Colorado continues to be at the forefront of marijuana policy reform
Last update: November 5, 2009
Breckenridge voters remove penalties for marijuana possession
On November 3, 2009, more than 70% of voters in the tiny ski town of Breckenridge voted to remove city-level criminal penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for adults over 21. While possession of any amount is still illegal under state law, the citizens of Breckenridge undoubtedly sent a message to lawmakers in Colorado—and around the country—by taking this first and necessary step toward the end of marijuana prohibition.
A strong history of marijuana policy reform
In 2000, Colorado voters passed a constitutional amendment protecting the rights of seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana in the treatment of certain illnesses as recommended by their doctors.
In 2005, MPP grant recipient SAFER spearheaded a successful initiative in Denver that amended city ordinances to remove all penalties for private adult marijuana possession.
In 2006, 41% of voters supported SAFER's statewide initiative to make possession of up to one ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older.
Progress in Denver
Last November, 57% of Denver voters approved a ballot initiative, backed by SAFER, making adult marijuana possession the city's "lowest law enforcement priority." One month later, Mayor John Hickenlooper (D) appointed the Marijuana Policy Review Panel to implement the new law.
Last May, the panel voted to make its first official recommendation — that the Denver City Attorney's office stop prosecuting adults for marijuana possession. Click here to read an excellent editorial in the Rocky Mountain News supporting the panel's recommendation.
Statewide news
On July 20, the Colorado Board of Health held a public hearing to consider changes to Colorado's medical marijuana law proposed by the Department of Public Health and Environment. The most notable change would have limited the number of patients a caregiver can assist to five. However, hundreds of patients and activists showed up to oppose this unnecessary restriction and defeated the proposal. This is a huge victory that allows Colorado caregivers to continue assisting however many patients need their help, enabling patients to maintain safe access to a steady supply of medicine. You can read more about this story here.
What you can do to help ensure further progress
Please take a few minutes to show your support for changing Colorado's marijuana laws by sending your legislators an e-mail asking them to support a system that taxes and regulates marijuana.
You may also wish to submit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper supporting the advances Colorado has made in marijuana policy reform.
If you are a law enforcement officer, judge, or attorney that supports a change in Colorado's marijuana policy, we would like to hear from you. Additionally, if you are a patient, medical professional, or clergy member, please email state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
MPP financial assistance program for medical marijuana patients
MPP will cover the cost of Colorado's medical marijuana program application fee for low-income patients. At $90 per application, Colorado's medical marijuana program is one of the most expensive in the nation.
To apply to MPP's financial assistance program, click here. If you wish to sponsor an applicant by donating to help cover the cost of the application, click here.
Thank you for supporting MPP and all of our allies. To stay updated on the status of marijuana policy reform in Colorado, be sure to subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service, if you haven't done so already.
