Colorado election results certified

Election Day was a month ago, but the results aren’t official until Colorado’s secretary of state certifies them.

The certifications are expected Thursday, with a formal declaration from Secretary of State Scott Gessler.

Items on the agenda include the state’s marijuana amendment, which bucks federal drug law and gives people the right to smoke pot without a doctor’s permission. Gov. John Hickenlooper has 30 days once the vote is certified to declare the amendment part of the state constitution. Hickenlooper doesn’t get veto power over the voter-approved amendment, which means marijuana legalization will be in the state constitution by Jan. 5.

Marijuana legalization in the state of Washington takes effect on Thursday.