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Activists To Pull Social Marijuana Consumption Initiative Ballot Question

DENVER (AP/CBS4) - Supporters of a proposed ballot initiative to allow marijuana use in some Denver clubs, bars and hotels withdrew the measure Thursday while they negotiate with city officials amid concerns the measure could hurt Denver's reputation.

Marijuana use is currently banned in hotels, bars and other places open to the public, including those that set aside areas for cigarette smoking.

Mason Tvert of the Marijuana Policy Project said proponents of the initiative want to give the city time to pass an ordinance allowing guests of private clubs - and some bars, hotels and motels - to use smokeless marijuana vaporizers similar to electronic cigarettes indoors and smoke pot outdoors where it is now prohibited.

"This would not allow public use,'* Tvert said. "It would allow limited social marijuana consumption in some commercial establishments. We believe in the language we put forward and that adults, who consume cannabis, deserve the same freedoms to congregate as those who consume alcohol."

The mayor, business owners and Denver City Council oppose the ballot measure in its current form and would rather work on a compromise to satisfy their concerns.

Tvert said no date has been set for negotiations, but the proponents vowed to start a new petition drive next year if the city drags its feet.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

Amie Mayhew, spokeswoman for the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association, said some guests want to buy marijuana and ask where they can use it legally and safely.

Mayhew said guests who want to comply with the current law often must smoke marijuana in their cars, alleys or other places that might not be safe.

She said lodging owners want to protect guests and would support private smoking clubs but not allowing use in hotel and motel rooms.

Mayhew said the proposed ballot measure is too broad. As written, a parking lot could put up a fence and allow marijuana use by providing a private area not open to minors, she said.

"To the extent there is middle ground to help our guests, we support that," she said.

Statement from the proponents of the Limited Social Marijuana Consumption Initiative

"After a challenging five-week signature gathering process, we are not approaching the withdrawal of this initiative lightly. We believe in the language we put forward and that adults who consume cannabis deserve the same freedoms to congregate and socialize as those who consume alcohol. We were persuaded, however, by members of the political and business communities, who requested participation in this process. We look forward to working with them to find a solution amenable to all parties. If we reach a stalemate, and we hope we won't, we will have the option of placing a new measure on the ballot in 2016, when the electorate will be more favorable for our cause."

Statement from Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks

"This decision ensures we now have the time and ability to include interested stakeholders to reach consensus on this important issue. I am committed to working on a broadly acceptable solution."

- By Steven K. Paulson, AP Writer

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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