Pot tax opponents greet Colorado governor

Marijuana activists who say Colorado’s proposed tax on pot is too high protested outside a Denver appearance by Gov. John Hickenlooper by handing out free joints.

Hickenlooper attended a fundraiser for the campaign to support taxes of at least 25 percent. The taxes are on November ballots.

Colorado voters will consider 15 percent excise taxes to fund school construction. They’ll also be asked to approve 10 to 15 percent sales taxes to fund enforcement of the new marijuana laws.

Some legalization activists say the taxes are too high and will keep pot smokers in the black market. They protested outside the fundraiser by handing out free joints to people over 21. They said beer is taxed less than the proposed pot rate.