Pubdate: Sat, 18 Jan 2014
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Charlie Brown

LAW MUST APPLY TO 4/20 EVENT

Re: "Don't get worked up about 4/20," Jan. 15 editorial.

Your editorial sounds like The Denver Post is the media sponsor for 
4/20. You raise some important questions about the role of the Denver 
City Council, maintaining we shouldn't worry about 4/20 and its 
illegal behavior. Worrying about our city is part of our job.

In November 2012, Colorado voters passed Amendment 64. The council 
responded to the will of Denver voters, working long and hard to 
create a legal framework for marijuana sales, consumption and 
penalties. Our new laws reflect what was in Amendment 64, which 
specifically prohibits "consumption that is conducted openly and 
publicly or in a manner that endangers others."

The annual 4/20 event, which takes place on seven acres in the heart 
of our city in historic Civic Center, is not an image that will 
appear in any chamber of commerce or tourism brochure. During last 
year's event, shots were fired, people were injured and hundreds were 
sent fleeing, scared for their lives.

When the council passes laws, we expect them to be enforced. There is 
no asterisk in the law that makes an exception for Civic Center on 
April 20. Like any other group, 4/20 organizers and participants must 
abide by our established laws and regulations.

Charlie Brown,

Denver

The writer is a Denver city councilman and head of the Amendment 64 committee.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom