 23 minutes ago) 5. 'Sweet Leaf' pot raid also netted dollars, silver bars and Iraq dinar (about 25 minutes ago)
There are countless intelligent, compassionate, high achieving users of marijuana I have known, admired and loved many of these folks; but that does not justify the recreational use of marijuana. With legal marijuana sold and controlled many of America's crime troubles will be solved, I do not doubt this truth. My fear is what we will give up in securing thhose benefits! One sure way of reducing crime is to redefine what is a crime. Please, in the long run legalizing marijuana will do more harm than good. Do we truly believe an increasingly drug affirming America will be is a better America? Truly? We have to draw a line someplace! PLEASE do not legalilize marijuana! Whatever its legal status do not use marijuna. Sorry about my poor spelling and grammar. Thank you for hearing my side, and I wish everybody great joy this day. God bless. Terry H | 11:58 AM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
You're concerned about the harmful effects of drugs. I suggest that you also consider the harmful effects of drug prohibition on individuals, on families, and on society at large. We do have a problem with drug use. On top of that we have a crime and violence problem that is the direct result of drug prohibition. Drug prohibition makes us
Page 4 of 8

that we have a crime and violence problem that is the direct result of drug prohibition. Drug prohibition makes us treat drug use as a law enforcement problem. It's not. It's a medical and social problem. A cop is not a doctor or a social worker. He has one tool at his disposal: he can arrest people. That's not what a drug addict needs. He needs counseling and treatment. Drug prohibition greatly hampers any effort to provide them. There is no evidence that legal regulated sale of drugs, cheaper or not, will increase drug use. In fact, what evidence we have suggests that, quite the contrary, drug use will go down. This may seem counter-intuitive, but there are good reasons for it. In addition, I would point out that putting a wife/mother or husband/father in prison, possibly for nothing more than the simple possession of marijuana, and giving them a criminal record that will forever keep them from getting a good job, is no way to keep a family together. I posted a reply earlier that discussed the numbers racket? Do you remember it. It existed before state lotteries. It was a huge money-maker for organized crime. Before state lotteries started, people argued that nobody would play the state lotteries, they would continue to play the illegal numbers because if they won there would be no taxes. Guess what? State lotteries began, and the numbers racket instantly became as dead as the dodo. If drugs are available through legal regulated sale, the illegal drug market will dry up too, assuming we're not totally stupid about how we do regulated sales. Will criminals find something else to do? Probably. They always have. I do not, however, see that as a valid reason to continue a policy that is destroying our society and funding terrorism. I see no evidence to support your belief that legislatures will continue to fund superfluous law enforcement. It's speculation. If true, that in itself would be a serious problem that should be addressed, as it would be indicative of a police state in which the police were controlling the legislature. If true, I see it as a reason why we should end drug prohibition as fast as possible, before the transition to a police state advances further. I've been to Switzerland, though not for an extended period. I don't think the culture differences are relevant. The mechanics of their approach to drug treatment is independent of class. If you give free heroin to addicts in clinics, they don't have to steal to support their habits. Because addicts don't need to be constantly worried about where the next fix is coming from, they have time to think about recovery. Counselors in the clinics get to talk to them every day. Since no drug dealer can compete with "free," there are no illegal drug dealers selling heroin. How is any of that related to culture or class? You may want to watch these YouTube videos showing speakers from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition to get a better idea of just how much of a social disaster drug prohibition is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZShW6HED ... AA1465C2CB http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnLaTnfwJVA Steve W | 9:26 AM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
1/31/12 3:14 PM
MainieGeezer wrote: hopewell wrote:Yes! Yes! Let's legalize ALL drugs! That way, we can spend the money we save on law enforcement for foster care of the 80% of child neglect cases due to drugs!
I'm not sure if you are being serious or sarcastic, but either way I think it make sense, for the same reason legal regulated sale of marijuana makes sense. Just be sure to take note of the word "regulated." "Legal" does NOT necessarily mean "unrestricted access." Rather, it means that we CAN restrict access, something we can't do now. The Swiss have shown that giving free heroin to addicts helps both society and the addicts. Portugal has shown that decriminalization leads to decreased use. The Netherlands, with its "coffee shops" and freely available cannabis, has a prison incarceration rate that is a tenth of ours and a 50% lower rate of cannabis use among teens than we do. As you suggest, there are much better things to spend $50 billion a year on than putting people in prison.
Mainie- I'm being completely sarcastic, but I appreciate you gave a reasoned reply as opposed to the name-calling that goes on with these discussions. There things in the "legalize drugs" argument that I simply have not found adequate answers for: 1) 80% of child neglect cases involve drugs. If drugs are legal, they will be cheaper. If they are cheaper, use will increase. Drugs are not done in a vacuum. What about those families affected? 2) Proponents argue that this will dismantle the criminal apparatus. I find this tough to believe. Are the drug cartels going to magically start selling Avon door-to-door after this law passes? If history is any guide, they'll do what the mob did in the thirties when they switched from running booze to running drugs. Today they would switch to heaven knows what. 3) Does anybody really believe that once this law passes we are going to lay off $8billion worth of cops? This "saving law enforcement resources" argument is specious. 4) We are not Switzerland. I don't know if you've spent any time there, but it is far more homogeneous than here, and they do not have the class disparity we have. I'm skeptical cutting and pasting a solution from there would
Page 5 of 8

and they do not have the class disparity we have. I'm skeptical cutting and pasting a solution from there would work here. Hopewell C | 8:04 AM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
1/31/12 3:14 PM
Yes! Yes! Let's legalize ALL drugs! That way, we can spend the money we save on law enforcement for foster care of the 80% of child neglect cases due to drugs! Hopewell C | 7:24 AM on Tuesday Oct 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Re: Wolfman2011 You may as well talk about Switzerland too. 15 years ago they started giving free heroin to addicts. (It's actually a sliding payment scale, the cheapest being free.) What was the result? Crime decreased 60%. New addictions decreased 82%. More existing addicts were able to quit, both because they received counseling every time they came to the clinic to get their heroin and also because, with an assured drug supply, they had time to think about more than where they were going to get their next fix. Now, 15 years later, the Swiss have voted to make the policy permanent. There are no illegal heroin sales in Switzerland; what drug dealer can compete with free? As mentioned, crime is down, new addictions are down, recovery rates are up. Why don''t we do it here? The only reason I can think of is our misguided sense of morality keeps us from doing the rational and beneficial thing even though not doing so is actually harmful to us. It's time we stopped being pig-headed moralists and started being pragmatic about public policy. Steve W | 5:40 PM on Monday Oct 3 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
BTW, if we illegalize any drug, maybe it should be oxycontin. I know more white collar workers and those who have lost their jobs because of the oxy, that can't "function" without their oxy, which was prescribed a couple of years ago for an injury or surgery that has long since healed. Kukes B | 5:05 PM on Monday Oct 3 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
My guess, is that marijuana is illegal because enforcement generates so many government jobs: police, judges, liars, I mean lawyers, jailers at the privately or publicly owned jails, food service at the privately/publicly owned jails, rehab, education, etc.... We could create new jobs with all the money saved from legalizing marijuana. Aside from the above, alcohol and drug manufacturers would stand to lose a lot of $$ too. Kukes B | 5:02 PM on Monday Oct 3 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
MORE OPINION HEADLINES
Editorial: Give Pinnacol plan a fair shot Littwin: Here's what Rep. Bradford should do Editorial: Gingrich isn't a serious pick Guest Commentary: NO: Current state law and public awareness are enough Guest Commentary: YES: Studies indicate impairment even at low levels Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget
Page 6 of 8

Editorial: Bold approach to city's budget Editorial: Shoot down weakening of Colorado gun laws (again) Hubbard: True, false and in between Ellis: Like Twitter, but longer Carroll: Denver's Tarp City is a civic eyesore Littwin: Imagine Lincoln-Douglas on YouTube Andrews: Still the land of the free? Quillen: Who you calling elite? Will: Onward civil soldiers Stabiner: Paula Deen and the lure of the easy fix Editorial: Forest blueprint is a balancing act Editorial: Is state flu shot mandate even necessary? Carroll: Denver's mysterious values Sirota: Americans suffer from economic normalcy bias Guest Commentary: The state of shale gas in Colorado Polman: A latter-day Mark Twain Editorial: ASSET bill offers hope to all students Ditmer: A pine-scented gift from Colorado to the U.S. Capitol Dionne: Offering a choice in 2012 Parker: Newt in Wonderland
1/31/12 3:14 PM
DENVER & THE WEST
ENTERTAINMENT
Denver woman killed in crash with fire truck identified Structure fire doused in Wheat Ridge, no injuries National park dam repairs needed
An evening of ballet with 7dancers CBS' 'Big Bang' surpasses Fox's 'American Idol' Hot Topic: Watch the video for "Friends of Friends" by Hospitality
SPORTS
Kiszla: Broncos living in past with Tim Tebow Jack Del Rio getting down to work on Broncos' defense Sam Pagano set standard for family's rich coaching legacy
OPINION
Editorial: Give Pinnacol plan a fair shot Littwin: Here's what Rep. Bradford should do Editorial: Gingrich isn't a serious pick
BUSINESS
WATERCOOLER
Study: One in four Coloradans have almost no savings Hot start: Dow and S&P have best January since '97 Will Facebook deliver an IPO surprise?
Mom's 51, She Looks 25 Woman publishes simple wrinkle secret that has angered
Forest Service to Jesus: You can stayfor now Man rescued after being stuck in NM mud for 3 days NY inmate guilty of seeking $890M in tax refunds
AARP 50+ Auto Insurance Over 50? Save an Avg $357*. 4 out of 5 AARP
2.25% Mortgage Refinance $160,000 Mortgage for $612/Mo. Secure. No Hidden Fees.
eLendingSaver.com
Ads by Yahoo!
Page 7 of 8
1/31/12 3:14 PM
Page 8 of 8
Marijuana activists ask John Suthers to take ethics pledge after Dan Hartman criticism - Denver News - The Latest Word
1/31/12 2:44 PM
Browse Voice Nation
Most Popular | Most Recent
Sign up
Log in
Blogs
Search Westword
STORIES
blog
TOP
Sports Why Rick Reilly believes in Tim Tebow

By Kylie Horner
News Pros and cons of I-70 pace cars
Marijuana Pot activist rebuts Drug Force commander

By Michael Roberts
Mile Highs and Lows MMJ patients breaking law when sharing joints?
By William Breathes
By Michael Roberts
Marijuana
Marijuana activists ask John Suthers to take ethics pledge after Dan Hartman criticism
By Michael Roberts Mon., Oct. 31 2011 at 11:31 AM Categories: Follow That Story, Marijuana
Share
Most Popular Stories

Viewed Commented Recent Photos: Prostitutes busted in sting operation could scare a guy celibate Caleb Pacheco: Body of three-year-old found under trailer, mom Juanita Kinzie arrested Medical marijuana v. recreational use: NORML controversy, Colorado connection Jose Garcia, who prompted Amber alert after 9-year-old went missing: Serial child molester? Pussy tweets and more help CU land Top 100 recruit Yuri Wright
Comments (42)
Like
27
StumbleUpon
retweet
digg
At noon today, Mason Tvert and other Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act backers will stage an event at Attorney General John Suthers's office. Why? Suthers feels a letter by (outgoing?) Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division head Dan Hartman published in places mulling MMJ retail-sales bans was unethical, even though Suthers himself has spoken out on the subject. Which is why proponents want Suthers to sign an ethics pledge. As we've reported, multiple medical marijuana industry sources say Hartman's last day at MMED was Friday -- a claim that prompted the Department of Revenue, which oversees the division, to tease changes likely to be announced this week. Among the possible reasons cited for his departure was a Hartman letter published in newspapers like Steamboat Today that took a pro-MMJ stance in towns that will vote on prohibiting dispensaries. An excerpt reads: "If your community bans commercial medical marijuana businesses... you will only remove the regulated medical marijuana distribution model from your community." According to the Associated Press, Suthers reviewed the letter at the request of Mesa County Sheriff Stan Hilkey, whose jurisdiction includes Palisade, one of the burgs that will decide on an MMJ ban. Suthers determined that the letter wasn't illegal, but it was unethical. This claim leaves Tvert agog. Suthers "determined that a state employee's actions were unethical when Mason Tvert. he has engaged in these actions several times with regard to the same subject. He was the number one opponent of the 2006 marijuana initiative. He wrote op-eds on behalf of the opposition
John Suthers.
More Most Popular...
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/10/marijuana_mason_tvert_john_suthers_unethical_dan_hartman.php
Page 1 of 9
1/31/12 2:44 PM
campaign, he appeared at press conferences, he was quoted several times in the news saying he was going to be part of a large coalition to defeat this measure, he appeared in debates opposing it. And all of these things are far more severe than writing a letter explaining his belief about what a measure might do, which is all Dan Hartman did. And Hartman simply addressed questions and provided educated answers on the subject, whereas the Attorney General provided only exaggerations and propaganda to suit his purpose of defeating the measure." Tvert feels that "if the head of MMED had spoken out in favor of the ban, I believe the Attorney General would have had no problem with it." Nonetheless, "if John Suthers believes it's unethical for a state official to engage in campaigning or speaking out against a ballot initiative, we expect him to abide by that determination and refrain from encouraging voters to oppose the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol initiative next year." To that end, Tvert and company will present Suthers with a statement that reads: "I, John Dan Hartman. Suthers, will behave ethically during the 2012 election season, and will refrain from encouraging voters to oppose the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol." How likely is it that Suthers will sign such a pledge? Tvert defers on that question, although he says "I would like to think that the top legal official in our entire state would have no problem swearing to remain ethical based on his own public standard." The chances of the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol making the November 2012 ballot continue to grow. Right now, Tvert estimates that 95,000 signatures have been collected -over the 86,000 required, and only about 50,000 away from the 145,000 target set in the hope of guaranteeing enough valid signatures to be blessed by the Secretary of State's office. Should the measure be placed before voters, Suthers will likely be tempted to weigh in. But would that be ethical? Page down to read the Regulate press release about today's event at the AG's office, 1525 Sherman Street. It includes examples of Suthers sharing his views on marijuana, including an op-ed published in the now-defunct Rocky Mountain News. 1 | 2 | Next Page >>
Your city: Mom Makes $84/Hr

We investigated how she makes $8,000/mo. You won't believe how...
Want To Be Rich Now?

Are penny stocks the secret to making a bear market fortune?
Your city: Create your Own Anime

Advance your art skills with experienced instructors. Earn your
Denver Westword on Facebook

Like 17,765 people like Denver Westword.
Jeremiah
Christopher
Efren
Victoria
Daryl
Benjamin
Sign up for free stuff, news info & more!
enter email
Denver Classifieds
buy, sell, trade (4,266) rentals (574) personals (485) musician (452) jobs (427) adult entertainment (7,688)
Slideshows
The Lady Wu-Tang at City Hall
Tags:
Dan Hartman, John Suthers, Mason Tvert, Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012
Comments (42) Write Comment Email to Friend Print Article
Like 27
Related Content
Marijuana: Mason Tvert hopes AG John Suthers isn't hyping MMJ ban, his office says he's not December 12, 2011 John Suthers's office fires back at marijuana activists over demand to sign ethics pledge November 1, 2011 Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division chief Laura Harris on being both regulator and mom November 22, 2011 Operation Sweet Leaf raids boost marijuana regulation, says Mason Tvert January 26, 2012 Medical marijuana state employees won't face fed prosecution: What's it mean for Colorado? August 10, 2011
Glo 2012 at the National Western Complex
More About:
Mason Tvert John Suthers Dan Hartman Psychoactive Drugs Politics
Atmosphere at Winter on the Rocks
More Slideshows >>
Like
1 person liked this.
Tools
Search The Latest Word
Follow us on:
Page 2 of 9
1/31/12 2:44 PM
Add New Comment

Optional: Login below.
Categories... Archives...
Go Back to School in 2012

Your state Residents are going back to school online. You may Learn more...
Post as
Showing 42 comments
Sort by
Oldest first
your city: Love to Draw?

Advance your art skills with experienced instructors. Earn your AnimationSchools.us.com
Subscribe by email
Subscribe by RSS
Real-time updating is paused. (Resume)
Monkey 3 months ago

Good, Suthers is an idiot, give him a taste of his own medicine. It probably wont do anything except piss him off and thats just fine. Great way to bring this guy, that should have never been elected, into the spotlight again. How could he possibly protect you if he morally objects to you, big conflict of interests.
High Country Caregiver and 2 more liked this Like Reply
High Country Caregiver 3 months ago

Marijuana is not like alcohol and should not be regulated as such. Marijuana is like tomatoes and when marijuana is as free to possess, grow, and distribute as tomatoes, then it will be legal. The first thing that needs to happen is to abolish the pot dispensaries, throw the pot clowns out of office, and burn the regulations and all the pot cards and paperwork at the CDPHE and DOR, only then will there be a hope of real legalization without regulations. Happy Halloweed everyone, vote to close the dispensaries where possible and lets get on with some serious pot smoking and have fun regulation free!
Donkey_Hotay and 4 more liked this Like Reply
Michael Roberts
3 months ago in reply to High Country Caregiver
Thanks for the Halloweed message, High Country.

Like Reply
Retail
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
View Ad | View Site
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago in reply to High Country Caregiver

Exactly! That's what I told one of their petition circulators who was running around the Pearl St Mall every day shouting "Sign the petition to REGULATE marijuana like alcohol!". Why would anyone want to REGULATE marijuana just like alcohol -- given that alcohol kills 10's of thousands every year, and has caused untold additional pain and suffering upon society while marijuana "hasn't killed anyone, ever" according to proponents? He had no answer, then admitted it wasn't the wisest campaign strategy, that he was just the messenger. What next? ... a campaign to "Regulate Caffeine like Cocaine !!" Idiots.
Like Reply
Suite 200
View Ad | View Site
Amer Furniture Warehouse

View Ad | View Site
Proof Nightclub
View Ad | View Site
More >>
Page 3 of 9
1/31/12 2:44 PM
Sampson 3 months ago in reply to Donkey_Hotay

Dig a little deeper there Ms. Heehaw... The campaign name means - "Let's set up a system that is more closely like that of the current liquor laws", i.e. no video tracking of the plant from seed-to-sale, allowing only adults to purchase, and over all regulations that are a lot less restrictive then the current mmj system, which could best be described as a system that "regulates marijuana like a schedule 1 drug".
Find A Coupon
Search by Category Zip Code Keywords
Search
Popular Coupons
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE
There Urban Whiskey Bar
1526 E. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80218
Like
Reply
FREE Cheese Pizza w/ Purchase

Pizza Fusion
571 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203 More Popular Coupons
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago in reply to Sampson

Only an idiot would invite the Government to "Regulate and Tax" anything they actually cared about. Here's a hint -- LEGALIZE it like OREGANO !! HTH.
High Country Caregiver liked this Like Reply
Twitter Feed
Follow denverwestword on Twitter
DenverWestword ESPN's Rick Reilly on why he believes in Tim Tebow. http://t.co/KkzHpEOn
about 1 hour ago reply retweet favorite

donkey_hotay Yeah, why the hell would anyone support a tax on gas for roads, or a property tax for PD, Fire protection, and schools???. HTH DA
1 person liked this. Like Reply
DenverWestword I-70 pace cars experiment is working, says Colorado Dept. of Transportation -- just not all the time. http://t.co/Hjrcvi5I
2 hours ago reply retweet favorite
DenverWestword Drug task force commander out of touch on marijuana regulation, says activist Brian Vicente. http://t.co/y72UU4Pp
DenverWestword Christo's "Over the River" faces public hearing this week for final permits http://t.co/77dDkolJ

You see any automobile clubs or trucking unions lobbying for and begging the Government to "Regulate and Tax" their vehicles ? Clueless stoners = political imbeciles
Like Reply
DenverWestword Ron Paul blasts Newt Gingrich as serial hypocrite in advance of Colorado appearances (VIDEO). http://t.co/SbswLv2e
More Twitter >>
VVM on Digg
Upcoming Popular All Time

Do you see autoclubs or trucking firms lobbying to remove taxes for roads? Do you see PDs and FDs lobbying to remove taxes on schools? HTH DA
1 diggs 1 diggs 59 diggs
DVD Day: January 31st, 2012 Topless Robot @#$%ing with Darth Vader, Starring Chris Pratt - Topless Robot Newt Gingrich Robocall Claims Mitt Romney Took Kosher Food Away From Holocaust Survivors Living Outside The Marijuana Laws: The Duality Of Honesty - Toke of the Town
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago in reply

to Sampson 1 diggs
Like Reply
Stay ignorant, stoner ... its what you do best.
Sampson 3 months ago in reply

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/10/marijuana_mason_tvert_john_suthers_unethical_dan_hartman.php Page 4 of 9
1/31/12 2:44 PM
to Donkey_Hotay Oh... personal attacks... what a come back... Come back to these boards when you learn a little civility. Otherwise - your nothing but a troll.
1 diggs
David Lynch Makes Coffee, Commercials and of Course Movies
Links
5280 Blog 303go Big Media (Jason Salzman) Broke in Denver Bronco Talk Burning Down the House (Westword Web Awards' Best Personal Blog of 2010) Colorado Independent Colorado Pols
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago in reply

to Sampson
"Dig a little deeper there Ms. Heehaw..." "... your [sic] nothing but a troll." Priceless !
Like Reply
Colorado Wins Coyote Gulch Colorado Ethics Watch Denver Egotist Denver Frank Denver Infill Denver LoDo Magazine
Guest 3 months ago in reply to High Country Caregiver

tomatoes get you fucked up? damn... i been missin out
Like Reply
Denver Post Blogs Denver PR Blog DenverRadio.net Denver Stiffs (Nuggets) Denver Six Shooter Denver Urbanism Education News Colorado Elephant Journal (Westword Web Awards' Best Political Blog of 2010) Fight with Food (Westword Web Awards' Best Activism Blog of 2010) Free Colorado Free Range Longmont Geeks Who Drink (Westword Web Awards' Best Bar Blog of 2010) The Grazing Mind Inside the Rockies Lakewood Edge Max Denver Mile High Hockey Mile High Mamas Mile High Report (Broncos) People's Press Collective Plants & Animals Denver (Vegan Advocacy) Politics Colorado Predominantly Orange Purple Row (Rockies) Ralphie Report (Colorado University Specific) The Releaf Center (Westword Web Awards'Marijuana Dispensary Blog of 2010) Roundball Mining Company
High Country Caregiver 3 months ago in reply to Guest

