Leadville Considers Decriminalizing Marijuana, Ballot Initiative Likely

Leadville may join the ranks of small Colorado mountain towns in decriminalizing marijuana through a ballot initiative. The vote, to occur in the fall, would legalize possession of an ounce or less for private use by adults 21 years or older.

Breckenridge legalized marijuana possession in 2009 via a ballot initiative in November. The measure, however, has been largely symbolic as possession remains a crime at the state level for people without medical clearance.

Unlike Breckenridge, Leadville's initiative may not include decriminalizing paraphernalia. According to Summit Daily News, Leadville's city clerk noted that support for decriminalization at a recent meeting was evenly split.

Aspen, Colorado, is also considering an initiative, though the city has yet to see an actual measure proposed. The Aspen Daily News reports that attorney Lauren Maytin, who serves on the board of NORML, a nonprofit working to reform the nation's marijuana laws, is aware of "a discussion happening about what a proposal should be for Aspen."

These ballot initiatives come on the heels of heightened debate on medical marijuana in the state of Colorado as marijuana dispensaries crop up in the wake of President Obama's decision not to arrest medical marijuana providers who comply with state law. Legislation is currently being debated in the state legislature that would place restrictions on medical marijuana facilities.