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• Tuesday, June 13, 2006 10:25 AM

  reefer madness

  As the prosecutor who infamously moved to dismiss the first case that challenged Denver's prosecution of pot cases under the CO state law after the city ordinance was voted out, I have felt the wrath of both sides of this debate. First, former friends who posted blog entries seeking photos of me doing drugs "back in the day." Second, law enforcement types thinking I'd rolled over in the face of public opposition to the continued prosecution of pot in Denver. Third, pot activists who also insisted I'd rolled over in the face of their public opposition. I still can't believe the heat I took from every available direction. And I do mean every. But I can still walk outside the Courthouse and smell pot wafting in from the park across the street. And all the drug stings and prosecutions won't change a thing. Maybe the smokers will move during serious crackdowns, maybe not. Yet, in order to prosecute domestic violence cases and family violence cases, etc. I have made the Faustian bargain of prosecuting pot cases. The regulars in my courtroom know the score, it's just the activists on both sides who make the thing such a charade. Something must be done and it's not going to come from DC or any statehouse. CO is going to vote on the state law soon (we hope), and it should be an interesting barometer of what is to come next. The status quo is simply untenable.

  —rawly Read rawly's other letters
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