No they don't get me messed up but neither does weed. Both make me high in the true sense like being Irae .....
Rev. B Baker liked this Like Reply
Ethics Police 3 months ago

Haha! What a joke! Maybe Mason can take a pledge to stop lying about his initiative and stop calling it legalization when it is really more regulations. Steve Fox of MPP, author of the Colo. init. said at their Title Board hearing that "It would be inaccurate to call this legalization." Yet all of Mason's petitioners and marketing materials call their init. "legalization." Why did Mason argue against having the word legalization in the ballot title because it would be misleading to voters and then start a campaign to mislead voters by fraudulently calling it legalization? I think Mason needs to stand up and take an ethics pledge to stop misleading voters. He has no credibility at all. Read more here: http://www.legalize2012.com/mp...
Rocky Mountain News Report South Stands Denver Square State The Spot This Lively Earth Toy With Me (Westword Web Awards' Best Sex Blog of 2010) Unseen Denver (Westword Web Awards' Best Neighborhood Blog of 2010) Women News Network Who Said You Said
High Country Caregiver 3 months ago in reply to Ethics Police

Suthers and Tvert are really both doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing as attorneys. It's easy for us in the public to point fingers at our law makers, defenders, and leaders no matter what side they're on..... What really needs to happen is for the general public to be honest with themselves, and stop following the lead of these increment steps forward and increment steps back with cannabis prohibition / legalization because we're only achieving a stand still or gaining an inch and loosing 2 inches. The unregulated medical cannabis revolution of 2009 was the closest that we've been to real legalization. Since then, with the regulations, and the divide between the medical cannabis crowd and the legalization crowd, the freedoms of cannabis have only been chopped away at and made a mockery of on all sides. The lawyers on both sides love this mess, that's why they're in the spot light constantly, it's their territory, their language.
Page 5 of 9
1/31/12 2:44 PM
A new flavor of cannabis revolution is what I am calling for, REAL LEGALIZATION. Medical marijuana only furthers prohibition today. If it were really legal, Suthers and Tvert wouldn't still be having pissing competitions because the case would be closed, it would be legal, like driving 65 in the 65, you ain't doing nothing wrong.
Rev. B Baker and 1 more liked this Like Reply
Ethics Police 3 months ago in reply to High Country Caregiver

FWIW, Mason is not a lawyer.
Donkey_Hotay liked this Like Reply
High Country Caregiver 3 months ago in reply to Ethics Police

I did not know that, thanks.
Like Reply
Guest 3 months ago in reply to Ethics Police

LOL @ETHICS POLICE...keep up the fight against marijuana legalization efforts MORON. Stoners against marijuana strikes again.
2 people liked this. Like Reply
Guest 3 months ago in reply to Ethics Police

Why is Laura Kriho, the person behind these attacks on Mason, the owner of a website that links to anti-semetic new world order conspiracy theories? In a recent CTI press release, she linked several times to her website, http://www.levellers.org.The page featured a swastika image that links to Bilderberg.org, a conspiracy theory website. Googling "Bilderberg jews" reveals the type of hate groups who are interested in the Bilderberg Group. She also makes a point of bringing up Soros and Zimmerman in her press release, both of whom are Jewish. Denounce Laura Kriho and her racist conspiracy theories. Don't let her hide behind the "out of state interests" veil any longer. This type of hate has no place in the year 2011, and certainly not in the medical cannabis industry.
ithinkmedia and 4 more liked this Like Reply
Nick 3 months ago in reply to Guest

Laura is a good person. Ive met with her before and talked to her at length, I highly doubt she is a "racist" but even if she is, arent we all allowed to have an opinion? Thats basicly what racism is, one persons opinion of another person or group of people.
Like Reply
Rev. B Baker 1 month ago in reply to Guest

this is ridiculous accusations and even slander, she has many jewish friends and unlike you, i dont think she sees race or ethnic qualities just personal qualities and her opinion
Like Reply
LarryQ5 3 months ago

Asking Mr.Struthers to be ethical would be like asking Jeffery Dahmer to go on a diet.
Suthers Sucks 3 months ago

1/31/12 2:44 PM
Suthers sucks and we need to vote him out in the next election!!!
Robert Chase and 3 more liked this Like Reply
RockyMissouri 3 months ago

I only wish I was a resident of your beautiful state .....and could help with my vote..!
High Country Caregiver 3 months ago in reply to RockyMissouri

You don't need to vote Rocky, come on up to the High Country anytime and lets blaze! http://420.co for 420 Colorado fun anywhere on Earth!
Like Reply
Monkey 3 months ago in reply to High Country Caregiver

Damn, you got balls. I'm a big fan even thought you scare me.

****NEWS BREAK***** Hartman is out! http://www.9news.com/news/arti...
Like Reply
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago in reply to High Country Caregiver

Perhaps he can now join fellow former enforcement goon Matt Cook as a high-priced flip-flopping lobbyist. They can name their firm -- Men who formerly had Badges and Guns!
Like Reply
betweenthelines 3 months ago

When John Suthers pouts, things get done. When marijuana is legalized in 2012, don't give him a chance to benefit from this positive change. Vote this negative force out!
Robert Chase and 3 more liked this Like Reply
Suthers sucks 3 months ago in reply to betweenthelines

Hell yes!!!
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago in reply to betweenthelines

Suthers was just re-elected last November to another 4 year term -- by a huge margin -- defeating the pro-Marijuana Democrat DA Stan Garnett of Boulder.
1/31/12 2:44 PM
Like
Reply
Donkey_Hotay 3 months ago

Ethical people don't violate Federal Drug laws on a daily basis ... for personal pecuniary gain. HTH.
Like Reply

Ethical people don't violate speeding laws on a daily basis... for personal pecuniary gain... RIGHT??? If a law is unjust - you have a DUTY to break it. Speeding laws are just. Outlawing a plant that is less dangerous than water, and most foods is UNJUST.
Like Reply

Correct. Ethical people don't willfully, deliberately and continually violate FELONY laws for personal financial gain. Ipso facto.
Like Reply

donkey_hotay Possession of under 8oz in Colorado is a misdemeanor. There are no Federal laws for cannabis that mandates felony until a grow has 100 plants. A HUGE majority of the dispensaries grow under this #. Furthermore, if the State said its OK to grow more entrapment by estoppel becomes a relevant defense... Quit being such an ass.
Like Reply

Your legal ignorance is showing again, stoner. Cultivation (manufacture), Sales and Distribution of Marijuana is a Federal Felony in ANY amount. The 100 plant threshold you refer to is when a 5 year MINIMUM mandatory sentence applies. Under 100 plants -- even one -- is still a Federal Felony, with possible prison sentences up to 20 years.
High Country Caregiver liked this Like Reply

While you may think I am ignorant, I think you lack basic reading comprehension skills. I said "There are no Federal laws for cannabis that mandates felony until a grow has 100 plants"
Page 8 of 9
1/31/12 2:44 PM
See that word "mandates"??? HTH DA

Damn boy, you ain't the sharpest tool in the shed, are you? Let's review -- ALL marijuana cultivation in a Federal FELONY, even one (1) plant. What part don't you comprehend?
Like Reply
Guest 2 months ago in reply to Donkey_Hotay

the part I don't comprehend is the part where you don't make any sense. so, how does one grow in a federal felony. is that some sort of new growing equipment? maybe, the next time you try to insult someone's intelligence you should proof read your statement.
Like Reply
Lies Lies Lies 3 months ago in reply to Sampson

And I think your Kristen Thompson... :) No one listen to a word this person has to say. She will be going away very soon.
Rev. B Baker 1 month ago

if you guys were smart (mason etc) you would strategically do these protests to help them have issues in my federal suit against them (case # 11-cv-2578-pab) here in colorado. My prescheduling conference meeting is dec 19th at 10am in denver. my suit has already survived two dismissal attempts and will go to trial unless they settle with me!
Like Reply
We investigated how she makes $8,000/mo. You won't believe how... Discover more...
$200 in pocket change can turn into a pile of cash w/ dirt cheap More info...
Fin. Aid For Those Who Qualify. Receive Free Info Today! More info...
About Us | Work for Westword | Esubscribe | Free Classifieds | Advertising | Privacy Policy | Problem With the Site? | RSS | Site Map 2012 Denver Westword, LLC. All rights reserved.
Page 9 of 9
Marijuana legalization effort launched in Colorado today | The Colorado Independent
1/31/12 3:34 PM
Marijuana legalization effort launched in Colorado today

By Scot Kersgaard Thursday, July 07, 2011 at 4:36 pm In a little more than a year, Colorado may become the first state to legalize marijuana. Between now and then, prepare to meet petition waving enthusiasts. In fact, prepare to meet competing petition wavers as it is quite likely that at least two different pro-marijuana groups will propose at least two different legalization schemes. First out of the box is the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, sponsored and/or supported by groups such as SAFER Colorado, Sensible Colorado, the Marijuana Policy Project and the Drug Policy Alliance. This initiative would amend the Colorado Constitution to allow people 21 and older to buy and possess up to one ounce of marijuana. They would also be able to grow up to six plants and to possess all of the marijuana produced by those plants. Mason Tvert, the leader of the group, says that the black market currently makes marijuana more easily accessible to children and teenagers than alcohol is. Parents should support this, he said. This will shift it from a prohibition paradigm to a regulation paradigm. He said they were planning on the 2012 election because they think the higher voter turnout of a presidential election should favor legalization of marijuana. He said this initiative has been in the works for more than five years. He said it took that long to bring forward the best initiative possible. Now, he said, we will begin talking to voters about the need to end marijuana prohibition, regulate marijuana and begin taxing it in similar fashion to alcohol. This is a very exciting time in Colorado. We are leading the way around the country by bringing forth perhaps the strongest most sensible marijuana law in perhaps the entire country, Tvert said. He said the time seems right to legalize and regulate marijuana, noting that Congressman Jared Polis had recently co-sponsored a bill to legalize marijuana at the federal level, leaving it to states to decide how to deal with it. He said this was an issue that both liberals and conservatives agree on. In fact, during last years Colorado governors race, the only candidate who favored legalization was the most conservative: Tom Tancredo. Brian Vicente, an attorney working on the initiative, said most marijuana arrests are for simple possession of less than an ounce, with most arrests dealing with as little as a few grams.
http://coloradoindependent.com/93279/marijuana-legalization-effort-launched-in-colorado-today
Page 1 of 2
Marijuana legalization effort launched in Colorado today | The Colorado Independent
1/31/12 3:34 PM
The initiative would enable the state to collect sales taxes on marijuana and also to levy an excise tax of up to 15 percent. Vicente said the first $40 million raised annually from the excise tax will be earmarked for public school construction. We estimate overall it will bring in about $70 million a year including savings to law enforcement, he said. Medical marijuana patients will not have to pay the excise tax. Vicente said medical marijuana dispensaries would be able to apply for a new license to become retail centers. Supporters emphasized that if this initiative becomes law it will not allow people under 21 to buy or possess marijuana. It will not allow use in public. It will not allow people to drive vehicles when under the influence of marijuana. It would not require businesses to allow use at work or to make any accommodation for marijuana users. This will allow the state to control the use of marijuana. It will take it out of the hands of cartels and gangsters and will move it into a strict state controlled system, said Vicente. Even as they were holding their press conference at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver, someone from one of the competing marijuana groups was handing out information sheets detailing what they think is wrong with this proposal, namely that it doesnt really legalize marijuana. The flyer referred to this SAFER initiative as a sentencing reform initiative, because possession of more than an ounce would remain illegal and subject people to arrest. The opposing group, calling itself Legalize2012, hopes to begin a petition drive for true legalization soon. One of the leaders of that group, Laura Kriho, actually referred to Tvert as my opponent in a recent public appearance. She said she wants to abolish all marijuana crimes from the books in Colorado and that if voters reject such language, she will try again in 2014, 2016 etc. Kathleen Chippi, at the same forum last month, noted that truly legalizing marijuana would make it more like potatoes. I can have as many potatoes as I want. The entire drug war is based on lies, she said. Lets get the cops out of our lives. So, in addition to the SAFER initiative that would legalize possession of up to one ounce, it is a pretty fair bet that at least one more initiative will be introduced and that the next one will take a much more hard line stance, calling for the more or less complete legalization of marijuana in Colorado. Categories & Tags: delegation| Elections/Campaigns| Law| Politics| brian vicente | campaign to regulate marijuana like alcohol | kathleen chippi | laura kriho | legalize marijuana | Legalize2012 | Mason Tvert |
http://coloradoindependent.com/93279/marijuana-legalization-effort-launched-in-colorado-today
Page 2 of 2
Marijuana Legalization Gaining Steam...in Colorado - The Bay Citizen
1/29/12 7:48 PM
(/2011_yearend_donation_lightbox/) (http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=L&ai=Bts-gWXG9TsuBDo3EnQTJrZm_B_vN6IcDAAAAEAEgiquGzgAUNbui4T7_____wFYk4e3oDBgyfb4hsijoBmyAQlsb2NhbGhvc3S6AQlnZnBfaW1hZ2XIAQLaARZodHRwOi8vbG9jYWxob3N0OjgwMDAv4AECwAIC4AIA6gISSGVhZGVyUmlnaHRfMTc1eDUwAKB0h6AAwGQA_ABmAPwAagDAeAEAaAGFA&num=0&sig=AOD64_3fL-9AFNOcjaB7fvQ8SbBPhkz_1Q&client=ca-pub-
5050647251544365&adurl=http://www.baycitizen.org/donate/%3Fw%3D175x50DonateToday%26utm_source%3Ddfp%26utm_medium%3Dsite_ad%26utm_campaign%3DNewDonateButton%26utm_content%3
What's Hot Most Viewed (#hot-viewed-tab) Most Discussed (#hot-discussed-tab)

Sheriff's Wife: Battered Spouse or Independent Woman? (/crime/story/sheriffs-wife-battered-spouse-woman/) When a 6-Year-Old Is Accused of 'Sexual Assault' (/columns/scott-james/when-6-year-old-accused-sexual-assault/) Barrage of Bullets Killed Man in Berkeley (/crime/story/barrage-bullets-killed-man-berkeley/) Judge Refuses to Allow Mirkarimi to Contact Wife, Son (/crime/story/judge-refuses-allow-mirkarimi-contact/) Steve Fainaru to Leave The Bay Citizen (/bay-citizen/story/steve-fainaru-leave-bay-citizen/) Judge Refuses to Allow Mirkarimi to Contact Wife, Son (/crime/story/judge-refuses-allow-mirkarimi-contact/) Mirkarimi Won't Take Pay While on Trial (/politics/story/mayor-talk-mirkarimi-stepping-aside/) Mirkarimi's Neighbors, Wife and Ex-Girlfriend on Witness List (/crime/story/mirkarimis-neighbors-ex-girlfriend-list/) Sheriff's Wife: Battered Spouse or Independent Woman? (/crime/story/sheriffs-wife-battered-spouse-woman/) Ross Mirkarimi's Trial to Begin Feb. 24 (/crime/story/mirkarimi-domestic-violence-lopez/)
Find us on Facebook
Go to Facebook.com
Posted in Marijuana (/marijuana/) Last updated 08/01/2011 at 8:47 p.m. PDT
Marijuana Legalization Gaining Steam...in Colorado California initiative to regulate pot "like alcohol" faces big obstacles
By Zusha Elinson (/profiles/zusha-elinson/) on August 1, 2011 - 7:21 p.m. PDT
6 Comments (#comments)
(https://secure.repost.us/syndicate/create? url=http://www.baycitizen.org/marijuana/story/willcoloradobeatcalifornialegalize/&s_url=http://www.baycitizen.org/marijuana/story/willcoloradobeatcalifornialegalize/all/) (#) (#) (/marijuana/story/will-colorado-beat-california-legalize/print/) (http://media.baycitizen.org/uploaded/images/2011/3/medicalmarijuana/lightbox/Medicinal%20marijuana%20has%20become%20a%20controversial%20topic%20among%20Santa%20Clara%20government%20agencies.jpeg)
Bob Young, courtesy Peninsula Press Medicinal marijuana has become a controversial topic among Santa Clara government agencies.
http://www.baycitizen.org/marijuana/story/will-colorado-beat-california-legalize/
Page 1 of 3
1/29/12 7:49 PM
A well-organized campaign to tax and regulate marijuana in Colorado may be sucking away campaign cash from the scattered efforts to put a legalization measure on the 2012 ballot in California. What's missing still are the large donors, Doug Linney, a consultant for the Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform, which is struggling to find backers for one of two initiative efforts in California. Some of the donors have been thinking that its Colorados year. In Colorado, signature gatherers have already hit the streets to get the Regulate Like Marijuana Like Alcohol Act (http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/) on the 2012 ballot. Political consultants say that it costs about $5 million to pass a statewide measure in Colorado, half of what it costs in California. I think why it would be seen as a better investment here in Colorado is based on how things are going with medical marijuana regulations. Also the size of the state is just smaller, said Mason Tvert, a lead organizer in Colorado. Everything about California is far more expensive. Tvert said his campaign took lessons from Proposition 19's failure in California last year (http://www.baycitizen.org/proposition-19/story/pot-legalization-goes-smoke/). Prop 19 would have allowed municipalities to regulate marijuana, a provision often criticized because it would have required local and state regulation. The Colorado initiative calls for uniform state regulation, Tvert said. Colorados medical marijuana regulations are already far more coherent than Californias. Colorado pot clubs can make a profit, while California's clubs must be run as non-profits. Colorado also allows dispensaries to grow marijuana and sell it commercially. California law is ambiguous, only specifying how many pot plants individuals can grow and warning pot club owners against generating excessive profits, creating a climate where dispensaries run the risk of criminal prosecution by misinterpreting the regulations. While Colorado will only have one legalization initiative on the ballot, California may have two, raising the possibility that votes will be split between the competing measures. One group has already submitted a measure to the state. Spearheaded by retired judges and police officers disillusioned by the drug war, the measure, called Regulate Marijuana Like Wine (http://regulatemarijuanalikewine.com/), proposes to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol, making it legal for those 21 and over. It also calls for statewide regulation. Jim Gray, a retired Superior Court Judge from Orange County, said he supports the measure, because he thinks the government should stop spending money fighting marijuana - and instead reap the benefits. The largest untaxed source of revenue in the state is marijuana, said Gray. With the help of the Libertarian Party, the group is planning to hold its first fundraiser at a Newport Beach vineyard in September. But many of the same people behind Prop. 19 want to see a different measure on the ballot, arguing that the Libertarian-backed measure doesn't provide enough specifics on how legalized pot will be regulated. They have formed a group called the Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform, which includes the chief proponent and funder of Prop. 19, Oakland's Richard Lee. The group has 273,000 fans on Facebook, but has had trouble getting big financial backers. They have also not been able to agree on the language for an initiative, but they insist they will put one on the ballot next year, if they can afford to gather enough signatures. Lee put $1.5 million of his own money into Prop 19 last year. His Oaksterdam University was the headquarters for the campaign - and TV crews from all over the country descended there on election night. But Lee said in an interview last week that he would not be funding the 2012 campaign. That was savings from many years, said Lee.
Email
(/profiles/zusha-elinson/)
Related Police Find Evidence of Illegal Pot Grow in East Bay Watershed (/blogs/pulse-ofthe-bay/police-find-evidence-illegal-potgrow/)
Follow @ZushaElinson
Reporter covering bikes, buses, BART, buildings, and buds at the Bay Citizen. I was a legal reporter at the Recorder, an editor at the Marinscope and I started my career at the Oakland Post. View Profile (/profiles/zusha-elinson/) Tagged: 6 Comments (#comments)
Brown Chops Down Marijuana Eradication Program

(/marijuana/story/brown-chops-downmarijuana-eradication/)
Time For Summer CAMP: Agents Cut Down Millions of Pot Plants
(/marijuana/story/time-summer-campagents-cut-down-pot/)
(https://secure.repost.us/syndicate/create? url=http://www.baycitizen.org/marijuana/story/willcoloradobeatcalifornialegalize/&s_url=http://www.baycitizen.org/marijuana/story/willcoloradobeatcalifornialegalize/all/) (#) (#) (/marijuana/story/will-colorado-beat-california-legalize/print/)
Page 2 of 3

