DENVER —
Using marijuana for recreational use is now effectively legal in Colorado.
Gov. John Hickenlooper declared a voter-approved marijuana legalization amendment as part of the state constitution on Monday. It was the last procedural step needed for the amendment to take effect.
The drug became legal in Washington state last week.
Hickenlooper, a Democrat, opposed the measure but had no veto power over the voter-approved amendment to the state constitution.
"Voters were loud and clear on Election Day," Hickenlooper in a statement.
Adults over 21 in Colorado may now possess up to an ounce of marijuana, or six plants. Commercial sale of the drug remains illegal until Colorado lawmakers set up a system of regulation and taxation next year. Public use of marijuana use is not allowed.
Colorado and Washington officials both have asked the U.S. Department of Justice for guidance on the laws that conflict with federal drug law. So far the federal government has offered little guidance beyond stating that marijuana remains illegal and that the controlled Substances Act will be enforced.
Hickenlooper announced a state task force Monday to help craft marijuana regulations. Task force members include law enforcement, agriculture officials and marijuana advocates.
Colorado and Washington officials both have asked the U.S. Department of Justice for guidance on the laws that conflict with federal drug law. Neither state will allow commercial sales for a year or more.
Colorado's marijuana measure, Amendment 64, was approved with 55 percent of the vote last month.
News
December 11, 2012
Marijuana legalized in Colorado
- News
-
-
‘Tax Freedom Day’ arrives April 18
The federal deficit added 21 additional days of government spending.
-
Iowans invited to enter Iowa agriculture art contest
Iowa artists of all ages are invited to participate in the second annual “Celebration of Iowa: Agricultural Art Award.”
-
Hunger study needs local volunteers
United Way of Wapello County and the Volunteer Center are seeking volunteers for the Hunger in America study.
- Norris Asphalt, Ottumwa, national asphalt paving award finalist
- DNR to hold listening session on fall hunting and trapping regulations
- Loebsack discusses impact of sequestration on arsenals, depots
- County Endowment Fund program and annual report
- 30th National Beef Cook-Off seeks healthy recipes from Iowa home cooks
- American Red Cross is calling for Heroes of the Heartland nominations
- Loebsack: Congress must act to provide relief for USPS
- Opera coming to IHCC
-
Community 1st Credit Union re-elects Boyer and Brown and welcomes Altfillisch to the board of directors
Community 1st Credit Union re-elected D. David Boyer and Floyd Brown and also welcomed Heidi Altfillisch to the C1st Board of Directors during the 2013 annual meeting of Community 1st Credit Union held Jan. 19.
- Loebsack introduces bill to cut member pay; repeal automatic pay increases
- Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation announces scholarship availability
- Ottumwa man sentenced to 87 months for fraud
- More News Headlines
-
‘Tax Freedom Day’ arrives April 18
