[JURIST] Denver voters have approved a measure that makes it the first large American city to legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The measure, which passed with 54 percent of the vote [official results], allows adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of marijuana without penalty. A handful of other cities, including Seattle and Oakland, have laws saying that marijuana possession is a "low priority" for police and a dozen states have already decriminalized the possession of small amounts, although fines can still be issued. Still Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper [official website], who opposed the measure, said police will continue to arrest and charge people for marijuana because state law still makes possession illegal and a city may only enforce stricter laws, not weaker ones. USA Today has more; the Rocky Mountain News has local coverage.