The Colorado Secretary of State’s office recently announced that marijuana legalization advocates recently reached their goal in getting enough signatures to put legalization on the state’s November ballot. This means, come November, the people of Colorado will have the opportunity to decide if pot should be legal.
Called Amendment 64, the law would legalize possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana and allow people to grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes. The laws would apply only to those ages 21 and over.
Supporters had to get 86,105 valid signatures in order to see the initiative on the ballot. They failed the first time but were given a chance to collect additional signatures, ultimately reaching their goal.
Currently, Colorado is one of 16 states and Washington D.C. that regulate medical marijuana. If passed, this law would make Colorado the first state to legalize possession of pot. California voters struck down a similar initiative just last year, so many people will be looking to Colorado for guidance come November.
A recent survey found that over half of Americans would support legalization. This puts approval for such measures at an all-time high, but it doesn’t guarantee the legislation in Colorado will pass. Between now and November, legalization advocates will be campaigning and working on mobilizing voters.
If the measure does pass, other states may follow suit. Colorado is considered a fairly progressive state, however, and there are no guarantees that other states could experience the same success.Watch Full Movie Online Streaming Online and Download
The federal government has taken a very active role in the enforcement of federal marijuana laws despite state-approved medical marijuana. This is in contrast to the promises made by the current administration during campaigns in 2008. It will be interesting to see how the feds react to all-out legalization if it indeed comes to pass in Colorado.
Currently, Colorado has some fairly lax marijuana laws. If you are caught with less than a single ounce, it is considered a petty offense and carries a fine of $100. But if you are found with more than one ounce, the charge and penalties are increased.
Most people who are charged with marijuana possession have less than an ounce on them at the time they are caught. This is easily resolved. But, when you have more than an ounce, you are facing potential jail time.