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Our look at Amendment 64, the proposal to legalize small amounts of marijuana that is on the ballot for the 2012 election. KUNC, along with the I-News Network and the CU News Corps, looks at the polling, the money behind the effort, and ultimately the question of legalization itself.

Libertarian Presidential Candidate Rallies Fort Collins Supporters on State, Local Marijuana Issues

Grace Hood
/
KUNC

Libertarian Presidential Candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson addressed dozens of supporters in Fort Collins Friday about national security, a balanced budget and the war on drugs.

Speaking at the site of a former medical marijuana dispensary, Johnson urged Coloradans to pass Amendment 64—the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act.   

“Colorado has the opportunity to change drug policy worldwide. This is what’s at stake here and Colorado gets it,” he said.

Opponents of Amendment 64—which include Democratic Governor John Hickenloooper—have raised concerns about how the statewide law would be implemented and its impact on children.

Johnson also spoke in favor of Question 301 in Fort Collins, which would reverse a citywide dispensary ban passed by voters last November. The change went into effect last February.

Both sides of Question 301 have been relatively quiet compared to last year’s campaign, which attracted statewide and national interest thanks to a documentary film crew from National Geographic.

This year Question 301 organizer Kirk Scramstad said lower visibility is largely due to lack of funding. But he’s hoping that a larger turnout this Presidential Election year will work in his favor.

“Last election was an off year where the demographic that typically votes isn’t technically the demographic that would most likely support these issues,” he said.

Vote Against 301 is opposed to the ban reversal--i.e., it wants dispensaries to remain closed. The group’s website cites child and community safety as its primary concerns.    

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