Mesa County authorities oppose Amendment 64

The campaign to regulate marijuana like alcohol is receiving support from various members of the law enforcement.

Mesa County authorities, however, are going on the record to oppose Amendment 64.

"The truth of it is, the majority of cops and the majority of judges, nearly all of them don't," Mesa County Sheriff Stan Hilkey said.

Sheriff Hilkey says all the research and science is there, showing why legalizing marijuana isn't right for Colorado.

"There are so many different elements about it that make it a nightmare for public safety," Sheriff Hilkey said.

If passed, Amendment 64 would make it legal to grow, transport and sell marijuana for recreational use.

For anyone 21 and older, it'll be legal to possess and consume up to one ounce of the drug.

This is one of the nation’s biggest pushes for the pot legalization, and supporters are ramping up their efforts.

"Money buys elections there's no doubt about it,” Sheriff Hilkey said. “The amount of money that outside influences are spending to get this amendment passed is frightening."

Those backing Amendment 64 suggest ending marijuana prohibition will benefit local law enforcement, allowing them to redirect limited resources toward preventing more serious crime.

Mesa County’s district attorney says that's a fair argument, but in an interview earlier this week Pete Hautzinger explained why he's against Amendment 64.

“Certainly we in law enforcement have other crimes to focus our attention on,” District Attorney, Pete Hautzinger, said. “If I could focus all my energies on rapes, meth dealers, and murderers that would be great, but that doesn't mean that legalizing marijuana is the best thing for our kids or our community. I’m still going to be opposing it.”

Federal law will continue to ban the production, manufacture, transportation and distribution of marijuana in Colorado regardless of the voters' decision on Amendment 64.