Only weeks after becoming the first city to decriminalize magic mushrooms, Denver has now passed a bill “defelonizing” single-use possession of all Schedule I and II drugs.
The law, which will come into effect in 2020, now makes it a misdemeanor rather than a felony to possess small amounts of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, and meth.
Dealers or those possessing more than that deemed for personal use will still face felony charges for possession.
Although Thailand recently legalized medical marijuana, those caught possessing cannabis without a prescription from a certified medical practictioner can face lengthy jail times and/or steep fines under Thai drug laws.
Advocates for the legislation argue that the change will save taxpayer money as well as put more of an emphasis on helping drug users rather than merely arresting them.
In fact, according to Denver’s Joint Budget Committee, the bill will save $8.6 million to $13.7 million in the first five years of its implementation.
Those saved resources will be used by the city to fund treatment centers for drug addicts.
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