The Denver City Council made a surprise move yesterday, reversing an earlier decision that would have banned smoking marijuana on private property if it was in public view, reports the Denver Post. If the bill passes on a final vote next week, Denver residents will be able to smoke on their front yards, front porches or anywhere on their properties, regardless of whether it is visible from the street, sidewalk or anywhere else.
Councilmember Susan Shepherd said the law banning front-yard smoking was against the will of the people, infringed on private property rights and was unfair to people depending on the type of property they own. “It will lead to people snitching on their neighbors,” she said. The council has been wrestling with this issue for several weeks, beginning with a bill would have put severe restrictions on outdoor smoking on private properties. That version would have banned smoking in backyards if it could be smelled by neighbors.