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Denver Council Makes Move To Decriminalize Marijuana For Minors

Denver Decriminalizing
(credit: CBS)

DENVER (CBS4) – The Denver City Council has made a move to try and make sure minors who are caught with pot aren't punished too harshly.

A law voters passed last year decriminalized marijuana possession for adults but it didn't consider the legal repercussions for a minor.

People under 21 with pot were left open to criminal charges that would stay on their permanent record.

Denver city councilors want it to become a civil charge still enforced by a petty fine but with no lasting legal consequences.

"We do not want this age group to be to have their legs cut off before they get started in life," said City Council Member Albus Brooks.

Brooks sponsored the city's newest marijuana regulation, calling it in the spirit of the new law.

The city council is also considering a law banning the marijuana industry businesses within 1,000 feet of a school.

It is the latest in a series of marijuana laws to go on the books before the new year when the legal sale of marijuana goes into effect.

"All of the priorities that we've had have taken a backseat because we are the first city in the world to put this regulatory framework the way we're doing it," said Brooks.

A final vote is expected to pass unanimously on Dec 23.

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