DENVER VOTERS COULD HAVE CHANCE TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

Denver voters this November may be asked whether to make the use of
marijuana legal in some instances.

The Committee for Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) said
it has submitted the necessary 5,383 signatures from at least 5 percent of
Denver city and county registered voters to get its proposal placed on the
ballot.

SAFER said the Denver Election Commission has determined that it appears to
have sufficient valid signatures. The petition now goes to the City Council
for approval and placement on the ballot. The council may act on the matter
as early as next week.

SAFER proposes that Denver legalize possession of 1 ounce or less of
marijuana by anyone 21 or older.

But even if the ballot measure passes, the city attorney's office says a
state law outlawing marijuana possession as a Class 2 petty offense,
punishable by a fine of up to $100, still would apply in Denver.