Related Content
(/marijuana/story/montel-williams-bid-oakland-pot/) (/marijuana/story/montel-williams-bid-oakland-pot/) (/marijuana/story/montel-williams-bid-oakland-pot/)
1/29/12 7:49 PM
Montel Williams Makes a Bid for Oakland Pot Dispensary (/marijuana/story/montel-williams-bid-oakland-pot/) City is moving forward with permitting plans despite a federal crackdown By Zusha Elinson (/profiles/zusha-elinson/)
(/blogs/pulse-of-the-bay/judge-wont-stop-medical-marijuana/) (/blogs/pulse-of-the-bay/judge-wont-stop-medical-marijuana/) (/blogs/pulse-of-the-bay/judge-wont-stop-medical-marijuana/)
Judge Won't Stop Medical Marijuana Crackdown (/blogs/pulse-of-the-bay/judge-wont-stop-medical-marijuana/) By Zusha Elinson (/profiles/zusha-elinson/)
(/marijuana/story/oakland-gets-reality-tv-close-weed-wars/) (/marijuana/story/oakland-gets-reality-tv-close-weed-wars/) (/marijuana/story/oakland-gets-reality-tv-close-weed-wars/)
Oakland Gets A Reality TV Close Up: "Weed Wars" (/marijuana/story/oakland-gets-reality-tv-close-weed-wars/) The Discovery Channel show zeroes in on marijuana dispensary, just before the law does By Zusha Elinson (/profiles/zusha-elinson/)
About Us Editorial Staff Stay In Touch
About Us (/about/) Events (/events/event-series/) Support Us (/support-us/) Careers (/about/careers/) Corrections (/corrections/) Letters to the Editor (/letters/) Privacy Policy (/about/privacy-policy/) By accessing this site, you accept our Terms of Use (/about/terms-of-use/). Please read them.
(http://bit.ly/b7VMxh) (http://on.fb.me/aEVAIt) (http://www.linkedin.com/companies/916042/) (/feeds/stories/)
The Bay Citizen 126 Post St., Suite 500 San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 821-8520
Page 3 of 3
Marijuana legalization supporters trying to get on Nov. ballot | 9news.com
1/29/12 7:36 PM
DealChicken
Moms
Metromix
Newstips
Home FEATURED:
SendIt Video Traffic
News
Ask Dr. John
Weather
Sports
Fun
Community
On Air
Contact
SEARCH
Photo Galleries
Marijuana legalization supporters trying to get on Nov. ballot

5:25 PM, Jan 4, 2012 | comments
MOST VIEWED ARTICLES Community mourns teen hit, killed after jumping from car Missing woman found, facing child abuse charges Rollover crash forces I-25 closure 80-year-old woman killed in accident with fire truck Denver Colorado Weather Forecast
SEE MORE
Tweet
- AAA +
MOST WATCHED VIDEOS Delivering one last gift
Written by
Chris Vanderveen
FILED UNDER Education From the Capitol Home Local News As Seen on 9NEWS 9NEWS Evenings
DENVER - Supporters of a broad-based marijuana legalization proposal submitted nearly 160,000 signatures to the Colorado Secretary of State on Wednesday, a move that all but guarantees their question will be on the November ballot. They will need just 86,105 of those to be deemed valid in order to get it approved. "We believe Coloradans are absolutely ready to end the failed policy of marijuana prohibition. We're ready to lead the country on common-sense marijuana reform," Brian Vicente, a well-known Colorado marijuana advocate, said on Wednesday.
SEE MORE
Teen hit and killed
A taste of Iceland comes to Denver
Man catches suspected UFO on tape
Teen jumps from vehicle, hit and killed by other car
The "Colorado Initiative to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol" would allow the possession and use of an ounce of less of marijuana by adults 21 and older. Unlike the marijuana-legalization Amendment 44, which lost by a 59-41 percent margin in 2006, this initiative would create a taxing mechanism that would direct $40 million a year to public school construction efforts.
http://www.9news.com/news/article/240017/222/Marijuana-legalization-supporters-trying-to-get-on-Nov-ballotPage 1 of 3
1/29/12 7:36 PM
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers admits opponents will have a battle on their hands this year. "The bottom line is the pro-marijuana industry is going to spend an incredible amount of money," he said on Wednesday. "I doubt very seriously there will be much money spent in opposition - the government can't spend any money against it - so if it is defeated it's going to be that the public has decided that this has gone on way too far." Suthers, a Republican, believes marijuana legalization would bring about a number of substantial and costly problems. "We are buying ourselves serious drug abuse problems for future generations, and I think we ought to think twice before we do that," he said. The proposed initiative would allow cities to "opt out" of allowing marijuana sales. For more on the ballot language go to: http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/s/regulate-marijuana-alcohol-act2012. (KUSA-TV 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
Comments () | Share your thoughts
http://www.9news.com/news/article/240017/222/Marijuana-legalization-supporters-trying-to-get-on-Nov-ballot-
Page 2 of 3
1/29/12 7:36 PM
Site Map | Back to Top
HOME NEWS
Local News U.S. & World News Decision 2012 Business Consumer Education Health Investigative Crime Stoppers Politics
WEATHER
Current Conditions Forecast 9NEWS NOW 9NEWS NOW Live Stream Radar 9LIVE Cameras Ski Conditions Severe Weather School and Business Closings Weather App
FUN
Entertainment News Metromix.com Lottery TV Listings Dating Weekly Deals Photo Galleries Forums Blogs Entertainment Tonight Deal Chicken
ON AIR
Newscasts Spangler Science Petline9 9Line Schedule Recipes Live Green Denver Moms Optimum Wellness Senior Source
HELPFUL LINKS
EEO Public File Weekly deals
FOLLOW US
Twitter Facebook Mobile RSS E-mail Alerts Text Alerts
CONTACT
Submit a News Tip
SEARCH
SPORTS
Highschoolsports.net Denver Broncos NFL Football Colorado Rockies Denver Nuggets Colorado Avalanche Colorado Rapids
COMMUNITY
Buddy Check9 9Cares Colorado Shares 9NEWS Leader of the Year Stuff for Students 9Health Fair 9Who Care 9Kids Who Care 9Teachers Who Care Gannett Foundation KUSA News Releases 9Books to Read
SendIt News Team Privacy Policy/Privacy Rights Terms of Service Work at 9NEWS Intern at 9NEWS 9NEWS Shadow Program EEO Public File Report FCC398 Report
Copyright 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation. All rights reserved. Users of this site agree to the Terms of Service and Private Policy/California Privacy Rights
http://www.9news.com/news/article/240017/222/Marijuana-legalization-supporters-trying-to-get-on-Nov-ballot-
Page 3 of 3
Marijuana Push in Colorado Likens It to Alcohol - NYTimes.com
1/29/12 6:49 PM
HOME PAGE
TODAY'S PAPER
VIDEO
MOST POPULAR
TIMES TOPICS
Subscribe: Digital / Home Delivery

Search All NYTimes.com
Log In Register Now Help
U.S.
WORLD U.S. N.Y. / REGION BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TEXAS SCIENCE HEALTH SPORTS OPINION POLITICS EDUCATION BAY AREA CHICAGO
ARTS
STYLE
TRAVEL
JOBS
REAL ESTATE
AUTOS
Advertise on NYTimes.com
Marijuana Push in Colorado Likens It to Alcohol
Log in to see what your friends are sharing on nytimes.com. Privacy Policy | Whats This?
Log In With Facebook
Whats Popular Now

Gay Wont Go Away, Genetic or Not Scraping the $40,000 Ceiling at New York City Private Schools
Benjamin Rasmussen for The New York Times
Examining the different strains of marijuana and edible products for sale at a marijuana dispensary called The Farmacy in Boulder, Colo.
By KIRK JOHNSON Published: January 26, 2012
DENVER Proponents of marijuana have argued for years that the drug is safer than alcohol, both to individuals and society. But a ballot proposal to legalize possession of marijuana in small amounts in Colorado, likely to be on the November ballot, is putting the two intoxicants back into the same sentence, urging voters to regulate marijuana like alcohol, as the ballot propositions title puts it. Given alcohols long and checkered history the tens of thousands of deaths each year, the social ravages of alcoholism backers of the promarijuana measure concede there is a risk of looking as if they have cozied up too much, or are comparable, to old demon rum.
RECOMMEND TWITTER LINKEDIN COMMENTS SIGN IN TO EMAIL PRINT REPRINTS SHARE MOST E-MAILED MOST VIEWED
TicketWatch: Theater Offers by E-Mail

Sign up for ticket offers from Broadway shows and other advertisers. See Sample | Privacy Policy
Related
Times Topic: Marijuana and Medical Marijuana
1.
OPINION
Connect With Us on Twitter
Ritalin Gone Wrong 2. Bracing for $40,000 at New York City Private Schools 3. The Bookstores Last Stand 4.
Follow @NYTNational for breaking news and headlines. Twitter List: Reporters and Editors
Why add another vice, right? said Mason Tvert, a codirector of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which has led the ballot drive. But were not
OP-ED COLUMNIST
Made in the World

Page 1 of 4
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/27/us/a-ballot-push-to-legalize-marijuana-with-alcohol-as-the-role-model.html
1/29/12 6:49 PM
adding a vice; were providing an alternative.

5. The Man Behind Gingrichs Money
The goal of legalization, Mr. Tvert added, is not to make access to marijuana easier, but rather, to make our communities safer by regulating this substance, taking it out of the underground market, controlling it and better keeping it away from young people. The debate here and in Washington State where members of a pro-legalization group have also submitted what they say are more than enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot is premised on the idea that marijuana has become, if not quite mainstream, then at least no longer alien to the average voter. Medical marijuana is already legal in both states. But greater familiarity with marijuana could be a double-edged sword, opponents say. Medical marijuana dispensaries, especially in Colorado, have exploded in number in the last few years some with medical-sounding names, others garishly suggestive in their names and imagery of the intoxicants on sale within. More than 88,000 Colorado residents have medical marijuana cards, according to the most recent state figures, with young men in their 20s and 30s many of them suffering debilitating pain, according to their doctor-signed certificates disproportionately represented. And many Colorado communities have been actively debating medical marijuana and saying no to it. Eighty-five Colorado communities have banned or halted openings of dispensaries, through popular vote or through their city councils or commissions, and where a municipality posed the question to voters, marijuana has lost 88.1 percent of the time, according to the Colorado Municipal League, an association of city governments. The federal government, meanwhile, in states from California to Montana, has also been cracking down on medical marijuana growers and sellers who prosecutors say have gone beyond what their states allow. Some critics of legalization say that medical marijuanas growth, and the abuse of medicines that leak out to become recreational, foreshadows the dangers if accessibility is increased. Washingtons measure would be a statutory legal change, while Colorados would amend the State Constitution. Its largely state-sanctioned fraud, said Colorados attorney general, John W. Suthers, a harsh critic of the medical marijuana system who is speaking out against the ballot measure. We have thousands and thousands of people lying to doctors, saying they have a debilitating medical condition. And some doctors are going along with the ruse, Mr. Suthers said, practicing substandard medicine by actually closing their eyes. Supporters of legalization agree that medical marijuana now legal in 16 states and the District of Columbia has led to abuses, and that many voters are angry and disgusted with how things have unfolded. And that, they say, is the very problem that legalization would fix. Banning or improperly regulating a substance that large numbers of people will use anyway failed in the 1920s with alcohol with the spread of speakeasies and corruption during Prohibition and is failing now with marijuana, they say. People dont like the hypocrisy and the disrespect for law, said Alison Holcomb, the campaign manager for New Approach Washington, a group backing the ballot measure, called I-502. But Ms. Holcomb said that hypocrisy was precisely where the comparisons with alcohol
6.
OPINION
Hysteria and the Teenage Girl 7.

OP-ED COLUMNIST
Genetic or Not, Gay Wont Go Away 8. Its Not Me, Its You
9. Will Israel Attack Iran?
10.
OPINION
Just Dont Call Her Che

Go to Complete List Show My Recommendations
Sally Field on Matthew Rhys

ALSO IN THEATER
"War Horse" simultaneously on stage and screen Sign up for TicketWatch
ADVERTISEMENTS
Help New Yorkers in need. Donate Today.
Page 2 of 4
1/29/12 6:49 PM
and Prohibition became apt. Millions of Americans disregarded the law in the days of Al Capone, and millions are doing so now with marijuana. Thats what prohibition fosters, she said. We counter that not by going backwards, but by going forward. The specter of Californias vote in 2010, when voters rejected legalization, and 2006, when a similar measure failed in Colorado, hangs over this years debate. And there is also division among those for legalizing marijuana. One such group, Sensible Washington, is arguing to voters that passing I-502 would create a false sense of security for marijuana users, since possession still remains a federal crime. The group also objects to a driving-under-the-influence standard in the proposal that it says would not fairly measure impairment, and that almost any medical marijuana patient would fail, hours and perhaps even days after consuming cannabis. We are greatly concerned that innocent people risk conviction, and are left without a defense, Troy Barber, a steering committee member at Sensible Washington, said in an email. In fact, this issue has created a huge rift in the antiprohibition on cannabis movement in our state. But things in Colorado have also significantly changed in the six years since the last referendum here. Medical marijuana providers now have money to back campaigns with advertising in stark contrast to the effort in 2006, which had almost no financial backing and are mostly supporting the ballot drive, said Jason Lauve, a spokesman for the Association of Cannabis Trades for Colorado, a trade group for medical providers. State tax revenues from medical marijuana sales have risen sharply as well, up to $5 million for the year ending June 30, 2011, from $2.2 million for the year ending June 30, 2010. The politics of the states rights movement, meanwhile, which holds that state authority should, in general, trump federal jurisdiction argued by many libertarians and Tea Party groups is adding its own quirky element to the mix. Representative Ron Paul of Texas, the Republican presidential candidate, has made the argument for state authority on drug laws, among other issues, a repeated refrain of his campaign. I think the federal war on drugs is a total failure, Mr. Paul said in a Republican presidential candidates debate in November. Why dont we handle the drugs like we handle alcohol? Mr. Paul asked. Alcohol is a deadly drug.
A version of this article appeared in print on January 27, 2012, on page A13 of the New York edition with the headline: Marijuana Push in Colorado Likens It to Alcohol.
COMMENTS SIGN IN TO EMAIL PRINT REPRINTS
Get 50% Off The New York Times & Free All Digital Access.
351 Comments
Share your thoughts.
Page 3 of 4
1/29/12 6:49 PM
ALL
READER PICKS
NYT PICKS
Newest
Comments Closed
Get Free E-mail Alerts on These Topics Marijuana Law and Legislation Referendums Colorado
Ads by Google
what's this?
Chromebooks have arrived

Less loading. More surfing. Instant resume & 8 second startup.
google.com/chromebook
INSIDE NYTIMES.COM
MOVIES SUNDAY REVIEW TRAVEL BOOKS SUNDAY REVIEW ARTS
Anxiety: An Appointment With Dread
A Horror Company Rises From the Grave

Home World U.S.
Opinion: Ritalin Gone Wrong

N.Y. / Region Business Privacy
10 Winter Getaways to Suit Every Age

Technology Science Health
The Male Mystique of Henry Miller

Sports Opinion Arts
I just needed something to take the edge off plane flights, and other high-adrenaline scenarios. Like waiting HBO Bets on Two in line for a bagel.
Thoroughbreds
Autos
Style
Travel RSS
Jobs
Real Estate
Site Map Advertise
2012 The New York Times Company
Your Ad Choices
Terms of Service
Terms of Sale
Corrections
Help
Contact Us
Work for Us
Page 4 of 4
Marijuana-legalization supporters blast Suthers - The Denver Post
1/31/12 3:13 PM

0
News
Politics
Sports
Business
Entertainment
Lifestyles
Opinion
Travel
Your Hub
Shopping
Autos
Real Estate
Jobs
Classifieds
Search
Site
Home > News > Breaking News
Marijuana-legalization supporters blast Suthers

By John Ingold The Denver Post POSTED: UPDATED:
POPULAR PRINT EMAIL
TALKERS
RECOMMENDED
YEAR AGO
Photos: Denver Broncos cheerleaders, through the decades

10/31/2011 01:48:01 PM MDT 10/31/2011 02:03:44 PM MDT
Photos: The Broncos cheerleaders calendar Job Boot Camp: Two months later, lessons learned, effort pays for some Funerals 101: How to respectfully pay your respects RSVP: In song and dance, Fine Arts Foundation honors its 2012 Citizen Ju 1950s women may have triggered obesity epidemic Train like a cave man Does life need meaning? CSU tackles ultimate query RSVP: Wonderland royalty at Heart Ball Color makes a splash on the slopes - and at SnowSports Industries Americ
Proponents of an effort to place a marijuana-legalization initiative on the 2012 ballot called on state Attorney General John Suthers today to stay on the rhetorical sidelines during the campaign. The salvo came after Suthers has in recent days been critical of a state medical-marijuana regulator who wrote a letter to communities considering medical-marijuana business bans this year. Suthers said the letter, from Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division boss Dan Hartman, improperly veered into advocacy against the bans. At a news conference today outside Suthers' office, Mason Tvert and Brian Vicente, the leaders of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said it is hypocritical of Suthers to criticize Hartman while himself speaking out against marijuana initiatives. "Attorney General Suthers believes it is unethical for one state employee to offer an opinion on a ballot initiative," Tvert said. "Yet Attorney General Suthers has vociferously spoken out against marijuana initiatives in the past." But Mike Saccone, a spokesman for Suthers, said Suthers is in an entirely different position than Hartman, which made the Hartman's letter inappropriate. "The key difference here is that the Attorney General is a statewide elected official with broad responsibilities versus the head of the Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division, a civil servant whose job it is to be a neutral regulator of an industry," Saccone wrote in an e-mail. "The Attorney General believes that it is problematic for a regulator to be choosing sides in an election that affects a business that his agency collects fees from and oversees."
John Suthers (Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver Post)
RELATED
Jan 27: Former U.S. attorney says pot's status should be reassessed Jan 26: Colorado pot dispensaries near schools grapple with future Jan 20: U.S. Attorney John Walsh justifies federal crackdown on medicalmarijuana shops Jan 19: Marijuana-legalization initiative needs line-by-line review Jan 13: Colorado medical-pot dispensaries to get letters from feds saying they're too close to schools Jan 11: Lawmakers vow bill to allow medical-pot co-ops as banks shut out industry Jan 10: As states increasingly OK medical pot, more communities veto it

Email Address
Subscribe
An evening of ballet with 7dancers

Page 1 of 8
1/31/12 3:13 PM
The controversy began bubbling two weeks ago, after Hartman wrote a letter about what he saw as the possible impacts of proposed dispensary bans in several communities, including Palisade and Steamboat Springs. In the letter, Hartman said a ban would prevent the MMED from doing anything about small, nuisance medical-marijuana operations that may result after dispensaries are closed. "I want Colorado citizens to truly understand what they are voting for or against," Hartman wrote in the letter. "This ban will not remove medical marijuana from your community, but it will prevent the MMED from being able to help ensure that medical marijuana sales are regulated, monitored, safe, secure and taxed." After the controversy surfaced, MMED spokeswoman Julie Postlethwait sent a statement to The Denver Post saying the letter was written in response to questions from the community and was not intended to take a position on the vote. Suthers told 9News that new Department of Revenue head Barbara Brohl planned to do an internal review. Amid rumors in the medical-marijuana community that the controversy has resulted in Hartman's being re-assigned, a Department of Revenue spokesman last week said Brohl is reviewing the department's organization and plans to announce changes this week. The spokesman said he couldn't comment on Hartman's status, and Hartman has not responded to numerous phone messages. The MMED is in charge of regulating and auditing all of the state's medical-marijuana businesses, including dispensaries and large marijuana-growing operations. It has recently begun issuing the first marijuana-specific state business licenses in the country. Tvert and Vicente's initiative would create a regulatory structure similar to one the MMED already oversees. The campaign has collected close to 100,000 signatures to put the initiative on the ballot, Tvert said. It hopes to collect about 40,000 more, to ensure it has the 86,105 valid signatures needed for the measure to go before voters. John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com.
7dancers
01/31/2012 03:05 PM MST - 7dancers,
the nonprofit professional dance company run by Cherry Creek Dance, will present its winter production, "An Evening of Ballet," at the Studio Loft in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Friday at 7:30 p.m. CBS' 'Big Bang' surpasses Fox's 'American Idol' - 01/31/2012 02:12 PM MST Talk of 'tornado tourism' stirs anger in Joplin - 01/31/2012 02:31 PM MST Will CU pull some football recruiting surprises on Wednesday? Structure fire doused in Wheat Ridge, no injuries - 01/31/2012 01:23 PM MST Denver woman killed in crash with fire truck identified - 01/31/2012 02:13 PM MST James Murphy muses over LCD Soundsystem's new documentary at Sundance
Post Poll - Colfax Ave.
Generally speaking, do you consider Colfax Avenue dangerous?

Yes, very dangerous Yes, dangerous Yes, a little dangerous Not dangerous, but sketchy No, not dangerous I don't know I've never been on Colfax Ave. Vote!

Follow John Ingold on Twitter.

PRINT EMAIL RETURN TO TOP RECOMMEND IT (2 REC'S) ALL READER-RECOMMENDED NEWS
LIKE THIS ARTICLE?
TOP VIDEO
Is Miss Piggy a Pinko? The Muppet Def...

