Denver scales back proposed pot rules, would allow back yard smoking

[Jesus Malverde]

Denver has scaled back a proposed law against open and public consumption of marijuana after an earlier version would have banned even the smell of pot from people's backyards.

A new draft of the law to be introduced to City Council on Monday would allow people to smoke in their backyards, would let them possess marijuana in parks and on the 16th Street Mall, and would make violations petty offenses that carry a maximum $100 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.

"Compromise is alive and well in the city and county of Denver," said Councilman Chris Nevitt, who worked with Mayor Michael Hancock's office to draft the proposed law.

Initially, the law would have forbidden people from smoking marijuana in their backyards, made it illegal to possess pot in parks and on the 16th Street Mall, and levied penalties of up to $999 and a year in jail.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24412660/denver-scales-back-proposed-pot-rules-would-allow

[Spitfire of ATJ]

1. Ah,...the smell of back yard barbecues just got replaced as a favorite smell.