Watch CBS News

Tom Tancredo Announces His Support Of Legalizing Marijuana

DENVER (AP) - Marijuana legalization backers in Colorado are trying to get the word out that support for legal pot isn't all on the left.

A few Libertarian-leaning Republicans are on board, too.

Legalization activists held a Capitol event Tuesday to promote the support of former Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo. Tancredo says he's never used marijuana but find its prohibition "nanny-state" interference.

Also on hand were members of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Colorado, who back marijuana legalizations.

The conservatives cited states' rights while talking about marijuana. They also argued that youth access to the drug could be reduced and not expanded if marijuana were legal without a doctor's recommendation. That opinion is not shared by many in the Republican Party.

Colorado is one of three states considering ballot measures to legalize pot.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.