Cannabis News Media Awareness Project
  Colorado Voters To Consider Marijuana Legalization
Posted by CN Staff on August 24, 2006 at 22:35:23 PT
By Vimal Patel of the Rocky Mountain Collegian  
Source: Rocky Mountain Collegian 

cannabis Fort Collins, Colo. - Coloradans are set to vote on whether to legalize marijuana after a lively signature collection effort that included help from CSU students.

The Secretary of State's office last week certified the required number of signatures for the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative to be placed on November's ballot.

"This is a chance to make history," said Ben Prytherch, a junior liberal arts major, who was one of hundreds of volunteers who helped collect the nearly 68,000 required signatures.

The measure would legalize use and possession of up to an ounce of pot for those age 21 and older. The drug would still be illegal under federal law, but the federal government rarely intervenes in minor pot possession cases.

So far, few polls have been conducted about how Coloradans will vote on a statewide legalization measure.

Last year The Denver Post conducted a survey of 625 respondents and found 51 percent would be opposed to one, while 37 percent would support it.

Mason Tvert, the campaign director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, the group behind the measure, said the 14-point spread is encouraging given the circumstances of the survey.

The poll was of likely voters, who were called from home phones. College students generally aren't likely voters and are more likely to have dropped their landlines in favor of a wireless phone.

"When you poll all the grandmas and grandpas, that's what you get," Tvert said.

Tvert said his group will actively start registering students to vote. He's banking on a high student turnout in November and the hope that his group's message - that alcohol is more dangerous than pot and therefore it's fundamentally unfair to keep the drink legal while banning the plant - will resonate with voters.

At CSU, several students helped out by attending SAFER rallies and collecting signatures.

The CSU chapters of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Libertarian Party were active in the campaign.

Amanda Broz, president of SSDP, said her group will help register students to vote in the November election.

"There's a huge amount of non-violent drug offenders in jail," she said. "They're in there with violent criminals; that's not a good way to rehabilitate people."

SAFER turned in about 130,000 signatures, almost double the required amount, just in case any signatures were challenged in court.

Last November, Denver voters approved Initiative 100. The measure made Denver the first city in the country to drop all penalties for use and possession of up to an ounce of recreational marijuana.

However, citizens were still prosecuted under state law, hence the need for a statewide measure, Tvert said.

Prytherch said the passage of this initiative could be groundbreaking for the national pot legalization movement.

"A lot of people see the pot movement as consisting of just hippies and potheads," he said, "but if this passes, it'll be exposed as being mainstream."

Key facts about Colorado's Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative:

-It would make use and possession of up to an ounce of pot legal for those age 21 and older

-Individual home-rule cities, if they choose to do so, would be able to fine or penalize pot smokers

-Prosecutors would no longer be forced to prosecute pot smokers under state law

-Growing or selling marijuana would still be illegal

-Public use or display of marijuana would still be illegal

Source: Rocky Mountain Collegian, The (CO Edu)
Author: Vimal Patel of the Rocky Mountain Collegian
Published: August 25, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Rocky Mountain Collegian
Contact: news@collegian.com
Website: http://www.collegian.com/

Related Articles & Web Site:

Safer Choice
http://www.saferchoice.org/

Marijuana Amendment Will Be On Ballot
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22079.shtml

SAFER Mobilizes CSU Students
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21641.shtml

SAFER Pushing To Legalize Marijuana Statewide
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21638.shtml


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Comment #26 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 12:01:16 PT
Hope
I wanted to say the friend I mentioned doesn't work for a prison. He works with the mentally ill. I don't believe what cops or jailers say. There I feel better.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #25 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 11:47:15 PT
"God didn't use prohibition on us."
Not in the New Testament.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #24 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 11:45:47 PT
He hasn't rejected the Holy Spirit, Whig.
I don't think so. Just somethings are wrong for some people and not wrong for others. I think God understands that and we should, too.

I think prohibition causes wrong and sorrowful things to happen. I think it's wrong. But Marsh likes extra fences,rules, and boundaries. Some people are like that. It's fearfullness.

Prohibition kills more than it saves. God didn't use prohibition on us.

It's not wrong to help people cross the street. It is wrong to "help" them cross the street when they don't want to.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #23 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 11:41:29 PT
Hope
I know what you mean. My friend meant that some people who are heavy hard drug users actually are happier being in a controlled environment. I had to think about that for a while but it made sense to me. A clear minded person and a drug addicted person are really different.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #22 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 11:36:17 PT
I have a friend
whose brother in law just died from falling off a mountain he was climbing.

