NBC 9 News
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8/04/05

Group wants Denver voters to consider marijuana initiative
Paul Johnson 9NEWS Reporter

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DENVER - A group of pro marijuana citizens in Denver say they have collected enough signatures to get an initiative on the ballot this fall that would makes laws governing the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana non punishable for adults over the age of 21.

The group is called SAFER, and they argue that since alcohol is legal, and is in their view more harmful to health than marijuana, then pot use should also be allowed in the city and county of Denver.

The Denver Election Commission says they have certified that the group has collected the necessary number of signatures to get the initiative on the ballot. But it must first pass a 25-day protest period, where it can be challenged by other groups and citizens.

Regardless of whether it passes, a spokesperson for the Denver field office of the DEA says the possession of the drug is still illegal under federal law, and they disagree with any argument that the drug is nor harmful, or that its use and distribution doesn't often involve violence.
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