COLORADO VOTERS FACE KEY CHOICE ON MARIJUANA LAW

Depending on your point of view, Coloradans have the choice this
election between being trendsetters on marijuana law or protecting
young people from drugs.

Amendment 44 on the ballot would change state drug law to allow people
over 21 to possess an ounce or less of marijuana without legal penalty.

If the measure is passed, Colorado would join Alaska, now the only
state that has no penalties for personal possession of a small amount
of marijuana. (Nevada voters also face a decriminalization proposal in
November.)

Amendment 44 is a statewide replay of the marijuana legalization
measure approved by Denver voters in 2005, and it's backed by the same
group, Safer Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER).

The group takes an interesting and narrow approach to the issue,
arguing that since state law allows adults over 21 to use alcohol, it
also should allow the same people to use marijuana if they choose.
SAFER also argues that smoking marijuana is safer than drinking.

Opponents, including many law enforcement officials, offer traditional
anti-marijuana arguments: The drug is dangerous and has adverse health
and psychological effects, its use leads to experimentation with other
drugs, and legalization would attract drug users to Colorado.
Opponents argue most strongly that legalizing small amounts of
marijuana would set a bad example for teenagers, leading to increased
use by young people.

Beyond the usual pro and con arguments about marijuana, it's
interesting to think about whether Amendment 44 will make an
difference whether it passes or fails.

Colorado already has low penalties for possession of a small amount of
marijuana - it's one of 11 states that has modest fines but no jail
time for possession of a small amount.

If you're already a marijuana user, you're obviously not deterred by
current law, and it's open to question whether a lot more Coloradans
will take up the habit if it's legalized.

And, if Amendment 44 is passed, federal marijuana laws will of course
remain in effect, as will state laws against possession of larger
amounts, growing and selling, open display and use, driving under the
influence of the weed and use by minors.