Page 2 of 8
1/31/12 3:13 PM
It is Suther's job to enforce state law. If it is his job to enforce federal law, he is doing a terrible job. Rupert Picante | 2:18 PM on Saturday Nov 26 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Suthers was just doing his job. I'm glad that we have an attorney general who speaks out against illegal activity. Thomas C | 12:40 PM on Saturday Nov 26 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
An appeal to Prohibitionists: Most of us are aware by now that individuals who use illegal drugs are going to get high, no matter what. So why do you not prefer they acquire them in a store that checks ID and pays taxes? Gifting the market in narcotics to criminal cartels, ruthless terrorists and corrupt law enforcement officials is seriously compromising our future. If you even remotely believe that people will one day quit using any of these 'at present illegal' drugs, then you are exhibiting a degree of naivety parallel only with those poor wretches who voluntarily drank the poisoned Kool-Aid in Jonestown. Even if you cannot stand the thought of people using drugs, there is absolutely nothing you or I can do to stop them. We have spent 40 years and over a trillion dollars on this dangerous farce. Practically everybody is now aware that Prohibition will not suddenly and miraculously start showing different results. So why do you wish to continue? Is it that you actually think you have something to lose If we start basing drug policy on science and historical fact instead of on empty rhetoric and lies? Maybe you're a cop, a prison guard or a politician who's scared of losing employment, overtime-pay, kick-backs or those regular bribes. But what good will any of that do you once our society has followed Mexico over the dystopian abyss of dismembered bodies and marauding thugs brandishing gold-plated AK-47s & vats of acid? - Prohibition prevents Regulation. You can chose to help us stop this abomination now! Protect our Children - Legalize, Regulate & Tax! malcolm kyle | 4:04 AM on Friday Nov 4 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Denver Conservative wrote: I'm 41. Unless someone my age is a physical wreck from a wreck or is grossly unhealthy do a longterm lifestyle of filth, there's no need for people my age - let alone younger - to need pot. If this was a real medical issue with real people actually needing the stuff, I'd expect the average user age to be much higher than this. This goes to show the large numbers of young abusers getting licenses. The ease of getting a pot license is well-known. I've seen college-age people speak of it all the time and they admit openly that they have nothing going on with them except a desire for pot. One proved his point and pulled out his license.
I'm older than you and also a conservative. I believe in less government. Tried pot in college and it wasn't my cup of tea. Tried it in my 40's and still preferred alcohol. Now that I have health issues, I have a MMJ license. Marijuana has replaced Motrin, Ambien, and Darvocet as a means to sleep without pain. I still don't enjoy the "high" but I also sleep better knowing than an "herb" is responsible rather than several prescriptions with a litany of side effects. I am thankful that, in Colorado, I have a choice.
Page 3 of 8
1/31/12 3:13 PM
Maryellen K | 9:19 AM on Wednesday Nov 2 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
jeremyjustice07 wrote: HankReardon wrote:Someday we'll all look back on this and laugh...
Your the exact type of person who knows nothing about what they are speaking of. I have worked in 3 different dispensaries and all your doing is stereotyping the people who go to dispensaries. How about an 18 year old girl with rumitard arthritis who has a hard time moving out of bed everyday. How about a 22 year old war vet hit with shrapnel from a granade serving his country. Just because your 41 years old doesn't mean everyone in the world is in as good of health as you are. It's unfortunate that the general population just wants to express their opinions without doing in REAL research to begin with. Cigerettes, Alcohol, ALL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS are more harmful than marijuana. If you care enough to comment. then please, care enough to do some research. The Medical Marijuana industry isn't the cliche people seem to have about the industry. I have helped THOUSANDS of patients obtain the level of pain management they need to function in everyday society. I also have relatives who have had to go to drug treatment because they have gotten physically addicted too their prescription pills. Here we have a plant. One that creates more oxygen than 90% of the other plants in the united states, it can be used to create paper, fossil fuels more effective than corn, it could completely replace paper, not too mention one of the most important that no other substance can say. MARIJUANA HAS NOT CAUSED ANY DEATHS FROM INGESTION. It's not related to any types of cancer. There is no VIABLE reason why this plant should not be available. It helps people sleep, it helps with stress levels, it helps bring ADHD patients down too something close too normal. Marijuana reduces the risk of anger and violence. All your really doing is expressing your opinion about something your biased towards anyway. It's too bad that there are so many stubborn, strong headed people, that are blinded so much by their beliefs, that they don't have the common decency to educate themselves. Marijuana has and will continue too be around. Don't you think it's time the nation legalizes it anyway and takes some of the taxes and uses it towards our forever growing national debt? If you drink alcohol than you take something thats far more of a gateway drug than marijuana ever was. FACTS!
Relax Jeremy. We sure do get a good laugh out of the Prohibition of the 1920s (The Noble Experiment). I'm not the enemy here. You must be new to this forum. I am a huge advocate of marijuana legalization, medicinal or not. I do know much about the plant and it's properties. You somehow interpretted my comment as a "stoner" joke. Maybe it kind of was, but it not a put-down or insult. Just a way for me to say the we are ignorant to keep marijuana illegal in any form. Okay? Thank you for your time... Hank R | 4:25 PM on Tuesday Nov 1 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
JAYMAN wrote:dinker is either a troll or very ignorant. you decide
There is such a thing as a very ignorant troll. I pick that one... :| Hank R | 4:16 PM on Tuesday Nov 1 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Denver Conservative wrote: Alan9074 wrote:Let them come.
Post your addy, we'll give them a buzz.
And this because you want less government intervention?
Page 4 of 8

And this because you want less government intervention? Contradict yourself much? Hank R | 3:35 PM on Tuesday Nov 1 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
1/31/12 3:13 PM
Jesus said to do unto others as we would have them to do unto us. None of us would want our child or grandchild thrown in jail with the sexual predators over marijuana. None of us would want to see an older family member???s home confiscated and sold by the police for growing a couple of marijuana plants for their aches and pains. It???s time to stop putting our own family members in jail over marijuana. If ordinary Americans could grow a little marijuana in their own back yards, it would be about as valuable as homegrown tomatoes. Let's put the criminals out of business and get them out of our neighborhoods. Let's let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards. Here's one way that was REALLY WORKING until the Federal government targeted them in October 2011: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline ... iment.html The current proposal before Congress, bill HR 2306, will allow states to decide how they will regulate marijuana. We can email our Congressperson and Senators at http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml to discuss HR 2306. And a big THANK YOU to the courageous, freedom loving legislators, governors, and countless others who are
working so hard to bring this through! You???re doing a great patriotic service for all of America! Concerned P | 10:59 AM on Tuesday Nov 1 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
From urban dictionary... a definition for us all. I like the third one personally and seventh. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dinker 3. Dinker (noun) A that is smaller than 2". My friend has a dinker. Your mom likes dinkers. My is a dinker times 5. 7. dinker 6 up, 22 down acts without thinking. never to be taken seriously. someone who wants to act out and have fun no matter what the consequences. That guy just pooped on the windshield of that car, what a dinker! steve t | 10:40 AM on Tuesday Nov 1 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
DinkerPlease go somewhere else and troll, there are grownups talking here.
canyonero wrote:Wow, no on-topic posts to be found here today. Go back and read the article...a key regulator at the MMED appears to be taking a position as an advocate for the dispensary industry, against the wishes of county and municipal governments who are exercising their legal rights to prohibit MMJ operations. In fact, the rights that they're exercising were granted under the same legislation that gave the MMED their authority. Can you see the conflict of interest? Probably not, when you're busy hashing over all the same old tired pro-MJ/anti-MJ rhetoric. Suthers can, and rightly pointed it out.
Did you read the letter? As you said he "appears to be taking a position as an advocate." The gist of the letter seemed to be that a ban would prevent the MMED from doing anything about small, nuisance medical-marijuana operations that may result after dispensaries are closed. I don't know if that is advocacy or just plain information. Rupert Picante | 10:20 AM on Tuesday Nov 1 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Page 5 of 8
1/31/12 3:13 PM
Report Abuse
Wow, no on-topic posts to be found here today. Go back and read the article...a key regulator at the MMED appears to be taking a position as an advocate for the dispensary industry, against the wishes of county and municipal governments who are exercising their legal rights to prohibit MMJ operations. In fact, the rights that they're exercising were granted under the same legislation that gave the MMED their authority. Can you see the conflict of interest? Probably not, when you're busy hashing over all the same old tired proMJ/anti-MJ rhetoric. Suthers can, and rightly pointed it out. Mr. A | 9:51 PM on Monday Oct 31 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Denver Conservative wrote:9news has an article about how the Mexican cartels have enough of a Denver presence that they all but totally control the drug trade here. Instead of laying off buying drugs at least for the sake of saving people from being beheaded and disembowled, they cry for legalization. Unbeilevable lack of values. Are you guys that hooked on the stuff that you can't just STOP?
People buying medical marijuana are buying marijuana produced legally in Colorado. It does not come from a Mexican Cartel. I am amazed that you are unable to understand this, as this has been explained to you many times. That is one of the many benefits from people getting licenses that don't need them for medical reasons. The stoners are going to get high no matter what. Wouldn't you rather have them get it in a store that checks ID and pays taxes instead of from the Mexican Cartels? Instead of laying off buying drugs at least for the sake of saving people from being beheaded and disembowled, they cry for legalization.
Saying that people should quit drugs is cute. Do you really think drug users care about the murders in Mexico? Do you honestly believe appealing to them to stop using drugs is going to have any effect at all? I've got a slogan for you, "Say No To Drugs!" That should do the trick. I don't think anyone should do drugs, but they are and there is nothing I can do to stop them. There is nothing the government can do to stop them. We have spent 40 years and over a trillion dollars trying to get people to stop using drugs. Do you think appealing to their humanity will work? Legalizing marijuana is a great way to reduce the murders in Mexico. The cartels get about 60% of their income from marijuana, possibly less now with medical marijuana. If we legalized marijuana people would not need to buy Mexican marijuana. That would cut out a huge chunk of the cartel's income. I imagine the murders would be reduced as well. In a way, you are arguing for legalization. Rupert Picante | 9:28 PM on Monday Oct 31 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Denver Conservative wrote: Rupert Picante wrote:Suthers does not work for the feds, nor does he answer to them. He is only for State's Rights when it fits his agenda.
Pot is still a Schedule I federally outlawed narcotic, similar to cocaine and heroin. "State's rights" have nothing to do with this as federal law overrides states rights. The only reason pot shops aren't being shut down now is because Obama told the DEA to lay off busts. Under Bush, federal law was enforced, and pot shops were raided and shut down.
You said nothing to counter my post. Again, Suthers does not work for the Feds. He works for the State of Colorado. Isn't Suthers suing the Federal government? I'm pretty sure that it is not Suthers' job to enforce Federal law. I am sure that is is Suthers' job to enforce Colorado law.
Page 6 of 8
1/31/12 3:13 PM
It is funny you think that under Bush federal law was enforced. He was a big softy. More dispensaries have been raided under Obama than Bush. Probably because Bush was too busy taking vacations.
Bush was soft on medical marijuana compared to Obama. At first Obama was not against medical marijuana. Now he is the toughest president in history on medical marijuana. Rupert Picante | 8:57 PM on Monday Oct 31 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
elduderino wrote: Dinker wrote:Grow up and get a life pot users. Get out of your mommy and daddys basement and go get a job. Your act is getting so old!! Please refrain form injecting your judgemental attitude into discussions about which you know nothing. I have at times been a regular enjoyer of recreational marijuana and I don't live in my parents basement. In fact, if you measure by monetary gain I'm more successful than they are. Whether or not pot is legal, people who are going to screw up their life are still going to screw up their life. Why make it harder for me to see the humor in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle?
Dinker fits the dictionary definition of a troll. In just about every marijuana thread, he swoops in from the sports area, drops a Baby Ruth, then disappears again, never to be seen until the next time. It's a laugh riot, I tell ya. Mike H | 7:19 PM on Monday Oct 31 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Denver Conservative wrote:9news has an article about how the Mexican cartels have enough of a Denver presence that they all but totally control the drug trade here. Instead of laying off buying drugs at least for the sake of saving people from being beheaded and disembowled, they cry for legalization. Unbeilevable lack of values. Are you guys that hooked on the stuff that you can't just STOP?
Reading your posts here makes me want to ask . . . have you ever considered the concept of keeping your nose out of the private affairs of others? It is a simple concept, elegantly related to the only real rule -- The Golden Rule. Just a thought. The Golden Rule is cool. Give it a twirl sometime. Mike H | 7:13 PM on Monday Oct 31 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
Page 7 of 8
1/31/12 3:13 PM
suthers should be fired! he dislikes and confuses the issue when it comes to medical cannabis, yet is okay for him to advocate against a fine his office applied to the GOP. that is a more egregious misue of office than what was written by hartman. the reason that the feds look the other way about MMC, is because they know that it is an effective medication. they have been sending one of my aunts pre-rolls for thirty years. but the lobbyists for big pharma and law enforcement have a financial interests in keeping this from being public knowledge. richard s | 7:06 PM on Monday Oct 31 | Reply to this comment Report Abuse
MORE HEADLINES
Denver woman killed in crash with fire truck identified Structure fire doused in Wheat Ridge, no injuries National park dam repairs needed Arapahoe commissioners postpone discussion about naming buildings after people Residents of Arapahoe County condo complex go without hot water for weeks Photos: Rick Santorum makes campaign stop in Denver Denver weather mild today, but snow likely on Friday Mother left 2-year-old child to die in El Paso County field, court documents say Atheist billboard raising hackles in Colorado Joe Coors announces bid for Colorado's 7th Congressional District
Page 8 of 8
Mason Tvert | The Releaf Center Blog
1/29/12 6:54 PM
RSS
The Releaf Center Blog Informing & Entertaining Since 2009 Tag Mason Tvert
Get Legal in Colorado
0 comments By Jason Filed in Medical Marijuana Tagged with 2012, 2013, Brian Vincente, cannabis therapy institute, colorado, cti, denver, dispensary, Laura Kriho, legalization, Mason Tvert, MMC, mmj, Sensible Colorado July 8th, 2011 @ 4:20 pm
by KRISTEN WYATT THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 7/7/2011
DENVER A campaign to legalize small amounts of marijuana for adult recreational use in Colorado is aimed at middle-aged, budget-conscious voters not the pot smokers typically associated with such efforts. Two marijuana legalization advocates started a signature drive Thursday to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that they say would regulate and tax recreational marijuana to raise money for schools without making weed available to all. The representatives of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol wore suits and stood on a public lawn before the state Capitol and made their case that marijuana legalization would raise needed tax revenues and save money spent on arresting and prosecuting small-time pot users. Again and again, they talked about how they would aim to limit the legalization effort only for adults and only in small quantities. Itll be the strictest control and regulation of marijuana in history, said Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado, a pot-legalization group that helped put forward the proposed ballot measure. Another of the organizers, Mason Tvert, said the campaign wants to appeal to Republicans and older voters, not just young people who typically turn up at smoke-filled pot rallies. A 2006 measure to legalize marijuana in Colorado was soundly defeated, as was a legalization measure last year in California. We think this is going to appeal to a lot more people, Tvert said. If approved, the measure would make small amounts of pot legal starting in 2013. Marijuana could be sold at newly designated stores and subject to state licensing. Adults would be allowed to have up to six plants. And pot would be subject to sales taxes and an additional state excise tax of 15 percent, with the money designated for public schools. The proposal allows local governments to prohibit commercial pot sales. This is shifting from a prohibition paradigm to a regulation paradigm, Tvert said.
http://blog.thereleafcenter.com/tag/mason-tvert/ Page 1 of 5
1/29/12 6:54 PM
Tvert and Vicente brushed aside concerns that the amendment would set up a federal showdown over marijuana. They point out that medical marijuana is also illegal under federal law, but 16 states allow its use. Its time for states to step up and take the lead on recreational marijuana the way they did on medical marijuana, Vicente said. But the suggestion to heavily regulate pot has miffed some marijuana activists, who are working on a rival proposal with fewer restrictions on marijuana. Laura Kriho of the Cannabis Therapy Institute said in a statement to reporters the existing petition shouldnt be considered full legalization. It is merely sentencing reform, nothing more, the statement to reporters said. A ballot measure needs about 86,000 valid signatures to make ballots next year.
Smoking Hot News 2/25/10

0 comments By admin Filed in Medical Marijuana Tagged with Aurora, Boulder, cannabis, Chris Romer, colorado, cti, DEA, denver, dispensary, Eagle County, Holder, marijuana, Mason Tvert, MMC, Obama, releaf links, SAFER, smoking hot news, Sweetin February 25th, 2010 @ 6:21 pm While MMJ may have incredibly powerful curative properties, it still cant beat the common cold. Back from my death bed, I offer you some smoking hot news, extended edition: Sen. Romer sheds some light on whats happening with the bill currently brewing in the Senate. Rob Corry is getting closer and closer to going all Tancredo on his @#$. A call for more reasonable sentencing on drug related offenses. Mason Tvert thinks, for a decriminilized city, Denver arrests too many for marijuana related offenses. Seattle is about to wipe a lot of slates clean for possession. Outrage over the DEA raids and comments by S.A. Sweetin continue to spill out on to the web. Rep. Jared Polis sees this as a states rights issue and has sent a letter to Holder and Obama saying just that. Jacob Sullum, of AOL News, chalks this up to another broken Obama promise. Sean Paige, who made headlines in an earlier SHN by talking some smack about the rep from a local housing group, wonders if conservatives will get it right on the state rights side of this MMJ battle. Chuck Woods hates Sean Paige. On the local tip: Aurora will wait for the state, Eagle County passes regulation, and Silverton proposes rules of their own. Isnt that the place Joe Dirt is always talking about? Denver MMJ applications have been slow to trickle in. Is the city of Denver getting its wish? Regardless of the number of applicants, it goes live on Monday. The Cannabis Therapy Institute has plenty you can do to influence the proposed bills in both the House and Senate. Boulder County has a set actual guidelines about probation and medical use of marijuana. Hopefully some districts will follow suit. More seniors are finally realizing the benefits of MMJ. And not high school seniors.
http://blog.thereleafcenter.com/tag/mason-tvert/
Page 2 of 5
1/29/12 6:54 PM
Smoking Hot News 2/11/10

0 comments By admin Filed in Medical Marijuana Tagged with cannabis, colorado, Dennis Hopper, denver, Florida, information, Jesus, marijuana, Mason Tvert, mmj, Newsweek, SAFER, smoking hot news, Summit County, Tom Martino February 11th, 2010 @ 3:25 pm Slow news day? Were not intimidated. Read on Newsweek has a short blurb on Colorado law regarding medicating in the workplace. Since mmj is a constitutional right in Colorado, the piece argues it may be the first state an employee may actually win. Tom Martino, AKA The Troubleshooter, takes on medicinal marijuana. He supports common sense regulation, akin to how the alcohol industry is treated. Why are cops taking such staunch positions on MMJ when they simply enforce law? NORML hombre Russ Belville asks readers of the HuffPost. A follow up on Mason Tvert, of SAFER, and his boycott of Starbucks. Everything was resolved, and Starbucks took no stance for or against medical marijuana, which Steve Elliot thinks is progress. The CONO group that opposes the Colorado Springs ordinance from yesterdays SHN? According to one councilman, the guy in charge is kind of a dick. Summit County will wait for the state to rule, A woman gets popped for marijuana in pictures of Jesus. One RV grow gets busted in FL, and a van in MO, too. A WAY too informative article on how marijuana may reduce your sperm count. Kids are now less likely to try tobacco, one of the leading causes of death in the country. However, they are experimenting more with marijuana. Talking to your kids is still the best preventative measure when it comes to substance abuse. Actor Dennis Hoppers use of medicinal marijuana is giving him trouble in his upcoming divorce.
Search
Search
Tag Cloud
2012 advocacy
denver post ASA Brian Vincente buds bugs
cannabis cannabis therapy institute cdphe city council CMMR colorado cti denver
dispensary edibles fort collins God government growing HB 1284 health department information licensing marijuana Mason Tvert massey medical marijuana MMC mmed mmj MS news norml Obama ordinance releaf releaf links resin SAFER
science smoking hot news
stonerds
westword
Page 3 of 5
1/29/12 6:54 PM
Categories
Medical Marijuana
Advocacy, Law & News

Cannabis Planet Colorado MMJ Laws Marijuana Policy Project Colorado Mile High NORML Westword's Marijuana Archives
Menu
Our Daily Menu on WeedMaps
Music, TV & Movies

FearNet RELEAF RADIO on Pandora South Park Online The Johnny Cash Channel on YouTube
Other
Chlorophyll ESPN MapCrunch RTD The Global Elements The Laughing Latte
Social Networking
Facebook Twitter
Releaf Tags
cannabis cannabis therapy institute cdphe city council CMMR colorado cti denver denver post dispensary edibles fort collins God government growing HB 1284
2012 advocacy ASA Brian Vincente buds bugs
http://blog.thereleafcenter.com/tag/mason-tvert/ Page 4 of 5
1/29/12 6:54 PM
health department information licensing
marijuana Mason Tvert
massey
medical marijuana
MMC mmed mmj MS news norml Obama ordinance releaf releaf links resin SAFER science smoking hot
news stonerds westword
Releaf Search
Search
Recent Posts
1/25/12 Day of Action Marijuana Madness Ron Paul Supports Medical Marijuana: 5 Mental Disorders Treated with the Substance What Would The Marijuana Movement Be Without The Internet Marijuana: Liberal Canary In Coal Mine This column is a widget area. Add widgets to Footer D for this one to rock! Copyright The Releaf Center Blog Informing & Entertaining Since 2009 That's it - back to the top of page!
Page 5 of 5
Operation Sweet Leaf raids boost marijuana regulation, says Mason Tvert - Denver News - The Latest Word
1/29/12 7:31 PM
Blogs
Search Westword
STORIES
blog
TOP
Mile Highs and Lows Stoner McGyver meshes with filter bags
By William Breathes
Shmuck of the Week Doug Lamborn throws a shmucky tantrum

By Jonathan Shikes
News "Victim" recants but abuse conviction upheld

By Alan Prendergast
Follow That Story Has Jared Polis sold out MMJ biz?
By Michael Roberts
Follow That Story
Operation Sweet Leaf raids boost marijuana regulation, says Mason Tvert
By Michael Roberts Thu., Jan. 26 2012 at 5:59 AM Categories: Follow That Story, Marijuana Comments (13)

Viewed Commented Recent Photos: Prostitutes busted in sting operation could scare a guy celibate Caleb Pacheco: Body of three-year-old found under trailer, mom Juanita Kinzie arrested Jose Garcia, who prompted Amber alert after 9-year-old went missing: Serial child molester? Medical marijuana v. recreational use: NORML controversy, Colorado connection Medical marijuana: Law enforcement group rips dispensary seizure letters More Most Popular...
retweet
To pot prohibition supporters, Operation Sweet Leaf, a raid on 25 reputed cannabis grows, paints the picture of growing criminality that begs for a police crackdown. But Mason Tvert, one of the main proponents of the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, which recently submitted about 160,000 signatures aimed at landing it on the November ballot, sees it as a tremendous waste that will boost the measure's odds of passage, not hinder them. Law Enforcement Against Prohibition executive director Neill Franklin is among those observers who believe get-tough police moves like seizure letters sent to 23 dispensaries near schools by U.S. Attorney John Walsh are prompted in part by legalization efforts, with the goal being to associate weed with illicit narcotics that endanger our nation's children. But not Tvert. "I disagree entirely," he says. "This is activity that's been going on in this country for years now, regardless of whether or not there's a ballot initiative." Tvert acknowledges that Walsh's letters "are unique. But when it comes to police spending time and resources investigating, arresting and prosecuting individuals for producing marijuana for profit, that's not unique, and it will continue until we take a new approach." Whereas law enforcement agencies such as the 17th Judicial District DA's office and the North Metro Drug Task Force are portraying Operation Sweet Leaf as a tremendous success, Tvert believes that "this vast operation carried out by our state's law enforcement authorities demonstrates the futile nature of marijuana prohibition. "This is not a blanket statement regarding all law enforcement, as you know from your interview with Neill Franklin and the views of countless law enforcement officials, both serving and retired, who agree with him," Tvert continues. However, "our opponents pretend to be opposed to cultivation for profit, but enforce policies guaranteed to produce
Mason Tvert.
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/01/operation_sweet_leaf_marijuana_mason_tvert.php
Page 1 of 3
1/29/12 7:31 PM
just that outcome. "In terms of their interest, many law enforcement officials, such as those with the Colorado Drug Investigators Association, want to insure marijuana can only be produced underground, so that they can continue receiving and spending taxpayer money to go after it despite the fact that it is far less harmful than alcohol" -- the mantra of Tvert's organization, Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER). Does that mean the publicity generated by the Operation Sweet Leaf bust will actually benefit the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act? Is it practically an advertisement in favor of such an initiative? "Absolutely," Tvert replies. "We don't see police coordinating throughout the state to shut down a massive home alcohol-producing operation. And if we were to regulate marijuana like alcohol, we would no longer need to waste countless resources worrying about people growing marijuana for profit out of their homes." The bottom line for Tvert: "Until we develop a more rational and responsible approach to marijuana in this state, our law enforcement officers will continue wasting time and resources. And this campaign is advocating for that new approach." Follow and like the Michael Roberts/Westword Facebook page. More from our Marijuana archive: "Medical marijuana v. recreational use: NORML controversy, Colorado connection." Denver Westword on Facebook
Like You like this.
17,727 people like Denver Westword.

