New Mexico Democrat Ortiz y Pino: Legalization bill at start of session

[RainDog]

A day after Colorado opened its doors to the legalized sale of recreational marijuana, a state senator said New Mexico should consider following suit.

Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, an Albuquerque Democrat, said he will introduce a constitutional amendment proposal to legalize recreational marijuana when the Legislature convenes this month.

The constitutional amendment would go on the general election ballot this November if approved by both the House and Senate. Constitutional amendment proposals go straight from the Legislature to voters, and Gov. Susana Martinez would not be able to act on the measure if it were approved by lawmakers.

Martinez, a Republican and a former district attorney, opposes drug legalization.

Ortiz y Pino said it was time to let the American public decide whether to keep marijuana illegal.

The Republican governor and Republican legislators have indicated a desire to continue the failed war on drugs while a neighboring state has moved on to the 21st century.

http://www.abqjournal.com/330203/news/legislator-wants-nm-constitutional-amendment-to-legalize-pot.html
(you have to answer a silly question to read the article... yes, I have been to CA.)