Denver Proposition 132 Sparks Debate: Public Marijuana Use Could Draw Fines of Up to $40,000
Proposition 132, a Denver ballot measure backed by Mayor Mike Johnston aimed at curbing public marijuana use, drew sharp pushback at the City Council's Public Order Committee on October 7. Denver Voice reported on October 21 that council members noted the measure could fine people up to $40,000 for consuming marijuana in public — a stark contrast with the $10 fine existing law sets for public drug use.
'This is just to make everyone feel better,' said Councilwoman Shontel Lewis. 'If it solved drug use, I wouldn't have to think about it.' Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez said fines alone do not change behavior: 'We are criminalizing poverty. Fines are not an effective deterrent.' Backers include Advance Colorado and the management of a Charlotte-based hotel group; an earlier version proposed banning all public drug use outright, and possession with intent to distribute could draw 8 to 32 years of mandatory prison time.
With homeless encampments cleared at Lincoln Park this week and enforcement visibly stepped up, some worry the measure is meant to green-light bigger sweeps. Denver voters will decide Proposition 132 in the November 3 midterm election. (GSM, from Denver Voice reporting)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：丹佛市民中心。作者 QuartierLatin1968，CC BY-SA 3.0，来源 Wikimedia Commons。Photo: Denver Civic Center. By QuartierLatin1968, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