Vince
Tags:
Audrey Facebook social plugin
Ed
Gogo
Cann
MadHatters
Mason Tvert, Operation Sweet Leaf, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act
Related Content
Medical marijuana: Law enforcement group rips dispensary seizure letters January 24, 2012 Reader: Check out my impressive list of great athletes who enjoy weed January 25, 2012 Medical marijuana: 23 dispensaries targeted by U.S. Attorney only "first wave" January 13, 2012 Marijuana: U.S. Attorney "not bluffing" about seizing dispensaries near schools January 20, 2012 Marijuana at the Crossroads: Event asks if MMJ lawyers are breaking oath January 26, 2012
More About:
Mason Tvert Neill Franklin Michael Roberts Crime and Law Politics
enter email
Denver Classifieds
Slideshows
Snowdown at City Hall
More Slideshows >>
Tools
Follow us on:
Page 2 of 3
1/29/12 7:31 PM
Categories...
Archives...
Page 3 of 3
Petition drive starts Thursday to fully legalize marijuana in Colo. - KWGN
1/31/12 3:36 PM
Sign In or Sign Up
Home
News
Weather
Daybreak
Colorado's Best
Deals
Jobs
Your Money
Video
Gardening
TV Schedule
Facebook
Colorado News
National & World News Florida Primary
Colorado Sports
Entertainment
Photo Galleries Search
TRENDING
Home > News
Notable Deaths
Sex Trafficking Ring
Mug Shots
Channel 2 Features
SLIDESHOW: East Colfax Prostitution Arrests
Petition drive starts Thursday to fully legalize marijuana in Colo.

Comments
Share 9056
Tweet
20
Recommend
375
Web Staff FOX31 Denver 5:11 p.m. MDT, July 6, 2011
Photos: 'American Idol' in action
DENVER -- First, it was medical marijuana. Now, pot advocates are trying to legalize marijuana use in Colorado for adults, with or without a doctors recommendation. Supporters of a ballot measure to legalize marijuana plan to start gathering signatures in Denver on Thursday. Theyre calling it the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012.
Photos: Awkward Family Pets
Colorado Owned: Great Local Businesses
Related
The measure would allow private adult possession; establish a licensing system for production, testing, and sales; and raise millions of dollars in tax revenue, according to a press release issued Wednesday. Proponents had been waiting for final clearance from a state board that certifies language before it can be placed on ballots. They need about 86,000 valid signatures to get the measure on the ballot.
How Cruise Lines Fill All Those Unsold Cruise Cabins How to Wire the Brain to Pick Up a New Language in 10 Days How New iPads are Selling for Under $40
3 tons of marijuana growing equipment, supplies dumped on BLM land
Tough new medical marijuana rules take effect
Topics
Elections Referenda Voting See more topics
Copyright 2012, KDVR-TV
Comments
Share 9056
Tweet
20
Recommend
375
Previous Story
More Colorado News
Next Story
Page 1 of 2
http://www.kwgn.com/news/kdvr-petition-drive-starts-thursday-to-fully-legalize-marijuana-in-colo-20110706,0,5780053.story
Petition drive starts Thursday to fully legalize marijuana in Colo. - KWGN
1/31/12 3:36 PM
GOP renews push to roll back DMV late fees
Prosecutors seek death penalty in Douglas County double murder
Also From KWGN

Deicer at DIA clips wing of plane After near-death experience, boy says "Heaven is Real" Teen struck, killed after jumping out of moving vehicle Ron Paul, Rick Santorum campaign in Colorado today Man accused of spying on woman on CSU campus
More from Our Partners

Cops: Mass. Teen Threatens to Kill Officers, Motel Staff (Stratford Patch) Chick-fil-A Responds to Cashier's Racist Mistake (The Daily Meal) Who is the hottest woman without pants? (StyleBistro) Blazers on Sale January (FabSugar) Venezuela: Mexican Ambassador Kidnapped, Then Released (The New York Times) [what's this]
Comments (1)
Add / View comments | Discussion FAQ
SomeChick at 11:08 AM July 07, 2011 If you're referring to the SAFER initiative you are doing the public a disservice by calling it legalization. What they are trying to do is heavily regulate marijuana for recreational use. It is more similar to how medical cannabis works in Colorado, than it is to alcohol. Which isn't really legalization, in fact the authors of the bill have said that they do not consider this a legalization effort. However I know there are people from CTI are working on an actual marijuana legalization bill. Let us hope that at least one legalization bill makes it to the ballot for a vote and that the people of Colorado wake up to the potential revenue stream.
Do you qualify for grants for school? How To Screw Up A Car Thief's Day Return to school with a grant if you The following tips can help your car qualify. You may be losing up to become a less inviting target and slow $21,900 every year you don't go back down, discourage or actually prevent to school. More car theft. More
Find Someone Worth Finding First dates on eHarmony have a better chance of turning into something more than on any other site. More
Sponsored Links
Groupon Official Site

1 ridiculously huge coupon a day. Get 50-90% off your city's best!
www.Groupon.com
3 Bureau Credit Report

Claim your three Credit Scores from all 3 bureaus in 60 seconds for $0
www.FreeScoreOnline.com
New Policy: Pennsylvania

2011-Drivers with no DUIs are eligible for up to 50% off car insurance
TheFinanceAuthority.com
Buy a link here
KWGN-TV 100 East Speer Blvd. Denver, Colorado 80203
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
About KWGN
EEO Report
A LocalTV, LLC website, powered by Tribune Digital
http://www.kwgn.com/news/kdvr-petition-drive-starts-thursday-to-fully-legalize-marijuana-in-colo-20110706,0,5780053.story
Page 2 of 2
Petition Group Pushes For Legalized Pot - News Story - KRDO Colorado Springs
1/29/12 7:40 PM
Colorado Springs, CO Currently:Cloudy 38F Mobile | RSS | E-mail
HOME
NEWS Video National News Target 13 CrimeTracker Vote 2012 Slideshows Archive Blogs Wildfires
Weather Closings / Delays My HD Doppler Neighborhood Weather Network Realtime Travel 7-Day 13-Day Futurecast State Currents Regional Currents Weather Book
Radio Listen to KRDO Live Radio Programming Guide Bios Radio Contests E-Mail NewsRadio Pet Of The Week Advertise With Us
Sports Local Sports Video Denver Broncos Denver Nuggets Avalanche Colorado Rockies Friday Night Blitz
Traffic Gas Prices Tracker CDOT Travel Alerts and Restrictions Closings ? Delays
Telemundo NotiAlertas Clima Finanzas Entretenimiento Deportes Eventos Inmigracion
Contests
Home / News
Petition Group Pushes For Legalized Pot

Group Turns In Close To 160,000 Signatures
JOE DOMINGUEZ KRDO NewsChannel 13 POSTED: 9:00 pm MST January 4, 2012 AAAText Size PrintEmail UPDATED: 10:28 pm MST January 4, 2012
Connect With KRDO

Like 16k
Most Popular
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A strong push to legalize the recreational use of pot is under review in Denver. The group behind the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012 would like to decriminalize pot. Proponents are proud because they believe they got almost twice as many signatures as they needed to get the issue on the November ballot. "Just like alcohol, you'd be able to walk into a store and purchase this if you were a responsible adult," said Mark Slaught, who helped gather petitions in Colorado Springs.
VideoClick to Expand
Beavis And Butthead Come To Life
If you think the iconic cartoon characters Beavis and

Page 1 of 9
http://www.krdo.com/news/30137698/detail.html
1/29/12 7:40 PM
"The big difference is that it would be consumed in the home and not in bar outlets," said Slaught. The group needed 80,105 registered Colorado voters to sign petitions to get the issue on the ballot. On Wednesday, they turned in petitions with close to 160,000 signatures. The signature verification process by the Secretary of State's office should take at least one month. "We will win this campaign because the voters understand that marijuana prohibition is a policy long overdue for repeal," said Brian Vicente, one of two proponents who initiated the measure. Besides opening the door for recreational use, Slaught believes if voters pass the measure it would help the economy. "Whether you're for or against marijuana any business can be licensed, regulated and taxed and be made into a profitable enterprise," said Slaught. The group behind the ballot measure said the first $40 million in revenue is earmarked for a construction fund that benefits public education. Slaught said decriminalizing marijuana throughout Colorado would also help the hemp industry grow. Slaught envisions it's use as a biofuel, textile, and paper product growing. "For me, marijuana prohibition is a pretty important issue," said Slaught. "I think we've spent far too much money on a failed program." Slaught is critical of the War On Drugs. "Too many people are sent through the system to take classes or just costing us money to prosecute these cases when they should be able to use marijuana responsibly as an adult," said Slaught. PrintEmail
Sign-Up For Breaking News Alerts: Click here Mobile: Get KRDO Headlines on the go Facebook: Find us on Facebook Twitter: Follow us on Twitter Have a News Tip?: Send here
Report a typo, inaccuracy
Butthead are terrors, wait till you see them come alive. Texas Dogs Looking For Colo. Homes
Six dogs from Texas that were living in squalor are now looking for loving homes in Colorado. Beef Prices Soaring
Beef prices have been soaring and the cost is about to get even worse. Walmart Bomb Scare
A Walmart store was closed for several hours Saturday morning Laurel Kearsley
A feature story on CSU-Pueblo basketball player
Copyright 2012 KRDO.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Comments
StoriesClick to Expand
Stocks Face Headwinds Next Week
Add New Comment
Login
The stock market is off to a good start this year, but next week brings a host of potential pitfalls that could slow the recent momentum. Several Burglaries Hit Monument Overnight
Showing 11 comments
underdog6
Sort by newest first
The ballot measure, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, will "REGULATE" the production and commerce of marijuana as opposed to "Legalizing" the product. Under our current prohibition, recreational marijuana is controlled by Mexican cartels and our local street dealers. Regulation would take marijuana out of the inventory of street dealers and allow regulated commercial businesses to sell this product.
1 week ago Like Reply
Monument police are reminding people to keep their garage doors closed and their doors locked, after a string of burglaries on Jackson Creek Parkway early Sunday morning. UPDATE: Fremont Co. Man Faked His Kidnapping
MulligansPits
Sandra- Please stop using the internet/Wikipedia/"someone's blog" for your information
A ransom money scam appears to be the motive behind Richard Jones' disappearance.
Page 2 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
source. MJ supporting terrorism? Are you kidding me? **WE** SUPPORT TERRORISM! Who do you think gave the Afghani's, Irani's and Iraqi's their nice stockpile of weapons and financial aid? Who do you think helped the Contras and Libyans get their weapons? AMERICA! More violent crimes are committed during consumption of alcohol and CO's drug of choice- meth, than is committed while under the influence of MJ. Please familiarize yourself with solid facts before you further your appearance of being completely clueless to reality.
3 weeks ago Like Reply
Hazardous Materials Spilled On I25 At N. Nevada
Two Lanes Of Northbound I-25 Closed At N. Nevada Shots Fired During Robbery
Sandra Richardsonshire
I dont understand why people want to legalize a drug that just in Mexico is attributed to ten's of thousands of drug-cartel related deaths. Marijuana supports terrorism and finances terrorists attacking the USA. Yes- lets legalize a dangerous and deadly drug! It is illegal for a reason. If you are too stoned to figure out what that reason is then use Google or another search engine and look up "drug violence"... Oh and Marijuana has 50% - 70% more cancer causing substances than tobacco smoke..so there are the health issues too.
An armed robber fires a shot in a Springs neighborhood.
SlideshowsClick to Expand
Look Inside: U.S. Navy SEALs
Citizen80919
It wasn't just a petition group... you have to remember that 160,000 supporters signed the petition as well. Time to end the silly prohibition on a plant that is less toxic than water.
3 weeks ago 2 Likes Like Reply
U.S. special forces, including Navy SEALs, recently swooped into Somalia in a daring overnight raid to rescue two kidnapped aid workers. Heres a closer look at more Navy SEAL rescues, missions and training exercises. DA's Most Wanted Photos
crashmld
We can legalize it all we want. It will still be illegal in the eyes of the Federal Government, and will still be a controlled substance. When they legalized MMJ they said that it would cut down on crime, underground organizations and corner dealers. How many of these places have been broken into? The PD just busted an underground pot operation and we read all the time how people are arrested for pot possession. If they want it legalized to cut down on these things, then lets also legalize murder to reduce that crime rate as well.
America's Most Literate Cities
MulligansPits
Actually, very few have been robbed overall. More Walgreens were robbed in the Springs just last year than, to my knowledge in basic addition skills, all of the Springs dispensaries during the entire time they've been legal. The "underground" one you mentioned wasn't a dispensary- it was a completely illegal drug operation with weapons, ballistics vests and other illegal drugs on the premises. Your analogy to legalizing murder is silly, however, if they'd remove some of the restrictions on business owners being allowed to kill robbers, now THAT would reduce crime quite a bit. Once the criminals are dead, maimed, or scared to further commit offenses, crime will go down. It's very simple.
3 weeks ago in reply to crashmld Like Reply
The annual Americas Most Literate Cities study ranks how much people read in the nation's 75 largest metro areas. Read more to find out if your city made the top 20. More Most Popular
underdog6
Congress and the Federal Government has been lying to us about marijuana for the past fifty years and now the vast majority of Americans are learning the truth. Marijuana is SAFER than one of America's most dangerous drugs, alcohol and it is time to give adults the legal choice of a relaxing substance.
Page 3 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
Legalization will remove the profit motive that currently funds black market street dealers and Mexican cartels. Sixty percent of cartel revenue comes from the production and sale of illegal marijuana. Do you want this to continue or would you rather have legitimate regulated Colorado businesses sell this rather benign crop?
3 weeks ago in reply to crashmld 1 Like Like Reply
falconco
I'm for legalizing marijuana. Then, it can be grown on our own turf and perhaps that would cut down on what the cartels send across the border.
3 weeks ago 5 Likes Like Reply
AmraLeo
Why? Meth is a whole lot different than marijuana. I used meth and quit (hard to do, it's really addicting), but I've smoked pot for over 40 years. What does that say?
3 weeks ago 1 Like Like Reply
Sandra Richardsonshire
Well if they get this legalized then I should be able to smoke my Meth in peace.
underdog6
Sandra... The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol initiative will give adults the legal choice to use a SAFER recreational substance. Alcohol is a much more dangerous drug than marijuana, and it should be legal for adults to chose the safer drug; marijuana. Meth, a much more dangerous and should remain strictly regulated. Your "slippery slope" straw man comment is juvenile. No one is advocating the legalization of Meth for recreational use.
3 weeks ago in reply to Sandra Richardsonshire 3 Likes Like Reply
M Subscribe by email S RSS

blog comments powered by DISQUS
KRDO.com Must See Video

Shootings Near School Alarm Parents Open Garages Mobile Minute 'Hoot For Newt' Come To Life Monument Burglars Target Sunday Evening Gingrich Supporters Beavis And Butthead Town Takes Cover From
E-Mail News
E - News Registration Colorado Breaking News National Breaking News Afternoon Forecast Morning Forecast Afternoon Briefing
Enter Email
More Email Newsletters
Advertiser Links
Page 4 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
Bird Invasion More KRDO.com Must See Video
Sponsored Links
Home News
Video National News Target 13 Crime Tracker Economy Tracker Vote 2011 Slideshows Archive Blogs
STORMTRACKER 13
My HD Doppler Neighborhood Weather Network Closures & Delays 7-Day Forecast 13-Day Trends State Currents Regional Currents
NewsRadio
Listen Live to KRDO News Radio Radio Programming Guide Bios Radio Contests & News Line Email NewsRadio Advertise with Us
Sports
Local Sports Video Denver Broncos Denver Nuggets Avalanche Colorado Rockies Blitz Scorecard
Traffic
Gas Prices Tracker CDOT Travel Alerts and Restrictions Closings and Delays
NPG BROADCAST
Page 5 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
KECY - Yuma, AZ / El Centro, CA KESQ - Palm Springs, CA KIFI - Idaho Falls, ID KJCT - Grand Junction, CO KRDO - Colorado Springs, CO KTVZ - Bend, OR KVIA - El Paso,TX
Telemundo
NotiAlertas Clima Finanzas Entertenimiento Deportes Eventos Inmigracion
NPG NEWSPAPERS
St. Joseph News-Press KC Community News Atchison Daily Globe Hiawatha Daily World Warrensburg Daily-Star Journal Green Acres Publication NPG Printing Co.
Directories
ABC's of Health Go to the Pro LIFEstyles
KRDO
KRDO Connection FAQ Submit a News Tip KRDO Contacts Bios Ask a Financial Planner Job Openings Ask Dr. John Programming Advertise with Us Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Advertising | EEO Policy | Site Map | Microsoft MapPoint Terms of Use | Microsoft Privacy Statement | Some Images Provided by Weather Underground, Inc. 2012, Pikes Peak Television, Inc. Colorado Springs, CO USA in association with
Page 6 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
Page 7 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
Page 8 of 9
1/29/12 7:40 PM
Page 9 of 9
Pot backers could get question on 2012 ballot | GJSentinel.com
1/31/12 2:41 PM
Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
Customer Care Contact Us Media Kit Place a Classified Subscribe Activate Online Subscription
Login Register
46
Fair Winds North at 0.0 MPH Pressure 30.09 inches Dewpoint 18.0 F Visibility 10.00 miles Area forecast >
Home News Western Colorado Colorado U.S. World Business Mobile Junction Blotter Opinion Sports Outdoors Lifestyle Entertainment Blogs Photos & Video Directories
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/pot_backers_could_get_question/
Page 1 of 7
1/31/12 2:41 PM
Classifieds Jobs Homes Cars
Search
Articles/Galleries/Videos Classifieds Business Directory Web
Pot backers could get question on 2012 ballot

By Charles Ashby
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
A group pushing for a citizens initiative to legalize small quantities of marijuana will submit more than 155,000 signatures next week to put the amendment on next years ballot. Mason Tvert, a proponent of the measure and head of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said Wednesday he and hundreds of volunteers are nearing the end of the petition-signature stage to get the measure on the November ballot. Tvert said the group plans to turn in petitions to the Secretary of States Office next Wednesday. Theres been an ongoing discussion about marijuana in Colorado for the past seven years, and more Coloradans than ever believe that we should regulate marijuana similar to alcohol, he said. Because so many people have been hearing about marijuana and about the fact that its far safer than alcohol, they are becoming increasingly comfortable with acknowledging that an adult should be allowed to use it without fear of punishment. Better than that, Tvert said, its also an economic driver. Not only does the proposed constitutional amendment allow for the legal possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana and six plants, it calls on the Legislature to establish a regulatory scheme for retail outlets similar to liquor stores, and to set sales and excise taxes. Additionally, the measure would legalize hemp in the state, allowing farmers an easy crop to grow, he said.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/pot_backers_could_get_question/ Page 2 of 7
1/31/12 2:41 PM
Hemp is a fiber-like herb often used to make rope, clothing and paper products. Tvert said the economic impact to the state from the ballot question could be in the millions of dollars in tax revenues for state and local governments, and into the billions of dollars when considering jobs and other economic development around the industry. Tvert said the group isnt concerned that the decisions of several communities around the state to ban medical marijuana dispensaries is a sign Coloradans dont want marijuana retail outlets. Obviously, theres going to be localities that want to set their own standards. Thats the case with alcohol, he said. Our initiative does allow localities to decide for themselves, either through a vote of the people or through their elected bodies, whether to allow these types of marijuana-related businesses. The effort requires a minimum of 86,000 signatures of valid registered voters to qualify for the ballot. The attempt to legalize marijuana is one of several ideas working through the ballot-title process in hopes of being placed before the states voters next year. Others include a third attempt at a so-called personhood amendment, though one that is more aimed at banning abortions. Attempts in 2008 and 2010 were rejected by more than 70 percent of voters each time. Another measure that had been proposed, but since withdrawn, was to alter a previous voter-approved constitutional amendment declaring a marriage as being between a man and a woman. Aurora resident Mark Olmstead wanted to amend that law to say that marriage would apply to people whether they are the same or different sexes. Everything was set and approved for signature gathering, but I withdrew the initiative a while ago because of a lack of support from groups, Olmstead said. The grass-roots support was amazing, but it was difficult to get organizations behind me, especially if it came time to fund a successful campaign. Instead, Olmstead hopes the Legislature in its upcoming session will approve a bill calling for civil unions for same-sex couples. State Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, said he intends to reintroduce a civil-union bill that is nearly identical to one he backed during the 2011 session. To date, nothing has been certified for next years ballot, said Richard Coolidge, spokesman for the Secretary of States Office.
COMMENTS
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
SHARE
More
Page 3 of 7
1/31/12 2:41 PM
RELATED
Pro-life measures support revived
Personhood ad compares fetuses to slaves
Fetus issue on ballot again; voters will see health care question
Page 4 of 7
1/31/12 2:41 PM
TOP JOBS
Aircraft Refueler Technician
West Star Aviation has an position available. We are willing to train you for a...
Scrub Technician, Rn, Medical, Healthcare
SCRUB TECH / RN to work in Nationally Accredited (JCAHO) Office Based Operating...

