Hickenlooper certifies passage of Amendment 64, creates implementation committee

Gov. John Hickenlooper formalized Monday the decriminalization of marijuana use and possession in small quantities by signing an executive order certifying the voters' approval of amendment 64.

Hickenlooper also announced the establishment of a committee to develop plans for implementation of the new constitutional amendment.

"Voters were loud and clear on Election Day," Hickenlooper said. "We will begin working immediately with the General Assembly and state agencies to implement Amendment 64."

The new Task Force on the Implementation of Amendment 64 will include, among other members, legislators, law enforcement officers, marijuana legalization advocates, and representatives of counties and municipalities. Hickenlooper named 24 individuals to the committee. 

The panel is expected to produce a report by Feb. 28. It will be chaired by the governor's chief lawyer, Jack  Finlaw, and Department of Revenue executive director Barbara Brohl.