New Marijuana Law in Lafayette On Back Burner

LAFAYETTE — A proposed city law change that would raise the fine for marijuana possession by 10 times appears to have gone up in smoke.

In February, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would repeal Lafayette's $100 fine for cannabis possession and increase the possible penalty to a maximum $1,000 fine and a year in jail. Controversy followed, with a backup municipal judge resigning over the matter and protests from the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups.

A discussion on the matter that the council had scheduled for April was postponed, and city officials now say the matter is on the back burner indefinitely.

"It's on hold," said Gary Klaphake, Lafayette's city administrator. "And that's not an editorial on whether it's good or bad or whether we should or shouldn't; it's about time management."

Klaphake said taking up the issue would likely result in thousands of e-mails and phone calls to the city, as well as public hearings with hours of testimony from those on all sides.

"That's such a huge distraction for such a minimal return," Klaphake said.

The city has more pressing matters to deal with — such as budgets, street repairs and a new police station — that affect more residents, he said.

That's good news to marijuana-reform group Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation, which joined with several other Colorado organizations to oppose the ordinance.

"We're very glad to see that the city of Lafayette isn't going to spend any more time worrying about a drug that's less harmful than alcohol," said SAFER executive director Mason Tvert.

City Councilman David Strungis, who voted against the ordinance on first reading, said he thinks the issue will eventually come back up. He still isn't in favor of it, though.

"The punishment should fit the crime," Strungis said. "The fact that someone could spend up to a year in jail or pay a $1,000 fine for something that's a misdemeanor seems too far away from the crime for me."

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