Denver Cops Keep Hands Off Marijuana Giveaway

Not worth the hassle

A high-ranking Denver police official on Tuesday defended the department's decision to stand down while scores of people lit up marijuana joints at a free pot giveaway in Civic Center park.

Deputy Chief David Quinones said the department wasn't about to incite a riot on Monday over a petty offense.

Hundreds of people lined up Monday morning to get free joints during an event organized by opponents of Proposition AA, a statewide ballot question over taxing retail marijuana sales.

Many got their pot and sparked up in front of television cameras and news photographers, riling city council members who have been fearful that the new marijuana law will damage Denver's image.