Life is dangerous anyway and some, otherwise sensible people, seem to seek out danger.

I don't think we should proscecute or confine people for endangering themselves. Now if he dragged someone up there against their will...that's different. But going there himself? Or sky diving? Or race car driving? Or bronc riding? That's their business, I think.

I'm not climbing a mountain like that ...one with a nice safe grade...ok...but not with falls like he took, but I don't think there is a need to make it a crime.

If they did...there would be people sneaking up there in the middle of the night to do it.

People like to push the limits...some more than others.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 11:17:36 PT
Whig
I went searching for something on being judgmental basically for myself to remind myself how to live in peace most of the time. It was a long hard road for me but my son getting Aids was what taught me how to live in peace. I found this and I bookmarked it.

http://www.crossroads.ca/response/judge.htm

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #20 posted by whig on August 25, 2006 at 11:13:41 PT
FoM
I wasn't saying it to judge. I wasn't condemning him for eternity. I don't believe in that.

I think we are all saved.

But for a time we may struggle against this, as did I for many years. There is confusion and misunderstanding, there is anger and hurt. I don't think I can say that I'm done struggling either, but for the moment I have peace and contentment.

What I think I can say is that when people REJECT the words of love, and PROCLAIM hatred and discipline upon the people who have done no harm to themselves, they are on the side of spreading darkness rather than light.

He can change, and he will in his time. But for now, that is what I see him doing, and it is not a thing I say with malice or anger.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #19 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 10:47:45 PT
Whig
That's heavy. Just remember with whatever measure you judge you will be judged. That's delicate ground that I won't walk on. Being judgmental is what legalists do.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #18 posted by whig on August 25, 2006 at 10:40:56 PT
Hope
I will say this with my heart and in sadness. Pastor Marsh has rejected the Holy Spirit. He abides the law of man when it commands him to reject God. Even when man's law says not to reject God, Pastor Marsh says to do so, and he does so himself.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #17 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 10:36:36 PT
Hope
We were very surprised when he visited without his wife driving. His right leg doesn't work very well and his right arm also doesn't work. We had a great visit. When he was telling us about how they pulled a tube out of his side after the transplant and it ripped his bowel and he went home from the hospital not knowing anything was wrong and hours later was vomiting something I would rather not say both me and my husband felt sick ourselves. Drugs were easy for him to get. He wasn't afraid of getting busted so that didn't effect anything he did so legalizing drugs wouldn't have helped him. Our friend from New Mexico who works with people who are mostly strung out on drugs said to us ( he has done drugs so he isn't saying it for any reason then observation ) that jail would help keep some of these people clean. He said the biggest problem they have is lack of caring and self control. They do fine in a controlled setting though. See how hard it is to figure out for me?

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #16 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 09:59:32 PT
You're right of course.
I have too limited a patience with those who want to punish and control others through fear tactics and threats.

It's good that your friend can get out and around some on his own. Fifty three is so young to me now. It's so sad.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 08:51:43 PT
Hope
Yesterday our friend who had a Liver transplant then a Stroke called and needed to get out of the house for a little while and asked if he could come and visit us. He drove his car alone himself too. We sat and talked for a few hours. We talked about many things but we talked about his health. The floating blood clot they can't locate is a major concern for him. He is 53 years old. He said it was the years of cocaine and drinking beer that caused his Liver to fail. He is sorry he did this to himself, his wife and family. Pastor Louie would see people like our friend and react differently for that reason. It is a delicate balance between drug use and abuse and treatment and prison. Hopefully in time drug policy people will be able to find a workable solution that society as a whole will get behind and support. It's not going to be easy because look how hard we have had to fight for a plant named Cannabis.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #14 posted by Truth on August 25, 2006 at 08:45:08 PT
Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative
I see a clash with the name of the initiative and these statements.

* -Growing or selling marijuana would still be illegal

* -Public use or display of marijuana would still be illegal

Not what I'd call equalization with alcohol though the initative is a step in the right direction.

