SAM Magazine-Breckenridge, Colo., Nov. 4, 2009-Breckenridge voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to make it legal to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana, as the issue received 71 percent support in Tuesday's election.

As a result, effective Jan. 1, people 21 and older in Breckenridge will be able to legally possess small amounts of marijuana. While possession remains illegal under state law, Breckenridge police chief Rick Holman said his department will "still have the ability to exercise discretion," according to the Summit Daily News. In the past, the chief has said that pursuit of pot smokers was not a major priority. The vote, supporters say, will further encourage local law enforcement to leave average recreational pot smokers alone.