Patrol Duty
Page 5 of 7
1/31/12 2:41 PM
ROUTT COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES. P. O. Box 773598, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477. Pho...
Route Sales Manager
Interstate Batteries is hiring full time . Class A CDL required. Apply at: 2...
Rn, Lpn, Cna, Healthcare
CNA/RN/LPN Come unlock your potential at La Villa Grande Care Center, we are l...
Woman is 51 But Looks 25

Mom publishes simple wrinkle secret that has angered
3 Free Credit Scores

Get All 3 Credit Scores, It's Fast - Easy & Free!
www.debt-tips.com
Top Anti Aging up to -57%

Top Anti Aging at bargain prices:
www.news72.com/Anti-Aging
Ads by Yahoo!
GJSENTINEL.COM
Sections Grand Junction News Grand Junction Weather Grand Junction Opinion Grand Junction Sports Grand Junction Lifestyle Grand Junction Entertainment Grand Junction Blogs Grand Junction Obituaries Contact Staff directory Send a news tip Corrections Report a broken link Submit a letter to the Editor Submit a You Said It Sign up for Email Updates
Marketplace
Grand Junction Classifieds Find Grand Junction Jobs Grand Junction Real Estate Grand Junction Rentals Grand Junction Cars Place an ad
Page 6 of 7
1/31/12 2:41 PM
THE DAILY SENTINEL
734 S. Seventh St. Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-242-5050 Editions Subscribe to print edition E-edition Advertisers Sign in to your account Information 2012 Grand Junction Media, Inc. By using this site you agree to the Visitor Agreement and the Privacy Policy
Page 7 of 7
Pot legalization coming to a ballot near you | ballot, pot, decision - NOREEN - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO
1/29/12 7:24 PM
GET EMAIL & MOBILE ALERTS | CLASSIFIEDS | GREEN EDITION | SUBSCRIBE TO PAPER
38
Home Local Obits Entertainment Life Sports Business Opinion Customer Service Matress Img Jobs Auto
DON'T MISS: TRAFFIC | HOOPS RANKINGS | DINING GUIDE | OSCARS LIST | SNOW CAMS | HAPPY HOUR |
Mostly Cloudy
5-Day Forecast
Real Estate
Local
>
The View From Here
Search Gazette.com for stories, videos, photos, etc
ShareThis | Print Story | E-Mail Story | Font Size
NOREEN: Pot legalization coming to a ballot near you

January 07, 2012 12:00 PM
Natural Therapeutics
71% off! ONLY $20 for a 60 Minute Aromatherapy Massage of Your Cho...
ADVERTISEMENT
BARRY NOREEN
THE GAZETTE Pot or not? Colorado voters will have a decision to make in November, when a constitutional amendment that would regulate marijuana much like alcohol will be on the ballot. At this early stage it would be fair to say its too close to call, but pot legalization backers are organized, theyve shown the ability to raise money and it appears being on the same ballot as a presidential election will benefit the measure. Backers of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol submitted about 160,000 signatures to the secretary of state last week. They only need about half that many to be approved, so its a near-certainty the measure will make the ballot. I think Colorado is ready to take this step, said Mason Tvert, who has organized marijuana-related campaigns in Denver and backed the medicinal pot movement. A recent poll showed 49 percent of the voters support legalization and 40 percent are opposed. Such polls, taken a long time before an election when opposition has not yet organized, are not worth much. Yet Tvert is optimistic, saying We have another 10 months to continue having this conversation. Theres going to be a debate, all right. The same law enforcement groups that have always opposed any form of legalized marijuana will oppose it again. Youre going to hear that marijuana still is an illegal substance as far as the federal government is concerned. Youre going to hear that it is a gateway drug that leads to harder stuff. Pot backers might ask you: When was the last time you heard of a marijuana-crazed man beating up his wife? Or: does it make sense to turn people into criminals for possessing pot when its clear alcohol is a much more dangerous drug? Under the proposal adults would only be able to have small quantities, up to an ounce, explained Brian Vicente, a Denver attorney who has lobbied for medicinal pot and legalization for years. If the measure passes, the legislature would be able to ask voters for an excise tax on marijuana of up to 15 percent. Another election would have
enlarge
0
tweets
tweet
Recommendations
School officials say nearby dispensaries don't worry them Rev. B Baker, Jason Lauve, Jessica Asplund and 142 others recommend this. TOWN HALL: Suthers should defend MMJ law (poll) Rev. B Baker, Papi Rico, Medicinal Colorado and 35 others recommend this. GUEST COLUMN: Despite state constitution, medical marijuana violates federal law Click for More Events Find an Event what when where Go Add Your Events
Things to do in the Pikes Peak region

Events Dining Venues Movies
Featured Events
Loading events
Most Viewed Stories

Wrong-way driver stopped after four mile I-25 chase Deputies arrest mom in missing toddler case SIDE STREETS: Neighbors locked in ugly war on Silverado Trail Store evacuated after bomb threat Military keeps a wary eye on stormy sun
http://www.gazette.com/news/ballot-131321-pot-decision.html
Page 1 of 3
1/29/12 7:24 PM
to be held for that. As with alcohol, there would be different kinds of licenses, but none would be issued until January 2014. Also similar to alcohol regulation, the new laws would be administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Youd have to be 21 to buy pot and it would be subject to sales taxes. How much money that would bring in is hard to predict, although backers are already claiming it would be tens of millions. Its less about tax revenue, though, than it is about doing the right thing. Its about time we turned the corner on this and ended pot prohibition, as we did with alcohol generations ago. Listen to Barry Noreen on KRDO NewsRadio 105.5 FM and 1240 AM at 6:35 a.m. on Fridays and read his blog updates at gazette.com blogs/barrysblog
ADVERTISEMENT
See archived 'Local' stories Ads by Google

Advertise Here
gazette.com on Facebook
Latest Obits
Conover, Dorothy Pomeroy Smith Glaser, Eldon Hillis, Susan Riley Kelly, Jodi Elizabeth Jones Lundy, Lisa Fay McKinley Click here for more
Find Drug Rehab Centers

Overwhelmed? Don't Know Where To Start? Non-Profit Referral Service
www.Drug-Rehab.org/Drug_Rehab_Help
Inpatient Drug Rehab

Proven Drug Abuse Treatment Center To Regain Your Life, Body & Spirit.
www.CasaPalmera.com/Drug-Addiction
Going Cold Turkey?

Get Info on Withdrawal, Detox, and Rehab for Painkiller Addiction
TurnToHelp.com
Drug and Alcohol Rehabs

Multiple approaches to addiction Financing and Insurance OK
www.rehabhelp.com
Local Business Websites

Name: City:
SELECT AN AREA Search
Featured Categories
Arts & Entertainment Autos Beauty & Wellness Financial Health Care Home Improvement Hotels & Lodging Legal Real Estate Restaurant Shopping View All
Poll
Ads by Google Prevent Drug Abuse
Advertise Here
Learn how you can prevent drug abuse in your home. SafeguardMyMeds.org/Abuse
Crank Information
Lean More about the Drug Stop Addiction Once & For All www.crankaddiction.com
Drug Rehab Treatment

Drug Addiction Intervention Program. 19 Years In Rehabilitation www.addiction.cc
Troubled Teen School

High school Education & drug rehab short & long term care. Ages 13-18 www.InspirationsYouth.com
National Top Videos

U.S. news
http://www.gazette.com/news/ballot-131321-pot-decision.html Page 2 of 3
1/29/12 7:24 PM
Entertainment Business Lifestyle Sports Health
Ads by Google
Search:
Advertising Info Place An Ad Today's Ads Place an Announcement Interactive About Us Contact Us Facebook Comments FAQ Contact the Newsroom Advertise Gazette Speakers' Bureau Work For Us Copyright and Reprint Information Subscriber Services Subscriber Services Manage Print Subscription Pay Your Bill Online Vacation Stop Archives Newspaper Ads Buy Our Photos Single Copy Locations
Web
Site
powered by
Online News Environment Green Edition E-Newsletters/ Alerts RSS Feeds Mobile Article Map AP Terms & Conditions
Related Sites Dreamcity2020.org Coloradosprings.com Gazettepreps.com PikesPeakParent.com Best of the Springs FreedomPolitics.com CSFreshink.com OutThereColorado.com SpringsMilitaryLife.com
Copyright 2012 Freedom Communications Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Site Map Autos | Homes & Real Estate | Jobs | Classifieds | ColoradoSprings.com Local Business Directory | Webmaster
Freedom Communications, Inc.
http://www.gazette.com/news/ballot-131321-pot-decision.html
Page 3 of 3
Laughery: Real Republicans will support legalizing marijuana - Boulder Daily Camera
1/29/12 7:29 PM
Weather:
BOULDER, CO | Now: 52F | High: 66F | Low: 44F | 5-Day Forecast
Mobile | Contact Us | Submit | E-Edition | Email Newsletters | Subscriber Services | Advertising Info
This Site
Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
Home
News Sports Buffzone Opinion Business Entertainment Lifestyles Recreation Events Milestones
Shop Homes Jobs Cars Classifieds
Print
Email
Font Resize
Laughery: Real Republicans will support legalizing marijuana

By Ron Laughery Posted: 01/22/2012 01:00:00 AM MST
On Jan. 4, 160,000 signatures were submitted to the Colorado Secretary of State that will allow Coloradans to vote on whether we want to regulate marijuana in essentially the same way that we regulate alcohol. Coloradans will have an opportunity to show America how to introduce sanity into our drug policies. Conventional wisdom has it that conservatives will oppose legalization, but I think that's dead wrong. Real Republicans will, without a doubt, support legalization. And, lest you think this simply the fantasy of a libertarian-leaning Boulder Republican, let me point out that Republicans have already shown Coloradans what they think. First, at the 2010 Boulder County Republican Caucuses, a resolution entitled "Legalization of Marijuana" was voted on by 73 precincts, of which 56 voted for legalization and 17 against -- over 76 percent in favor of legalization. Second, the guy who received the most Republican votes for Colorado Governor in 2010, Tom Tancredo, clearly stated his support for legalizing marijuana. Third, the Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul is a vocal advocate for legalization. While some may find this inconsistent with the party's image, if you consider legalization in the context of core Republican values, it makes complete sense. Here's why. First, Colorado Republicans cherish the right of individuals to make their own decisions with a minimum of government intervention. The past few decades of research on the health effects of marijuana demonstrate overwhelmingly that marijuana is as safe or safer than alcohol and tobacco. So, laws that allow alcohol and tobacco use but prohibit marijuana use have no real basis in protecting public health or safety. Limiting government intrusion into our personal lives and overturning laws where the government makes choices for us is a Republican priority across the board. Legalizing marijuana is exactly that. Second, Republicans were never prohibitionists and do not believe that law and order should be maintained by imprisoning individuals for making personal choices. According to FBI statistics, in 2009, there were about 758,000 arrests for marijuana possession. Not only are the costs of arresting and locking people up for marijuana use enormous, the toll on the lives of these individuals is staggering. This is not justice in any way that a real Republican would recognize. Third, Republicans appreciate the merits of a strong and democratic Mexico, and we see that Mexico is coming dangerously close to failing for only one reason -- the drug cartels. Mexican drug cartels are responsible for over 40,000 murders of Mexican citizens in just the past five years and The Economist magazine estimates that 40-60 percent of the Mexican drug cartels' revenue comes from marijuana sales to the United States. Think of it -- legalization of marijuana would deprive the Mexican drug cartels of half of their income. Take away half of any organization's income, and their business model is forced to change dramatically. The "War on drugs" has made the Mexican drug cartels rich and powerful, just like alcohol prohibition made the Mafia a force in America for decades. Make marijuana available from regulated American producers and the drug cartels lose big while the Mexican government and people win. Fourth, Republicans read opinion polls, and they speak clearly. For example, an Economist poll of Americans from February 2011 found that every age group in America supports legalization, taxation, and regulation of marijuana. The over-65 year-old group supports it by a 43 percent-39 percent plurality and the levels of support for legalizing marijuana increase with each new generation of voters -- 30-64 year-old voters support legalization by 59 percent-23 percent and 18-29 year-olds support legalization by 66 percent-22 percent. The only message we send to younger voters through marijuana prohibition is that our government is willing to ignore the science of marijuana safety, lock up our citizens, and fight a disastrous "war on drugs," all to maintain a status quo built on the wisdom of "Reefer Madness." Real Republicans will recognize that changes in American marijuana laws are both overdue and inevitable. In sum, real Republicans believe that individuals have a right to exercise our free will, especially when we have decades of experience showing us how costly and fruitless these unjust marijuana laws have been -- not just to our own citizens but to our neighbors as well. Real Republicans will stand behind the changes that are needed to bring marijuana into the sphere of legal and regulated drugs and, we will do this for no other reason than it's consistent with our core beliefs and philosophies of governance. Imagine that. E-mail ron@bikeandsail.net.
Print Email Font Resize Return to Top
http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_19785252
Page 1 of 1
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act endorsed by ACLU, petition signatures reach 60,000 - Denver News - The Latest Word
1/29/12 7:42 PM
Blogs
Search Westword
STORIES
blog
TOP
By William Breathes

By Jonathan Shikes

By Alan Prendergast
By Michael Roberts
Marijuana
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act endorsed by ACLU, petition signatures reach 60,000
By Michael Roberts Fri., Sep. 16 2011 at 8:30 AM Categories: Follow That Story, Marijuana, Politics
Share

Viewed Commented Recent Photos: Prostitutes busted in sting operation could scare a guy celibate Caleb Pacheco: Body of three-year-old found under trailer, mom Juanita Kinzie arrested Jose Garcia, who prompted Amber alert after 9-year-old went missing: Serial child molester? Medical marijuana v. recreational use: NORML controversy, Colorado connection
Comments (9)
tweet
StumbleUpon
digg
The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012 hasn't sparked up love from all pro-marijuana activists, but it continues to win support from other sources. According to Regulate proponent Mason Tvert, the latest organizations to endorse the measure are the American Civil Liberties Union and the Libertarian Party of Colorado. The ACLU announcement about its decision to back the proposal declares that "the war on drugs has failed. Prohibition is not a sensible way to deal with marijuana. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol will move us toward a more rational approach to drug laws." The organization's endorsement is huge according to Tvert, corresponding by e-mail. "The ACLU of Colorado is one of the state's most widely recognized and well-respected organizations working on criminal justice issues," he writes. "It will be a huge resource when it comes to raising awareness of the issue and spreading the campaign's message about the benefits of ending marijuana prohibition." In the meantime, the petition drive rolls onward. "Hundreds of volunteers and businesses are circulating the petition throughout the state, and we expect the ACLU's endorsement will bring this campaign to the attention of thousands of like-minded Coloradans," Tvert notes. "The campaign has already collected more than 60,000 signatures, but there's still a lot of work to be done." True enough. In order to reach the ballot, the act's backers must collect 86,000 valid signatures -- and to be certain to cover their bases, their announced target number is 140,000. By that measure, Tvert and company aren't quite halfway there. But given that the election in question is more than a year away, they're well ahead of the game. More from our Marijuana archive: "Medical marijuana fight: Dept. of Revenue's deletion of e-mails improper, activist charges."
Mason Tvert.
Medical marijuana: Law enforcement group rips dispensary seizure letters More Most Popular...
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/09/regulate_marijuana_like_alcohol_act_aclu_endorsement.php
Page 1 of 2
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act endorsed by ACLU, petition signatures reach 60,000 - Denver News - The Latest Word
1/29/12 7:42 PM
Tags:
ACLU of Colorado, Mason Tvert, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012
Related Content
Operation Sweet Leaf raids boost marijuana regulation, says Mason Tvert January 26, 2012 Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol celebrates Supreme Court wins with Signature Bomb September 30, 2011 Reader: Drunk drivers are more lethal than stoned ones December 1, 2011 Med. marijuana laws = 9 percent traffic-death decline, 5 percent beer-sales dip, study finds November 29, 2011 Reader: Occupy Denver legal team member calls out ACLU over civil-rights case claims November 16, 2011
More About:
Mason Tvert American Civil Liberties Union Libertarian Party of Colorado Politics Government and Politics
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/09/regulate_marijuana_like_alcohol_act_aclu_endorsement.php
Page 2 of 2
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012: Mason Tvert on petition drive launch - Denver News - The Latest Word
1/29/12 6:59 PM
Browse Voice Nation
Sign up
Log in
Blogs
Search Westword
STORIES
blog
TOP
By William Breathes

By Jonathan Shikes

By Alan Prendergast
By Michael Roberts
Marijuana
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012: Mason Tvert on petition drive launch
By Michael Roberts Thu., Jul. 7 2011 at 12:17 PM Categories: Marijuana
Share

Viewed Commented Recent Photos: Prostitutes busted in sting operation could scare a guy celibate Caleb Pacheco: Body of three-year-old found under trailer, mom Juanita Kinzie arrested Jose Garcia, who prompted Amber alert after 9-year-old went missing: Serial child molester? Medical marijuana v. recreational use: NORML controversy, Colorado connection Medical marijuana: Law enforcement group rips dispensary seizure letters More Most Popular...
Comments (47)
Like
2k
StumbleUpon
retweet
digg
Update below: At 2 p.m. today, backers of the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012 will stage a press conference formally launching a petition drive to land the measure on next year's ballot. Read it below and get more details from Mason Tvert, part of a group hoping to make history a year from November. "We believe a majority of Coloradans agree that it's time we regulate marijuana and tax it similarly to alcohol -- that we stop wasting our limited law enforcement resources and start generating significant tax revenue," Tvert says. "In terms of timing, we're still at the beginning stages of the initiative process," he adds, "but we're looking forward to starting to talk with voters about the issue as we collect signatures throughout the state. Our goal is to have a very comprehensive and serious discussion about the issue over the course of the next year, and we felt it was imperative that we get the campaign started and get that discussion going." Hence, today's press conference, in front of the Denver City and County Building, 1437 Bannock. Tvert is scheduled to speak at the event, as are petition drive coordinator Emmett Resitroffer and Brian Vicente, who, like Tvert, prefers to be identified simply as an initiative proponent. Why? To emphasize that the act isn't simply a product of Tvert's organization (Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation) or Vicente's (Sensible Colorado), but a Mason Tvert. proposal conceived and supported by a broad coalition of activists and just plain folks. Not that every marijuana advocate is on board. Legalize 2012, featuring representatives of
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/07/regulate_marijuana_like_alcohol_act_of_2012_mason_tvert.php
Page 1 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
the Cannabis Therapy Institute, disagree with the act's concept, as was made clear at the contentious Great Legalization Debate last month. Yesterday, Legalize 2012 organizers sent out a press release asserting that the Colorado Title Board had removed the phrase "similar to alcohol" from the acts title in response to a "citizen complaint" and also took out the word "legalization" at the request of its authors, in order to avoid confusing voters. Thus, Legalize 2012 maintains that its forthcoming measure will be the only one to offer true marijuana legalization. Tvert's take? He says the word "legalization" was never in the act "because it's such a subjective term. After all, won't it still be illegal to sell marijuana to someone who's fifteen? Won't it be illegal to cart it out of state and start selling it?" Moreover, he points out the "similar to alcohol" phrase was suggested by the title board, not the coalition. And since groups are able to refer to initiatives by any name they'd like, Tvert and company will still promote theirs as the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act. "We feel that's entirely accurate," he stresses. In order to get the act on the ballot, its proponents need to gather approximately 86,000 valid signatures -- "so our goal is to collect upwards of 140,000," Tvert says. They'll be using an army of volunteers who'll fan out across the state. Proponents have six months to complete this task, and Tvert expects they'll be able to do so well before the deadline. Of course, a marijuana decriminalization measure wound up on the 2006 ballot and was roundly defeated, generating just 41 percent support. What's changed since then? "Several internal and public polls over the past year have shown between 48 and 54 percent support for the concept this initiative is based on," Tvert maintains. "And support for this type of initiative keeps growing. It's usually 1 percent each year in the United States, and in Colorado, it's been accelerated by all the work that's been going on here over the past five years. In Denver, we had 53 percent support in 2005, and in 2007, we had 57 percent support." Besides, he continues, "this initiative is very different than the one in 2006. That one would have solely removed penalties of adult possession. This measure not only does that, but it also establishes a system of taxation and regulation similar to alcohol, which is traditionally far more popular among voters." Update, 12:21 p.m. July 7: After this item was published at 9 a.m., I received an e-mail from Legalize 2012 asserting that the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012 had not been "approved or certified" by the Colorado Secretary of State's office, making this post, and the petition-drive announcement, "premature." Turns out the truth is more complicated. Secretary of State's office spokesman Rich Coolidge says, "They have a set title. It's the question that will appear on the ballot if they get enough verified signatures, and it's what will appear at the top of the petition." However, the petition form still needs approval, and to Coolidge's knowledge, one has yet to be submitted. This process isn't complicated and can generally be wrapped up in a single day, particularly if organizations coordinate with elections division personnel, Coolidge says. But it needs to done before actual signature collection can begin. Page down to read the final version of the initiative. 1 | 2 | Next Page >>
Kind Blazed Juan Alice Audrey Amy Facebook social plugin
Denver Westword on Facebook

