Activists Push 'Grass' Roots Campaigns

Pot penalties go up in smoke in two municipalities
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 10, 2007 6:54 PM CST

Two Rocky Mountain municipalities have pared back penalties for cannabis users, joining a growing group of US cities, Time reports. Hailey, Idaho (pop. 8,500) and Denver joined the list this week during elections. Voters in the Mile-High City, whose mayor has admitted past pot use, are letting users get away with having an ounce of grass or less.

Denver's drive had liberal funding, but the Hailey plan was spearheaded by a lone activist with 20 bucks. “This was the least funded campaign in history,” said Ryan Davidson. The victory puts Hailey in league with cities in California, Seattle, and Montana that have minimized pot penalties. Thirty-eight other states still lock up first-time users, and federal law demands a $1,000 fine and one year in jail for possession. (More marijuana stories.)

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