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Dueling Ballot Initiatives Call For Expanded Use Of Marijuana

By Rick Sallinger

DENVER (CBS4)- This is a tale of dueling ballot initiatives. Both call for expanding where marijuana can be used socially in Denver, but in different ways.

One ballot proposal would allow it in certain bars and other businesses. It is called the Neighborhood Supported Cannabis Consumption Pilot Initiative Program. Mason Tvert is one of the backers who successfully brought legalized marijuana to Colorado.

POT PETITION
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"We felt that adults using cannabis should have the same rights and abilities as other adults who consume alcohol," said Tvert.

The initiative he supports would allow vaping, but no marijuana cigarette smoking inside, only outside under strict conditions such as away from others especially children.

The other initiative is backed by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NORML offers a different type of place to use pot according to Jordan Person the executive director of the Denver chapter.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

"It would be in a private club setting. A person would have to fill out a membership form for each different type of business before they could enter the premises," she said.

There are a few places in the Denver area that already allow people to bring their own marijuana and use it together, but not in the city of Denver.

POT PETITION  (1)
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One of the initiatives would require approval of registered neighborhood groups. Josh Kappel with Neighborhood Supported Cannabis Consumption Pilot Initiative Program, says this would start out slowly.

"What we are looking for are a couple places in neighborhoods that want to test the water," he said.

Both initiatives have far more than the required number of signatures submitted to get on the ballot if the petitions are validated.

It is possible both could pass according to Person, "I think we are going to have a lot of interesting places for people to consume marijuana."

One place it's not supposed to be consumed is in public. CBS4's Rick Sallinger found what looked and smelled like pot being smoked at a bus stop in Denver.

POT PETITION paper stack
(credit: CBS)

"Is that marijuana you are choking on?" Sallinger asked, one of the men responded, "Put that (bleep) camera away."

The Denver Elections Division will now determine if each of the initiatives has enough valid signatures to be put on the November ballot.

CBS4's Rick Sallinger is a Peabody award winning reporter who has been with the station more than two decades doing hard news and investigative reporting. Follow him on Twitter @ricksallinger.

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