Like You like this.
enter email
Denver Classifieds
Slideshows
Tags:
Brian Vicente, Mason Tvert, petition drive, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012
Like 2k
Related Content
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act aims 160,000 signatures at 2012 ballot January 4, 2012 Operation Sweet Leaf raids boost marijuana regulation, says Mason Tvert January 26, 2012 Private prisons' blueprint for success: more lobbying, less security January 13,
More About:
Mason Tvert COLORADO MEDICAL Manufacturing Sector Psychoactive Drugs
More Slideshows >>
Tools
Follow us on:
Page 2 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
2012 Jerry Grilly to retire as president and CEO of the Denver Post January 12, 2012 New York-based Murray's Cheese opens its first Colorado shop in the Glendale King Soopers August 18, 2011
Medical Marijuana Categories... Archives...
Like
2 people liked this.
Add New Comment

Post as
Showing 47 comments
Sort by
Oldest first
Subscribe by email
Subscribe by RSS
Michelle LaMay 6 months ago

I am against incorporating and enshrining [any] regulations, complex and always subject to change, into the Constitution of Colorado. The Constitution should only be changed to protect Colorado citizens from tyranny, i.e. the Tabor Act protects us from the 135 legislators freely over-spending our tax dollars on their own and/or their favorite lobbyists agendas. For at least two legislative sessions the governor and the legislature got away with robbing Peter to pay Paul, taking $ from the Medical MJ Registry to balance the budget, for example in HB10-1284. Nobody cared! The complexity of the issue in this [first] MJ initiative approved yesterday, I think, will doom it. Why would any business person want the regulations of their industry in the constitution? Thousands of lobbyists strive to keep restrictive regulations at bay, not support a law(s) set in stone. Within a few months of the passage of such a law, I predict, even maybe before November 2012, business owners may find they dont want to be locked into specific ways of doing business that do not reflect their customers or the market etc. There is little room for commercial growth in an over-regulated industry, much less one protected or [is it] restricted by the Constitution. Just ask those whove gone out of the Medical MJ business lately! And are other industries so equally protected? Believe me, other industries would flee from such an initiative and rely, very successfully, on expensive lobbyists to protect them from legislative zealots. It makes me wonder about the motive behind the initiative. Maybe it is as simple as just a few non-profit administrators having to doing something to keep their self-generated employment? Shine A Light Michelle L LaMay M.A., the Dean & CEO Cannabis University Inc of Colorado 1-303-886-7998 www.cannabisuniversityinc.com www.Twitter.com/CannabisU www.youtube.com/user/CannabisU...
JamIam9 and 4 more liked this Like Reply
Retail
Park Tavern
View Ad | View Site
Joseph A. Lazzara
View Ad | View Site
5 Degrees
View Ad | View Site

View Ad | View Site
More >>
Page 3 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
Michael Roberts
6 months ago in reply to Michelle LaMay
Find A Coupon
Search by Category Like Reply Zip Code Keywords
Very interesting take, Michelle. Thanks for posting.
Search
Legalize 2012 6 months ago

"The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012" is an inaccurate and misleading title. These words do not appear in the language of the actual ballot initiative. Officially, in the language of the initiative, it is called the "Personal Use and Regulation of Marijuana" Act. Mason and his attorney removed the phrase "similar to alcohol" yesterday at the Title Board hearing *voluntarily* because they did not want to "mislead voters". All we're asking for is truth in advertising. If the MPP/DPA/Sensible/SAFER proponents voluntarily removed the phrase "similar to alcohol" from the title because they agreed it would be misleading to voters, why do they think it is OK to use the phrase in their marketing? Similarly, if the MPP/DPA/Sensible/SAFER proponents argued to have the word "legalization" taken out of their ballot title because, as init. author Steve Fox from Wash DC said, "It would be inaccurate to call this legalization", why does Mason still think that voters are not going to call him on his disingenuous marketing? He still has a banner on his website that says "Legalization 2012", yet they agree that their language is not legalization. Who are they trying to fool? The MPP/DPA/Sensible/SAFER is sentencing reform, nothing more, and minor sentencing reform at that. Why can't they be honest about their language? Join the True Legalization Ballot Initiative campaign: http://www.legalize2012.com
Popular Coupons
$125 off any complete pair of glasses
Pearle Vision
7111 W. Alameda Ave, Unit L. Lakewood, CO 80226
$5 Off Lunch at Habesha Ethiopian

Habesha Ethiopian
5707 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80220 More Popular Coupons
Twitter Feed
DenverWestword RT @westword_music Review: @Descendents at @livenationco's Fillmore Auditorium, 1/28/12 bit.ly/z7PR1a by @cocodavies
DenverWestword Weekend's best party bets: Lady Wu-tang, Common afterparty and more! bit.ly/xQt3Ly
yesterday reply retweet favorite
Pants on the Ground 6 months ago in reply to Legalize 2012

you sound way bitter. and hyper-technical. you claim, "The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012" is an inaccurate and misleading title. These words do not appear in the language of the actual ballot initiative." yet in the initiative it clearly says "USE OF MARIJUANA SHOULD BE LEGAL FOR PERSONS TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND TAXED IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO ALCOHOL." and then again "MARIJUANA SHOULD BE REGULATED IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO ALCOHOL SO THAT:(I) INDIVIDUALS WILL HAVE TO SHOW PROOF OF AGE BEFORE PURCHASING MARIJUANA; etc.? Quit wasting time bashing Tvert and this initiative, and try focusing on writing your own. sheesh.
DenverWestword Colorado congressman Doug Lamborn is our Shmuck of the Week for acting like a baby and boycotting the #SOTU bit.ly/ws6oV7
DenverWestword Check out @Atmosphere at Red Rocks last night. bit.ly/xrHjfK

DenverWestword Play Vince Neil Bingo at the Grizzly Rose tonight! bit.ly/wXGz5k
2 days ago reply retweet favorite
More Twitter >>
Colorado Mmj Patient and 9 more liked this
Like
Reply
VVM on Digg
Marc Myers 6 months ago in reply to Pants on the Ground

While the words "SIMILAR TO ALCOHOL" may appear in the text, the actual regulations in the text treat it quite differently. I can walk into a store and buy a case of Scotch and take it home. If the SAFER/MPP initiative were to pass, I would be in violation if I possessed more than an ounce of cannabis. I can't think of any other legal commodity that faces similar possession restrictions.
Like Reply
1 diggs
The Mission Continues held the first parade in the country in St. Louis, MO on January 28, 2012 to welcome home the U.S. troops from Iraq. Rich Kids Hack Computers to Change Grades at Palos Verdes High but Are Busted by Cops Running on Empty: Robbery Suspects Busted When Getaway Car Runs Out of Gas One Prime Shall Stand, One Prime Shall Fall - Topless
55 diggs
Thomas Shannon 6 months ago in reply to Marc Myers

No? What about Percocet? Morphine? What other legal commodity currently has a primarily black-market distribution system run mostly by an international crime syndicate?
Like Reply
43 diggs
1 diggs
Page 4 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
Robot T A 5 months ago in reply to Thomas Shannon

Cannabis isn't like percocet or morphine, nor do we sell those over the counter. If it's to be treated like alcohol, then like alcohol, there should be no limitation on how much one buys at the store (I tried to find something limiting the purchase of alcohol but was unable) or possesses in the home or while travelling.
Like Reply
1 diggs
George Lucas Invites You to Enjoy a Slurp Saber - Topless Robot
Links
5280 Blog 303go Big Media (Jason Salzman) Broke in Denver Bronco Talk Burning Down the House (Westword Web Awards' Best Personal Blog of 2010) Colorado Independent Colorado Pols Colorado Wins Coyote Gulch Colorado Ethics Watch Denver Egotist Denver Frank Denver Infill Denver LoDo Magazine Denver Post Blogs Denver PR Blog DenverRadio.net Denver Stiffs (Nuggets) Denver Six Shooter Denver Urbanism Education News Colorado Elephant Journal (Westword Web Awards' Best Political Blog of 2010) Fight with Food (Westword Web Awards' Best Activism Blog of 2010) Free Colorado Free Range Longmont Geeks Who Drink (Westword Web Awards' Best Bar Blog of 2010) The Grazing Mind Inside the Rockies Lakewood Edge Max Denver Mile High Hockey Mile High Mamas Mile High Report (Broncos) People's Press Collective Plants & Animals Denver (Vegan Advocacy) Politics Colorado Predominantly Orange Purple Row (Rockies)
ColoradoMidnightRider 6 months ago in reply to Legalize 2012

I don't understand WHY intellectuals and lawyers at yesterday's title board hearing don't realize the SEC. of State TITLE BOARD remove the words "regulated like alcohol" from ballot initiative wording, yet come out with a campaign of Mis-Information like this?? This ballot initiative WOULD make a new law called "Diving under the Influence of Marijuana", penalty and method of proof of violation unwritten (apparently Mason Hopes the police and Judge can 'Make it Up' as they go about prosecuting and convicting those who violate the law! Then, there is the part of their ballot initiative which gives D.O.R. Department of Revenue Full authority to administer, sheesh! One look at how screwed up the current Medical Marijuana industry is, shows a very very bleak future.... http://www.legalize2012.com EMBRACE your CO Constitutional Rights to privacy, confidentiality and discretion via the new Collective Advantage services www.thecollectiveadvantage.org
CorryDonahue 6 months ago in reply to ColoradoMidnightRider

Tim Tipton (aka ColoradoMidnightRider), Please leave Colorado. You have scammed many and are lucky that karma has not caught up with you. Your involvement in this is why I and many other DO NOT SUPPORT CTI. You are scum and should be in prison. Google "Colorado MMJ Scam" to find out more about Timmy Tipton. Keep looking over your shoulder.
Guest 6 months ago in reply to CorryDonahue

Erick, your probation officer is calling.
p0t and 1 more liked this Like Reply
Ralphie Report (Colorado University Specific) The Releaf Center (Westword Web Awards'Marijuana Dispensary Blog of 2010) Roundball Mining Company Rocky Mountain News Report South Stands Denver Square State The Spot This Lively Earth Toy With Me (Westword Web Awards' Best Sex Blog of 2010) Unseen Denver (Westword Web Awards' Best Neighborhood Blog of 2010) Women News Network Who Said You Said
Jake420 6 months ago in reply to ColoradoMidnightRider

Dude, you obviously can't read. The initiative does not make a new law called driving under the influence. What's with all the grumpy marijuana activists opposing a measure that would make it legal for every adult in Colorado to have an ounce of marijuana?
anonymouse 6 months ago in reply to Legalize 2012

Join me in refusing to give the CTI and its parasitical offspring (legalize2012 and the rights litigation project) another penny.
Page 5 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
Colorado Mmj Patient 6 months ago

This is a good step for MMJ and MJ users. It is nice to see an organization moving forward along this front. While full legalization is the ultimate goal, we must take steps and not leaps to achieve it. If you push too hard, most voters will vote against it. We must be realistic and united in this effort. The us vs. them mentality is what destroyed California's efforts. The petty name calling and other personal attacks must stop as it only destroys credibility and turns people away, as we all witnessed or heard about at the "Legalization Debate 2012." As a leader in this industry, we must show other States what we can accomplish together and set an example.
Ecodude 6 months ago in reply to Colorado Mmj Patient

I think most passionate advocates for any cause forget that moving any legislation forward requires support from the majority of the electorate. While some would argue that MJ should be freely sold in farmer's markets like basil, chances of the majority vote supporting that are little to none at this time in history. Further, I support any proposed legislation that moves towards ending the senseless war on drugs that has been waged on American citizens, no matter how incremental. For instance, California SB 1449 that passed last year decriminalized possession of up to one ounce, reducing simple possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction. It's now treated like a traffic ticket. No court and no arrest record. Now I would prefer that there be no penalty for adult use of MJ at all. Anywhere. Anytime. But the new CA legislation is at least: 1) a small step, 2) in the right direction. I celebrate that. Do I agree with every minute thing in Tvert's proposed amendment above? Not remotely. Do I think it is a move in the right direction? Sure. Anything that states marijuana use should be legal for persons 21 years of age or older is better than what the law states today, and we can always petition to change the details once any law is passed. Laws regulating alcohol are constantly being debated and changed year after year. My main interest is does it have a chance to pass by majority vote? Honestly I don't have an opinion on that yet. Let's see how fast the signatures come in and how large the final count is. That will give you the answer.
Michael Roberts
6 months ago in reply to Ecodude
Interesting take, Ecodude. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Like Reply

Marijuana is legal. Ask the plant + God, no harm done. Thats out voting the prohibitionist by default 2 1, ignore the prohibitionists and their laws and pot's legal. Nuff said, is it 420 yet? Also, medical marijuana and marijuana are cannabis, just different flavors.
ColoradoShu 6 months ago

I take issue with lumping a natural healing herb with a fermented, distilled or brewed libation but I guess there's no ideal categorization outside of simply deeming it a pharmaceutical. If so identified, I guess caregivers/dispensaries would have to receive FDA approval on their product which would introduce a
Page 6 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
whole new salvo of issues. As alcohol and tobacco are relegated as "sin" tax worthy so be it for cannabis. We tax tea and coffee so no harm no foul in taxing cannabis products and regulating within reason as if dispensaries were cafes/wine shops rather than the "filming in progress" meth labs they've been portrayed to be by opponents and uneasy legislators. It's going to take some patience and deliberation to get this right so let's not hurdle toward a less than desirable long term solution. It would be illogical to place marijuana and alcohol in such close quarters. As it's been proven by CHP driving statistics that an increase in marijuana usage in CA correlated with a decrease in substanceinfluenced driving deaths it would not make sense to legislate toxins and serums in the same fashion. The path of least resistance to legal acceptance may not necessarily be the most prudent. I applaud the effort but feel that cannabis need first be elevated by its own proponents before properly presented and represented in legislative lobbying. I can't support this one but do thank its advocates for their zeal toward freeing us from undo persecution.
Like
Reply
Confused Voter 6 months ago

This is an attempt to put HB1284 into the Constitution, giving all regulatory authority to the DOR, just like mmj. Some said Am. 20 was a "good step", and now we have a database and video surveillance of every mmj patient in the state, available to law enforcement on demand. That is progress towards a cannabis police state, not towards legalization. Brian Vicente was a major supporter of 1284 and a member of the elite DOR mmj advisory committee, which had numerous secret sub-committee meetings to draft the new mmj regulations. He now runs a compliance consulting firm, teaching mmj providers to comply with all the new laws he helped create. How convenient. Remember, 1284 was written to shut down 80% of dispensaries in Colorado. With over a $10 million budget and over a year of time, the DOR has NOT ISSUED ONE LICENSE! Why would SAFER trust the DOR to do a good job when they have failed so miserably and ruined so many lives? Why would they model their system off of a system designed to put people out of business?The SAFER init. also gives preferential treatment to MMCs. Clearly, it was written to ensure the monopoly of these businesses and those with deep enough pockets to comply with the DORs ever-changing regulations. *** It will be interesting to see who is funding this language. ***No one in the state had a chance to comment on the final version of this language before it was set in stone. Did you? Even the legislature gives us time for public comments and public hearings. No such transparency from SAFER or SENSIBLE.This initiative stinks. Don't let any more bad marijuana laws get put into the constitution. The SAFER sales taxes will be used by the DOR to buy more handcuffs for those "bad pot smokers" that have more than one ounce or six plants. Why set up the situation where "good pot smokers" pay to have "bad pot smokers" punished?Two ounces is a petty offense, and an mmj doctor's note gets you an affirmative defense for ANY AMOUNT. How is the SAFER init. one ounce limit better than this? This initiative stinks. Don't let any more bad marijuana laws get put into the constitution. The SAFER sales taxes will be used by the DOR to buy more handcuffs for those "bad pot smokers" that have more than one ounce or six plants. Why set up the situation where "good pot smokers" pay to have "bad pot smokers" punished? Two ounces is a petty offense, and an mmj doctor's note gets you an affirmative defense for ANY AMOUNT. How is the SAFER init. one ounce limit better than this? Back to the drawing board, Mason, your init. stinks as much as 1284 did!
Jake420 6 months ago in reply to Confused Voter

The SAFER initiative is better because it applies to adults who do not need medical marijuana!!!! I heard that CTI had the the initiative for a month and never made a single comment! I made comments on the initiative because I saw their article in Kush 5 months ago!
Robert 6 months ago in reply to Jake420

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/07/regulate_marijuana_like_alcohol_act_of_2012_mason_tvert.php Page 7 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
You heard wrong. The people on the other end ignored our comments and drew up their initiatives in secrecy. That I met Brian and Mason for the express purpose of discussing the intitiatives and working together for legalization immediately after Brian filed them without either letting slip that the initiatives had already been submitted may be taken as indicative of how collaborative they have been. MPP's Steve Fox will make/has made the decision as to which of the eight versions they will use.
Like Reply
Guest 6 months ago

Do petition signers have to be registered to vote? If not I hope that getting the signers registered to vote will be combined with collecting signatures. Checking the box for permanent mail-in ballots would probably increase voter turnout with the younger crowd...it is good that colorado offers this voting option to everyone.
Brandt Hardin 6 months ago
I feel this would be a step in the right direction toward making Pot work to help our damaged economies. Marijuana is the safest drug with actual benefits for the user as opposed to alcohol which is dangerous, causes addiction, birth defects, and affects literally every organ in the body. Groups are organizing all over the country to speak their minds on reforming pot laws. I drew up a very cool poster for the cause which you can check out on my artists blog at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot... Drop in and let me know what you think!
Jake420 and 1 more liked this Like Reply
Tampatony20 6 months ago

Cannabis is nothing like alcohol. There is literally not one medical use of this poison, unlike cannabis. And stop calling it marijuana, that is the "legal" name American government gave it, and quite frankly it's disrespectful. Cannabis is a new age culture, there is much more to it then solemnly getting "high". Medical use has been proven, as well as aroma therapeutic uses. Let's stop comparing it to the downfall of america in which is alcohol and start appreciating it and realizing that Other than it's "illegal" , it is ok.
Guest 6 months ago in reply to Tampatony20

yes...alcohol is toxic/lethal and...marijuana is non-toxic/safer but...alcohol and marijuana are both psychoactives alcohol is legal marijuana is medically legal but otherwise illegal ...this initiative would regulate marijuana similar to (or like) alcohol is regulated. marijuana is clearly a safer psyhoactive substance than alcohol with many proven health benefits...and responsible adults should have safe access to it. please stop complaining and start supporting progress.
Guest 6 months ago

Perhaps the complainers would prefer "Regulate Marijuana Like Prescription Narcotics" ??? ... lol ... didn't think so. Sorry...but marijuana isn't going to be regulated like herbal medicines...we're talking about a drug/medicine that the feds still have listed in schedule 1. Some progress is better than no
Page 8 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
progress.
Sebastian 6 months ago

I'm currently 17, soon to be 18, and am a pro-legalization advocate. However there is no way on earth I would support this initiative. Why? Quite simply it is wrong to restrict a substance less dangerous then alcohol, to the same standards as alcohol. After all Mason Tvert wrote an entire book on it, way to be a hypocrite. I'll hold my vote till a more legitimate opportunity presents itself, specifically one that doesn't involve Tvert's hypocrisy in it and sets the age limit to an appropriate 18.
Michelle LaMay and 2 more liked this Like Reply
OhSoStoney 6 months ago in reply to Sebastian

Jesus Fucking Christ! While I personally adhere to the " who the fuck cares what one does" policy, I also know that the most important step is the first one. Colorado needs a law that directly challenges the authority of the Federal government. I don't care what the semantics of any act, policy, or bill reads, I care that it challenges the Federal policy of Prohibition. EVERYONE should understand that if this passes (regardless of semantics) it is (one of) the biggest middle finger(s) to the Federal government in our national history. Hold your vote, then spread your cheeks and lift your sack; because that is what is in your future if you allow petty differences to stop you from voting for one of the most progressive challenges to authoritarian rule in our Nations history.
Heather Gray and 6 more liked this
Like
Reply
Etidorhpa 6 months ago in reply to OhSoStoney

This is why the founding fathers allowed amendments to the constitution . You have to start somewhere Stoney. At least your ballot may make it , unlike Sensible Washington's.
Heather Gray and 1 more liked this Like Reply
Sebastian 6 months ago in reply to OhSoStoney

Why do we need to challenge the fed's authority? I agree that many of their policies are retarded. But it seems that your voting for it simply to flip off the feds, which is dumb.
Like Reply
Scott 6 months ago in reply to Sebastian
But dont ruin it for the rest of us youngster :-)

