A small group of marijuana advocates protested on the steps of the state Capitol this afternoon, claiming the City of Denver and its police department are not honoring the will of the city’s voters, who last May approved a local ordinance allowing adults to possess one ounce or less of marijuana.
“We’re angry about the continued defiance by the city,” said Robert Chase, 49. “We want to put a stop to people going to jail for marijuana. The city is sucking its citizens dry by continuing to issue citations for marijuana.”
Chase said Denver’s home rule ordinance overrides the state law, which makes it illegal to possess any amount of marijuana. Smoking or displaying marijuana in public remains illegal under both state law and the city’s ordinances.
Chase’s group, Democrats and Allies Rally and Protest Against the Prohibition of Marijuana, attracted roughly 30 supporters and onlookers. He said the group planned to march later today from the state capitol to police headquarters to demand the resignation of Police Chief Gerry Whitman.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
