DrugSense

The Steamboat Today, 17 Nov 2012 – Petty is the word of the week in Routt County, describing both the minor marijuana infractions that local law enforcement officers appropriately no longer are citing, as well as the draconian decision of 14th Judicial District Attorney Brett Barkey to move forward with prosecution of pot cases still in the judicial system. Barkey’s announcement Thursday that his office will continue to prosecute the handful of petty marijuana possession cases pending in the 14th Judicial District’s three counties – Routt, Moffat and Grand – – appears to be a spiteful decision by a man who was a vocal opponent of Amendment 64. We hope judges in the 14th Judicial District do a better job respecting the will of the people than Barkey is.

The Gazette, 17 Nov 2012 – Where is the wisdom? This possibly was the most important election America has seen for many years. With Amendment 64 on our ballot, the citizens of Colorado made a crucial decision. Colorado decided that it would be the first state to legalize marijuana with Amendment 64.

The Gazette, 17 Nov 2012 – Bob Crouse drove away from the Colorado Springs police annex on East Rio Grande Street Friday afternoon with a huge smile on his face and his hand raised in victory. A crowd of about two dozen medical marijuana supporters cheered loudly moments after police returned 60 pounds of now-wilted pot once worth an estimated $300,000 to the leukemia patient.

The Steamboat Today, 17 Nov 2012 – Steamboat Springs – Local law enforcement officials said enforcing existing marijuana laws has not been a burden, and the numbers prove it. While some proponents of Amendment 64 have said legalizing marijuana would allow police and the criminal justice system to concentrate on more important things, Steamboat Springs Police Chief Joel Rae said it actually could have the opposite effect if police are tasked with making sure potential pot shops are complying with the laws.

The Daily Sentinel, 16 Nov 2012 – Now that Amendment 64 was passed by those who want to use or tax marijuana, we must consider the facts. I have practiced medicine in Colorado more than 28 years and will share a few highlights from the 117 medical texts and respected journal articles in my file. Marijuana makes most people artificially happy and relaxed for a few hours, but not without consequences. When under the influence, it’s hard to focus, think clearly or remember. It impairs judgment and delays reaction time. This impairment lasts much longer than the "high," making it unsafe to drive for over 24 hours after use. Users are two to seven times more likely to be involved in an accident.

DrugSense

The Gazette, 15 Nov 2012 – A 10-year-old girl was arrested Tuesday after bringing allegedly marijuana to Evans International Elementary School. El Paso County Sheriff’s deputies escorted the girl from Evans in handcuffs after getting the call from Falcon District 49 about 2:30 p.m. She was later released to a parent.

Daily Camera, 13 Nov 2012 – How should one greet the reality of marijuana being legalized, and regulated by the government? I suggest that if one supports the new provision of our state Constitution, that the transition from our present liberal position to the more broadly liberal impact of the new Amendment 64 is an important transition. (Remember please that the federal law is clear, and cannabis is illegal, including that for making rope and food, and cannot be grown legally, or — with the exception of industrial hemp products — possessed or consumed).

The Eagle-Tribune, 13 Nov 2012 – DENVER (AP) – Should marijuana be treated like alcohol? Or should it remain in the same legal category as heroin and the most dangerous drugs? Votes this week by Colorado and Washington to allow adult marijuana possession have prompted what could be a turning point in the nation’s conflicted and confusing war on drugs.