Denver marijuana panel backs $1 penalty on small amounts

[tridim]

Denver's marijuana policy review panel agreed Wednesday to send a letter to the presiding judge of Denver County Court urging a $1 fine as penalty for possession of marijuana of less than an ounce.

The current fine schedule indicates a $50 fine for such offenses, plus a $100 drug surcharge required by the state of Colorado and a $10 "bureau fee."

Mason Tvert, a member of the panel and the executive director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, which has pushed decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, said state law requires the surcharge and the $10 bureau fee.

He said that if Presiding Judge Marcy Celeste accepts the recommendations, the penalty would still stand at $111.

Tvert said lowering the fine would send a message to police "that it is not worth their time or the court's to issue any more citations."

The panel agreed to send the letter to the judge on a 6-2 vote.

Christopher Osher, The Denver Post

Article and Poll here: http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13212872

[eleny]

1. Denver is in a debt hole like the state, so this makes sense if only for that reason

[tridim]

2. I'm very impressed with the way Denver is approaching this issue

We're a MMJ state just like CA, but unlike CA we're also attempting to let recreational adult smokers be more free.

I'm starting to send this stuff to Senator Webb for his upcoming panels on prison reform.

[rj5690]

3. sounds like a great idea

[bamacrat]

4. I would love if all you got was a fine.

You go to jail and have to pay up to $5000 in fines and court costs here.

[Taitertots]

5. Decriminalization is for fools

Lets make a system that benefits drug gangs and nobody else.

Legalization or nothing