SAFERchoice Denver - Press Articles

Daily Camera
5/11/05

SAFER takes case to Denver
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Group wants marijuana question on November ballot

By Brittany Anas, Camera Staff Writer

The Boulder-based nonprofit that launched marijuana reform efforts on Colorado university campuses this year is preparing to ask Denver voters to legalize pot smoking.

Leaders of Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation are lobbying to get on Denver's November ballot. The group is proposing that the city make it legal for smokers, ages 21 and older, to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana.

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SAFER filed paperwork Tuesday with the Denver Election Commission and is awaiting a green light to begin its petition drive, said the group's director, Mason Tvert.

"We're talking about private adult use," Tvert said. "We're not talking about drug trafficking."

Taking on Denver will be an uphill battle for SAFER, said Denver-based political pollster Floyd Ciruli.

"Denver is liberal," Ciruli said. "But it's not so socially liberal that voters would legalize marijuana."

Even if Denver voters passed the measure, state law still prohibits marijuana possession, said Assistant City Attorney David Broadwell. It is a petty offense, punishable by a fine up to $100, according to state statute.

SAFER expects to begin a petition drive next week. To make it on the ballot, the group would need about 5,400 signatures from registered Denver voters.

The marijuana group also has unfinished business at the University of Colorado.

CU students last month passed SAFER's referendum asking school officials to make sanctions for marijuana use no more severe than they are for comparable alcohol violations.

But university administrators say there is no discrepancy between alcohol and marijuana penalties.

Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs, said Tuesday he has asked CU's judicial affairs board to pull data on the number of alcohol and marijuana sanctions for students ages 21 and up. Students probably have received more alcohol sanctions, Stump said.

SAFER's Tvert said he will continue talking with CU officials this summer. He is also planning a town-hall style meeting on campus this fall to talk about pot issues with students and administrators.

Contact Camera Staff Writer Brittany Anas at (303) 473-1132 or anasb@dailycamera.com.
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	Daily Camera 5/11/05 SAFER takes case to Denver (Return to Press Section) Group wants marijuana question on November ballot By Brittany Anas, Camera Staff Writer The Boulder-based nonprofit that launched marijuana reform efforts on Colorado university campuses this year is preparing to ask Denver voters to legalize pot smoking. Leaders of Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation are lobbying to get on Denver's November ballot. The group is proposing that the city make it legal for smokers, ages 21 and older, to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Advertisement SAFER filed paperwork Tuesday with the Denver Election Commission and is awaiting a green light to begin its petition drive, said the group's director, Mason Tvert. "We're talking about private adult use," Tvert said. "We're not talking about drug trafficking." Taking on Denver will be an uphill battle for SAFER, said Denver-based political pollster Floyd Ciruli. "Denver is liberal," Ciruli said. "But it's not so socially liberal that voters would legalize marijuana." Even if Denver voters passed the measure, state law still prohibits marijuana possession, said Assistant City Attorney David Broadwell. It is a petty offense, punishable by a fine up to $100, according to state statute. SAFER expects to begin a petition drive next week. To make it on the ballot, the group would need about 5,400 signatures from registered Denver voters. The marijuana group also has unfinished business at the University of Colorado. CU students last month passed SAFER's referendum asking school officials to make sanctions for marijuana use no more severe than they are for comparable alcohol violations. But university administrators say there is no discrepancy between alcohol and marijuana penalties. Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs, said Tuesday he has asked CU's judicial affairs board to pull data on the number of alcohol and marijuana sanctions for students ages 21 and up. Students probably have received more alcohol sanctions, Stump said. SAFER's Tvert said he will continue talking with CU officials this summer. He is also planning a town-hall style meeting on campus this fall to talk about pot issues with students and administrators. Contact Camera Staff Writer Brittany Anas at (303) 473-1132 or anasb@dailycamera.com. (Return to Press Section)