Marijuana use has been fought in Weld County Colorado and cities like Greeley, Evans, Eaton, and Hudson by prevention, treatment, and, most notably, law enforcement. Come November, voters will get to choose whether or not they want police regulation for recreational marijuana use. Amendment 64 would make recreational marijuana legal for adults older than 21. Marijuana would then be regulated and taxed much like alcohol by the government. The initiative is designed to make the general use of marijuana acceptable in Weld County. The issue will be on the November ballot in cities like Lochbouie, Keenesburg, and Erie.
Colorado has quite the reputation for being the Mile “High” State, and this in part due to our high consumption of marijuana. Because of this, thousands of dollars are spent on police resources to prosecute and investigate drug offenses related to marijuana. Drug convictions for possession of marijuana (CRS 18-18-406) haunt many people for years, show up on background checks, and are difficult to seal. Marijuana is treated the same way as harder drugs, such as meth, even though the side effects of the high are extremely different.
The opposition to marijuana legalization argues that pot will cause an increase in use and be detrimental to juveniles. They argue that it will also lead to an increase in Driving under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired by (CRS 42-4-1301) because more people tend to drive while they are high as opposed to driving drunk.
Until November at least, marijuana is still illegal and will be prosecuted by the police in Weld County. So, be cautious about lighting up a joint since it can still result in criminal charges. If police contacted you or charged you with possession of marijuana, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.