Heather Gray liked this Like Reply
Sebastian 6 months ago in reply to Scott

Don't kill the widespread availability for me :.(
Like Reply
Page 9 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
Cody Tallent 6 months ago in reply to Sebastian

Sebastian Kid grow up !!! You really need to understand how politics work before you comment on this issue . 1.Let me start off by saying I and many people who smoke cannabis agree with you that the cannabis consumption age should be 18+ ....... But thats where it ends. Really Sebastian think about it....... Mason Tvert puts 18+ over on the bill....... OMG !!!!!! This bill would become political punching bag for Politicians, Parent advocate groups,Anti drug, and Religious groups to beat on !!! I could just see it now... The headlines would read(in a deep reefer madness voice): Mason Tvert and SAFER want to give "Your Children" DRUGS. The bill would die and not go anywhere !!!!!!! Here is the scare ad done by NO 19 (Prop 19 was 21+) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v... Notice the first thing they use to scare the crap out of parents. The #1 addiction for 60% of teens in drug rehab. Now think about an ad if a pro marijuana legalization bill was made 18+
The okay and overly loved (Dangerous ) Alcohol is 21+ What makes you think for one second that The Evil devil weed, Gateway Drug, Scapegoat for bad parenting everywhere "Marijuana" is going to be any different ???? The Legal age to get messed up in America is 21+ and that is not going to change anytime soon !! DEAL WITH IT ..
Jake420 6 months ago in reply to Sebastian

come on dude really? This measure will legalize an ounce of marijuana, six plants, and everything you grow! How can you oppose this? Do you want adults to be arrested for possessing an ounce or growing six plants?
Chimpydork 6 months ago

Never happen (passing in an election) Why? Quote: "Some pot activists say the measure includes too much regulation and plan to propose a rival suggestion." As an interested card-holder, and someone who would vote for decriminalization / legalization (though the 'medical' ruse is currently working just fine to end prohibition) I have watched some of these dysfunctional local cannabis "leaders" feud and fuss with each other, as opposed to sitting down, getting their act together, putting their egos aside, and instead putting together a logical, intelligent and UNITED front behind a well thought out piece of legislation. And for these same stupid reasons listed above, along with the Denver Post's non-stop anti-cannabis propaganda, they will probably fail yet again, just like 2006, and just like California. Wish I was wrong. Bets?
Page 10 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
Etidorhpa 6 months ago in reply to Chimpydork

I agree Chip. uggg I wish you were wrong too.
Like Reply
James McVaney 6 months ago

This initiative does not legalize marijuana in Colorado. It is sentence reform and profit prohibition. The initiative does not remove marijuana from the controlled substance act in Colorado. It only allows the possession of one ounce. Imagine only possessing one six pack? If you had more than one six pack you would be subject to arrest???? All the felony criminal charges for marijuana remains. So essentially your only able to be a limited customer under this language. All others are still subject to arrest. In my personal opinion this is a mistake to place in the constitution. It's an awkward half step that will invite federal intervention. If we are to put medical access at risk I for one want better clearer language. The risk reward ratio on this initiative isn't good enough for me to support.
Ecodude 6 months ago in reply to James McVaney

Pretty much all social and political reform throughout all of history has come in half steps. Reform movements by definition seek to make gradual change by design. The only other option is a rapid, fundamental shift, which is the definition of revolution. Study your history. The American Labor Movement, Women's Rights Movement, Civil Rights Movement, Educational Reform - any successful social shift (other than those caused by violent, bloody revolution) has been actualized by an incremental reform movement. I honestly think one of the problems is that we now live in a society that is totally addicted to instant gratification. Microwaves, fast food, instant messaging, remotes controlling 300 channels sorry, social change doesn't happen that way. Never has. Never will. This is a game for the patient and the diligent, two qualities that are often lacking in the MJ legalization movement, especially with the younger activists. I get what you are saying, believe me. I'm totally sympathetic to your view. I would love nothing more than to be able to flip a switch and legally grow an acre of buds in my backyard tomorrow. But I am also a realist and I paid attention in history class. I'll take all the half steps I can get. Add them up over time, and we'll have traveled 1000 miles.
Jake420 6 months ago in reply to James McVaney

Not true buddy! This initiative will legalize an ounce of marijuana for every adult - something that has never been done before in history!!!!! Do you like adults getting arrested for small amounts of marijuana? Come on!
The Real James McVaney 6 months ago in reply to James McVaney

HOLD UP!!! I am James McVaney and I DID NOT post the prior comment. I was sent an email informing me that someone was impersonating me. And low-and-behold.... While it is kinda flattering that someone thinks so much of me that they want to be me.......PLEASE USE YOUR REAL NAME - NOT MINE!!!
Like
Reply
Page 11 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
The Real James McVaney 6 months ago in reply to James McVaney

I can only imagine that Correy Donahue or Rico Calibri are posting as me. Both of them don't care for me. However, I wish them the best of luck.
Like Reply
Sarah 6 months ago

When Federal Marijuana Prohibition ends, patients' medications will be paid for by insurance. Those who wish to use the herb in recreational ways can buy it at State stores (like liquor stores, for example. However, I believe that maintaining separate retail locations is preferred. Putting alcohol and Marijuana in one location sends the wrong message. Providing retail locations exclusive to MJ/Accessories, etc. is clearly preferred, in my opinion.) But, first... We need ALL 50 States to pressure the Administration to put a sensible end to Marijuana Prohibition as part of an important, growing movement of Harm Reduction Approaches in America. It is clear that the current Abstinence-based approach has failed. We need now to act in more progressive ways, and furthermore, to adjust paradigms about the realities of Cannabis use in America. When Prohibition was enacted, Marijuana did not disappear, it merely went into the black market. The time is now to remove Marijuana from the same Schedule 1 Drug Classification list that prohibits the use, manufacture, possession, or sale, of Heroin and LSD. Harm Reduction Advocates of Washington @FB.
Like
Reply
Sebastian 6 months ago in reply to Sarah

Did you just really just insinuate that LSD is comparable in risks to Heroin? LSD, just like marijuana does not deserve the schedule 1.
Sarah 6 months ago in reply to Sebastian

Touche`. I think of any type of restrictions on behaviors that affect none but the person using are all arbitrations spawned by lobbyists. Your choice, your life. Same goes for us all.
Sebastian 6 months ago in reply to Sarah
100% agree.
Like Reply
Mike P 6 months ago

As a non-pot smoker I think that this is a great law and I hope like hell that it gets passed. The war on drugs is a freeking joke and pot is no worse than alcohol. Nobody ever got high and went home and beat their wife. I say legalize pot nationally and take a huge bite out of the Mexican/South American drug runners profits (from what I've read its still their biggest profit). Plus think of the tax income. Also you could get those poor bastards rotting in prison for selling a weed back into productive society where they belong. Think of the increase in profits that Frito Lay alone would experience! It would be the new economic bubble!
Page 12 of 13
1/29/12 6:59 PM
PR420 6 months ago

Apparently they are unaware that 1 to 2 pounds per plant is completely plausible indoors so 3 - 6 pounds is a serious felony. COLORADO LAW ON POSSESSION "Possession of more than 8 oz Felony Penalties include 1-3 years in jail and fines of $1,000- $100,000 with an $1,125 surcharge." If the officer decides your dealing a.k.a a scale any where and or sandwich bags in your kitchen. (go figure) "Any amount with payment received Felony Penalties include 2 to 6 years of jail time and fines ranging from $2000-$500,000 with a $600 surcharge." Worse yet your accused of providing cannabis to a minor. Billy gets a hold of your stash without your permission. But the cops think other wise. "Transfer to a minor Felony Penalties include 8-24 years in jail and fines ranging from $2,000-$500,00." Leaving the CSA is a HUGE mistake and is in no way like alcohol. Marijuana isn't legal with the CSA in place. Distribution charges at 8 ounces need no proof other than possession. Given the way druglaws are disproportionately applied to disadvantaged communities this is a granny pitch to drug task forces. Children can and will be removed from homes "manufacturing a dangerous drug" the same way it has been applied to "legal" MMJ patients. Part of the CSA as well. Just like many laws once there is the false perception of total legality (alcohol) people will stretch the limits. Difference is with alcohol they don't result in being a drug felon. Most drug felons cant qualify for jobs, education and or housing.
Like Reply
Michael Roberts
6 months ago in reply to PR420
Strong take, PR420. Thanks for posting.

Like Reply
Page 13 of 13
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol celebrates Supreme Court wins with Signature Bomb - Denver News - The Latest Word
1/29/12 6:56 PM
Browse Voice Nation
Sign up
Log in
Blogs
Search Westword
STORIES
blog
TOP
By William Breathes

By Jonathan Shikes

By Alan Prendergast
By Michael Roberts
Marijuana
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol celebrates Supreme Court wins with Signature Bomb
By Michael Roberts Fri., Sep. 30 2011 at 9:58 AM Categories: Follow That Story, Marijuana
Share

Viewed Commented Recent Photos: Prostitutes busted in sting operation could scare a guy celibate Caleb Pacheco: Body of three-year-old found under trailer, mom Juanita Kinzie arrested Jose Garcia, who prompted Amber alert after 9-year-old went missing: Serial child molester? Medical marijuana v. recreational use: NORML controversy, Colorado connection Medical marijuana: Law enforcement group rips dispensary seizure letters
Comments (10)
Like
27
StumbleUpon
retweet
digg
The Colorado Supreme Court has rejected two title-board-related challenges to the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012 -- one by gadfly Doug Bruce, another from advocate Corey Donahue. Although these matters may have seemed like distractions, Regulate proponent Mason Tvert insists otherwise. He's more focused on gathering petitions for the act -- a mission that he hopes to fuel via a weekend effort dubbed a "signature bomb."
Mason Tvert.
More Most Popular...
Bruce felt that the word "tax" wasn't prominent enough in the title bestowed upon the Act, while Donahue argued that its name was misleading. He felt the moniker should read either the "Regulation of Marijuana with Enforcement Through the Department of Revenue" or "The Sentencing Reform of Marijuana for the More Efficient Use of Law Enforcement Resources." The Supreme Court slapped down each of these assertions; get details in the rulings, on view below. But Tvert, corresponding by e-mail, maintains that fighting against them "had no noticeable impact on the energy of our supporters and the momentum of this campaign. "Our goal is to end marijuana prohibition," he adds. "That is what this initiative will do, and that is what they ballot title conveys. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the court upheld it." Meanwhile, the petition drive moves forward. At this point, Tvert estimates the number of signatures collected at 70,000-75,000. Only around 86,000 are needed to qualify the measure for the November 2012 ballot, but backers are shooting for 145,000 to supply a cushion. With that in mind, Act forces are hoping to gather another 10,000 signatures this weekend alone. Look below to get details, as well as to read the aforementioned Supreme Court
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/09/regulate_marijuana_like_alcohol_act_supreme_court.php
Page 1 of 6
1/29/12 6:56 PM
decisions, which can also be accessed by clicking here and here.
Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol release: The campaign is making a major push over the next two weeks to collect 10,000 signatures via volunteers and local businesses, culminating with a "Signature Bomb" on October 1st and 2nd. Our goal that weekend is to have volunteers out petitioning and local businesses asking every customer to sign throughout the weekend. If you want to participate but do not have a petition, or if you need another, please call us at 303-861-0033 or send an e-mail to info@regulatemarijuana.org with your name, address, and phone number so we can get you one right away. If you already have a petition but have yet to fill, we hope you'll get out there over the next week and help make the Signature Bomb a success. Anyone who collects at least 50 signatures will become an official member of the 2012 Street Team and receive a free Street Team T-shirt. We'll also be having a pizza party in Denver on Sunday, October 2, for those who have collected 50 or more. Details will be provided to Street Team members next week. This initiative presents the best chance in history to make marijuana legal, and you can help make it all possible by collecting the signatures needed to get it on the ballot. We're about halfway there, but we're not going to reach our goal of finishing by the end of October without assistance from people like you. So please get involved today, participate in the Signature Bomb, and be a part of making history in 2012! Denver Westword on Facebook
Like You like this.
Lindsey
CherryCo
Heart
Mitch
Ponyboy
Tim
enter email
Denver Classifieds
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol: Douglas Bruce Decision
Slideshows
More Slideshows >>
Tools
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/09/regulate_marijuana_like_alcohol_act_supreme_court.php Page 2 of 6
1/29/12 6:56 PM
Follow us on:
Categories...
Archives...
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol: Corey Donahue Decision
Retail
Park Tavern
View Ad | View Site
Joseph A. Lazzara
View Ad | View Site
5 Degrees
View Ad | View Site

View Ad | View Site
More >>
Page 3 of 6
1/29/12 6:56 PM
Find A Coupon
Search by Category Zip Code Keywords
Search
Popular Coupons
CO2 Refills
Way To Grow
301 57th Ave Denver, CO 80216
Wild Card Savings

Emich VW
1260 S Colorado Blvd Denver, CO 80246
More Popular Coupons
Twitter Feed
DenverWestword RT @westword_music Review: @Descendents at @livenationco's Fillmore Auditorium, 1/28/12 bit.ly/z7PR1a by @cocodavies
DenverWestword Weekend's best party bets: Lady Wu-tang, Common afterparty and more! bit.ly/xQt3Ly
DenverWestword Colorado congressman Doug Lamborn is our Shmuck of the Week for acting like a baby and boycotting the #SOTU bit.ly/ws6oV7
DenverWestword Check out @Atmosphere at Red Rocks last night. bit.ly/xrHjfK

DenverWestword Play Vince Neil Bingo at the Grizzly Rose tonight! bit.ly/wXGz5k
2 days ago reply retweet favorite
More Twitter >>
More from our Marijuana archive: "Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act endorsed by ACLU, petition signatures reach 60,000."
VVM on Digg
Tags:
Colorado Supreme Court, Corey Donahue, Doug Bruce, Mason Tvert, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012
Like 27
1 diggs
Related Content
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act endorsed by ACLU, petition signatures reach 60,000 September 16, 2011 Marijuana: Great Legalization Debate quickly goes to pot June 23, 2011 Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act: Mason Tvert upbeat despite infighting claim September 1, 2011 Operation Sweet Leaf raids boost marijuana regulation, says Mason Tvert January 26, 2012 Proponents of marijuana legalization know that where there's smoke, there's ire June 23, 2011
The Mission Continues held the first parade in the country in St. Louis, MO on January 28, 2012 to welcome home the U.S. troops from Iraq. Rich Kids Hack Computers to Change Grades at Palos Verdes High but Are Busted by Cops Running on Empty: Robbery Suspects Busted When Getaway Car Runs Out of Gas One Prime Shall Stand, One Prime Shall Fall - Topless Robot George Lucas Invites You to
Page 4 of 6
More About:
Mason Tvert Doug Bruce Corey Donahue Politics Government and Politics
55 diggs
43 diggs
1 diggs 1
Like
1/29/12 6:56 PM
Add New Comment

diggs
Enjoy a Slurp Saber - Topless Robot
Links
5280 Blog 303go Big Media (Jason Salzman) Broke in Denver Bronco Talk Burning Down the House (Westword Web Awards' Best Personal Blog of 2010) Colorado Independent Colorado Pols Colorado Wins Coyote Gulch Colorado Ethics Watch Denver Egotist Denver Frank Denver Infill Denver LoDo Magazine Denver Post Blogs Denver PR Blog DenverRadio.net Denver Stiffs (Nuggets) Denver Six Shooter Denver Urbanism Education News Colorado Elephant Journal (Westword Web Awards' Best Political Blog of 2010) Fight with Food (Westword Web Awards' Best Activism Blog of 2010) Free Colorado Free Range Longmont Geeks Who Drink (Westword Web Awards' Best Bar Blog of 2010) The Grazing Mind Inside the Rockies Lakewood Edge Max Denver Mile High Hockey Mile High Mamas Mile High Report (Broncos) People's Press Collective Plants & Animals Denver (Vegan Advocacy) Politics Colorado Predominantly Orange Purple Row (Rockies) Ralphie Report (Colorado University Specific) The Releaf Center (Westword Web Awards'Marijuana Dispensary Blog of 2010) Roundball Mining Company Rocky Mountain News Report South Stands Denver Square State The Spot This Lively Earth Toy With Me (Westword Web Awards' Best Sex Blog of 2010) Unseen Denver (Westword Web Awards' Best Neighborhood Blog of 2010) Women News Network Who Said You Said
Post as
Showing 10 comments
Sort by
Oldest first
Subscribe by email
Subscribe by RSS
Salinger 4 months ago

I'd sign again if it would help. Really hoping this passes in 2012. We need to keep up the momentum with measures like this to ultimately end the failed war on drugs. Let's stop making criminals out of drug users. Drug laws do far more damage to people's lives than using ever will.
jway and 2 more liked this Like Reply
Robert Chase 4 months ago
The campaign's goal of 145,000 signatures likely needs upward revision, quite possibly to 175,000 (due to only approximately half of all signatures being those of registered voters).
Michael Roberts
4 months ago in reply to Robert Chase
Some campaigns actually try to get triple the number of needed signatures for this very reason. Thanks for the post, Robert.
underdog6 and 1 more liked this Like Reply
jway 4 months ago

Every bud sold legally is one less sold illegally. Mr. Tvert is right - we need supermarkets selling legally-grown marijuana to adults at prices low enough to prevent illegal competition. That's the *only* way to drive drug dealers off the street and *away* from our children!
Michael Roberts
4 months ago in reply to jway
Appreciate you weighing in, jway. Thanks.

Colorado Mmj Patient 4 months ago
Page 5 of 6
1/29/12 6:56 PM
Glad they are going to put Bruce's bs behind them. Now we just gotta "keep on keepin on."
Here and Now 4 months ago

Anyone know if Corey Donahue still has an active warrant for his arrest for stealing documents from the Department of Revenue?
http://blogs.westword.com/late...
Like Reply
Robert Chase 3 months ago in reply to Here and Now

Some people are ineducable, and you must be one of them. The question on every citizen of Colorado's lips should be "What is being done to compel the DOR and other State agencies to comply with the laws regarding open meetings and public records?".
Really Legalize Now 3 months ago

Don't support this fake legalization campaign. Hope on board one that will *really* end prohibition in Colorado, not just use it in their marketing. http://www.legalize2012.com/
Like Reply
Robert Chase 3 months ago in reply to Really Legalize Now

We will support re-legalization however we can. The deficiencies of Initiative 30 are beside the point; it would reduce criminal liability for cannabis in Colorado, and so the vast majority of patients and users will support it. There is no useful purpose served in attacking it -- if and when other initiatives are filed with the Secretary of State, some remote chance that they would make the ballot will exist, and we would be able to support them as well. If your initiative is superior, we can vote for it and for Initiative 30 in good conscience, because Colorado law provides that if conflicting initiatives pass, the one with the most votes prevails.
Robert Chase Colorado Coalition for Patients and Caregivers (720) 213-6497
Like Reply
Page 6 of 6

Donahue Complaint and OAC Transmission

Cargado por

Información del documento

Descripción original:

Derechos de autor

Formatos disponibles

Compartir este documento

Compartir o incrustar documentos

Opciones para compartir

¿Le pareció útil este documento?

¿Este contenido es inapropiado?

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Donahue Complaint and OAC Transmission

Cargado por

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post

Newsletter: Sign In | Register Commenting: Sign In | Register January 29, 2012

WEEKLY AD SPECIALS FROM THE DENVER POST

Quillen: A step toward common sense

POSTED: 01/08/2012 01:00:00 AM MST

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post

GET HOME DELIVERY TERMS OF USE

Subscribe! Get this column by e-mail.

Djokovich Beats Nadal in Australian Op...

Facebook Going Public?

Clashes at Occupy Oakland protest

FROM AROUND THE WEB (SPONSORED)

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post

Gina Carano stars in new arena (espnW)

ARTICLE COMMENTS (14)

Login | Sign Up | Email Support

NEWEST FIRST 14 days ago

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post

Reply to this comment

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post

DENVER & THE WEST

Front Page | Denver | Feeds | More

Movies | Music | TV | RSS | Video

Quillen: A step toward common sense - The Denver Post

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | MNG Corporate Site Map | Copyright

ACLU endorses marijuana legalization in Colorado | The Colorado Independent

ACLU endorses marijuana legalization in Colorado

ACLU endorses marijuana legalization in Colorado | The Colorado Independent

Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol |

Get the Facts

January 27th, 2012

New York Times: Marijuana Push in Colorado Likens It to Alcohol

January 26th, 2012

Campaign responds to 'Operation Sweet Leaf'

January 23rd, 2012

Democratic Precinct Caucuses

Last Day to Register to Vote

January 8th, 2012

Election Day 2012

January 4th, 2012

CBS 4 (Denver): Advocates Call Legalizing Marijuana In Colorado A Womens Issue

January 4th, 2012

Associated Press: Marijuana activists turn in Colo. petition

January 4th, 2012

ABC 13 (Co. Springs): Petition Group Pushes For Legalized Pot

January 4th, 2012

NBC 11 (Grand Jct.): Pot activists to turn in Colorado legalization petition

Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol |

Newsletter: Sign In | Register Commenting: Sign In | Register January 29, 2012

WEEKLY AD SPECIALS FROM THE DENVER POST

Home > News > Marijuana News

Colo. voters might see two pot proposals on ballot

POPULAR PRINT EMAIL 12 COMMENTS

POSTED: 01/18/2012 02:03:35 AM MST UPDATED: 01/18/2012 04:02:03 PM MST

Subscribe to our Afternoon Newsletter

See a sample afternoon newsletter here

GET HOME DELIVERY TERMS OF USE

LIKE THIS ARTICLE?

RECOMMEND IT (2 REC'S) ALL READER-RECOMMENDED NEWS

Djokovich Beats Nadal in Australian Op...

Facebook Going Public?

Clashes at Occupy Oakland protest

FROM AROUND THE WEB (SPONSORED)