Colorado Constitutional Amendment 64 Legalizes Recreational Marijuana Use

On November 6, 2012, voters passed Colorado Constitutional Amendment 64, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21-years-old or older. While this is a historical law, experienced defense attorney Timothy R. Bussey reminds Coloradoans that this does not mean that they can’t be arrested for a marijuana-related crime.

Understanding Amendment 64

Recreational marijuana use will be legal as of 2014, at least as far as the current timeline projects. Coloradoans are NOT permitted to use marijuana recreationally before then. If you do, you will be prosecuted under the current marijuana crime laws.

Once recreational marijuana use is legal, there are still a number of rules and regulations that Coloradoans must abide by, such as:

• You cannot use marijuana if you are under 21 years of age;
• You may only grow a certain number of marijuana plants;
• You may only purchase or be in possession of no more than one ounce of marijuana; and
• You may not be under the influence of marijuana when operating a vehicle.

You can still be arrested for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) when recreational marijuana use is legal.

Marijuana will be taxed, just like alcohol and cigarettes, and will also be subject to a number of other rules and regulations regarding the licensing of cultivation facilities, testing facilities, product manufacturing facilities, and, of course, retail locations.

Recreational Marijuana vs. Medical Marijuana

It is important to understand, however, that these new rules and regulations do not change medical marijuana laws. Medical marijuana facilities are still governed under the same regulations as is the process by which a person must complete in order to be approved for medical marijuana use. Medical marijuana facilities will NOT be allowed to sell marijuana to non-medical users.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

In the next few years, there will likely be a lot of confusion regarding Colorado marijuana laws and you may find yourself in trouble with the law. If you have been arrested for a marijuana crime in El Paso County, Timothy R. Bussey can build an aggressive defense on your behalf. To discuss your case, call (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation today.