On Monday, the Denver City Council voted to decriminalize marijuana possession for people between the ages of 18 and 21 starting Jan 1.
While the measure still has to undergo a final vote, the amount of support behind the proposed law ensures that it will most likely be passed. The proposal was introduced to reduce the number of minors who obtain a criminal record for possessing marijuana.
People in the 18 to 21 age group will still pay fines for holding on to the drug, but they will no longer face jail time or a permanent conviction on their records
Last year, Colorado legalized marijuana possession and use for individuals aged 21 and over. But the 18 to 25 age group is the largest demographic to possess and smoke marijuana, meaning that the previous law failed to account for a substantial portion of marijuana users.
“We do not want this age group to be to have their legs cut off before they get started in life,” said City Council Member Albus Brooks.
However, the city council is also considering a law that would ban marijuana industry businesses within 1,000 feet of a school.
The City Council will likely unanimously pass the measure into law on Dec 23.