The Denver Post editorial page (Feb. 5) is in a tizzy because Greenwood Village has “defied the Colorado constitution” in banning the transportation of marijuana through any public space. Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution, passed last November, permitted just such an act. But Greenwood Village has said that marijuana may not be transported in any public area or building, including streets, roads, highways, sidewalks and trails in Greenwood Village.
“Are city officials under the impression that a constitutional amendment can be edited by local communities even after it has passed?” asks the Post incredulously.
To which we would riposte:
“Are citizens of a state under the impression that a federal law can be edited by themselves, according to their whim?” The last time we heard that argument was by secessionist states in 1860 and 1861.
It seems to have escaped the Post and other state officials that marijuana remains forbidden by federal law.
Clearly, the conflict between federal and Colorado state law will need to be sorted out by the courts, or the federal law will have to be abandoned, or the Colorado amendment repealed. Until such time as any one of these happens, it’s clearly legitimate for any Colorado municipality to act in accordance with federal law. Which is exactly what Greenwood Village has done.
Copyright © 2013 by the Intermountain Jewish News
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