In a largely symbolic move, people in a ski resort town voted to legalize adult possession of marijuana.
Breckenridge voters passed the measure by a margin of 73 percent. It allows adults over 21 years old to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. The ordinance also removes criminal penalties for the possession of drug paraphernalia.
This is the first ordinance change in Colorado history to remove penalties for both marijuana and paraphernalia. But it’s likely to have little real effect, because pot possession remains a state crime for people without medical clearance.
However, the vote comes at a time when federal authorities are re-evaluating drug policy and moving away from busting small-time pot smokers. Supporters say they wanted to send that message to local law enforcement.
“This votes demonstrates that Breckenridge citizens overwhelmingly believe that adults should not be punished for making the safer choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol,” says Sean McAllister with Sensible Breckenridge, a backer of the measure.
“With this historic vote, Breckenridge has emerged as a national leader in sensible drug policy,” says Brian Vicente with Sensible Colorado.
The campaign received support from Breckenridge Town Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron, former State Rep. Gary Lindstrom, who lives in Breckenridge, and the Summit Daily News.
The ordinance change will go into effect on Jan. 1.
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