Federal Judge Strikes Down Restriction On Cannabis Magazines
A federal judge today struck down a controversial Colorado provision which, if enforced, would have required stores to sell cannabis-themed magazines – such as High Times
– behind the counter, just as the state treats pornography. The provision was passed as part of a broad set of regulations for the newly-legal recreational cannabis industry.
The provision would have taken effect on July 1st. Multiple lawsuits on behalf of book-sellers were filed against the state, and Colorado’s attorney general recently ruled that the provision is unconstitutional, stating that he wouldn’t defend it in court. The new ruling came from U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch.
“The defendants have conceded the invalidity of the code provision cited in the complaints,” stated Matsch.
“We commend the state for agreeing to stop this suppression of ideas before it started,” stated Mark Silverstein, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, “All people have the right to read and share their ideas free of government interference.”
The decision is a definite victory, and will hopefully dissuade other states from attempting to pass a similar provision.
– TheJointBlog
Stephen Woodcraft
If only we had something like this in England.