Freedom means just that.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #13 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 08:29:09 PT
Hope
When people like Pastor Louie only see people who have wrecked their lives using hard drugs Zero Tolerance makes sense. It's a stop it, stop it, stop it way of seeing it all. If Cannabis was finally legalized there wouldn't be any monetary gain to bring marijuana up from Mexico so it would stop. The immigration problem and hard drug problem aren't easily thought thru with a yes or no answer. Living where he does presents problems we don't see or understand or at least I don't.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #12 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 08:03:04 PT
He listened to us though...
and I do appreciate that. It speaks of a higher nature on his part than some prohibitionist "Christians".

I've spoken to many who couldn't be bothered to even talk to me about it.

People are so weird.

There is a lady in our church who has a problem with divorced women. She thinks they're "prostitutes".

Instead of trying to explain to her exactly what a prostitute is, I reminded her that our Lord was known to be quite tolerant of prostitutes. I reminded her that in the record of the human part of him, he was apparently descended from a known prostitute.

Naturally...she couldn't hear me.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 07:48:45 PT
Anger slams doors...
You're right about that. I got a little miffed with his attitude in the post about "Zero tolerance" not being tried to the extent that he would like to have seen it applied.

Unless he explains that a little better...I think I'm out his door, dusting the bottoms of my shoes as I go.

Not that he won't think that that's good riddance.

Ah well...we have to try. After that...we've done our part.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #10 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 07:32:22 PT
God Bless Hempity
Amen to that.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 07:28:50 PT
Hope
I think of all of you as CNews's own little God Squad. You have done a beautiful job. You personally know so well how to put out a fire. You go girl. Love keeps doors open. Anger slams doors shut.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 07:26:06 PT
Hempity
I will always have fond memories of our early days on Cann.com. All I knew back then was I wanted to help change the laws on Cannabis but that was all. Hempity never made me feel bad or wrong. God Bless Hempity.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #7 posted by Hope on August 25, 2006 at 07:19:56 PT
Hempity's post at the Chronicles of Marsh
was beautiful. It broke my heart yet warmed my soul and I did see the beautiful light in it.

Thank you, Hempity...and keep on keepin on.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by FoM on August 25, 2006 at 07:05:28 PT
Pastor Louie
I have mentioned before that I only post about cannabis issues here on CNews. I feel that is the right thing to do but I have enjoyed the quality comments on the Pastor's Blog. Showing kindness like most everyone has to Pastor Louie will keep his mind open to learn and I feel very good about it. I feel good inside about your comments. I also believe God is smiling. Thank you all.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #5 posted by mayan on August 25, 2006 at 06:53:06 PT
Mason Will Prevail
Tvert said his group will actively start registering students to vote.

If Mason Tvert isn't a genius he is damned close. Young adults could be voting in greater numbers anyway this year as they will be trying to oust republicans or incumbents who support the neo-con's wars. The kids don't want to get drafted!

By the time November comes around anti-Bush sentiment will be so great that this will definitely pass! I hope John Walters and Karen Tandy travel out to Colorado to campaign against this initiative as that will work in our favor also!

THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...

Jones And Marrs To Expose 'Terror Conspiracy' At Dallas Conference: http://www.jonesreport.com/articles/240806_dallas_conspiracy.html

Leader of the Canadian Action Party Speaks: http://911blogger.com/node/2264

"Let's Roll" Our Eyeballs! http://mujca.com/letsroll.htm

A Structural Engineer Discusses WTC Collapse Theories: http://prisonplanet.com/articles/August2006/250806Collapse.htm

New WTC Complex Photos Highlight Bizarre Building 7 Collapse: http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/august2006/230806wtccomplex.htm

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #4 posted by Bryan on August 25, 2006 at 06:45:15 PT
Twice the required signatures
It's a good start but why did Alaska have to backtrack it's legalization era. They legalized it then they destroyed the progress. Could a whole state really keep such a law again?

It's also sad that part of this compromise allows cities to choose to prosecute marijuana users. What can I say? I think it's all tragic.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #3 posted by Dankhank on August 25, 2006 at 04:36:07 PT
Here Here
Pastor Louie hasn't heard such love in a long time, I must imagine ...

His heart is hard, dark and unyielding.

Thank You ...

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #2 posted by Toker00 on August 25, 2006 at 03:30:27 PT
hempity
You left one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read at Bro. Marsh's place. You are truly a Beacon. Thank you and all you others who bath us in your LIGHT, which Christ shines through you.

Toke.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by global_warming on August 25, 2006 at 02:12:57 PT
Send A Message Colorado
That will be heard around the world.

[ Post Comment ]

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