9:23 — 64 and 301 watch party at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins

Shouts of “woo-hoo!” and “hurray!” came from Fort Collins resident Brie Hawley’s table as the news was announced that Colorado Amendment 64 had passed, making Colorado the first state in the nation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Hawley, however, felt that it’s going to be more difficult now for growers until marijuana is federally legalized.

“I’m all for it,” said Jesse Festa. “I’m originally from California. I think it’s a boost to the economy and it’s a natural drug — coffee is a natural drug and that’s legal.”

Josh Pearl thought the passage of Amendment 64 would make for an interesting transition from medicinal regulation to alcohol- and tobacco-style regulation.

9:05

9 News Denver announced that Amendment 64, which proposes to regulate marijuana like alcohol, has passed in the state of Colorado. If correct, all adults over the age of 21 will now be able to possess and smoke up to one ounce of marijuana.

Stay with the Collegian for reactions from Amendment 64 supporters and opponents.

8:30 p.m. — 64 and 301 watch party at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins

According to the Larimer County Clerk, after counting approximately 144,000 votes, Amendment 64 is currently leading in Larimer County with “yes” votes accounting for 54 percent. Support for Question 301, which would repeal the ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in Fort Collins, is also leading with 54 percent of the vote.

“I’m not very surprised,” said Fort Collins community member Brooke Osborne. “I am surprised that 64 is doing poorly on a state level.”

Osborne said she got a sense that the Fort Collins community was displeased with the large number of dispensaries and that would make it less likely for Question 301 to pass.

“The sentiment seems more positive toward 64 on a state level, but more negative towards dispensaries everywhere in Fort Collins,” Osborne said.

8:21 p.m.

According to the unofficial results from the Larimer County Clerks Office, 144,826 votes have been counted toward Amendment 64 and Question 301 in Larimer County.

Passage of Amen. 64 currently leads 53.98 percent to 46.02 percent. “Yes” votes for Question 301 also currently lead 54 percent to 46 percent.

7:41 p.m. — 64 and 301 watch party at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins

Approximately 70 people are currently gathered in Avogadro’s Number to watch live election coverage from MSNBC on the large projector screen.  Roughly 30 more people are mingling in the bar area.

The vibe here at the Amendment 64/Question 301 partyLargely seems to be generally Democratic, as cheers go up repeatedly when Pres. Obama and other Democrat candidates are announced as winners of certain states.

Former Fort Collins dispensary owner Steve Ackerman said he believed that both Amendment 64 and Question 301 would pass in this election.

“There is a larger voter turnout,” Ackerman said.

Ackerman and other members at his table were keeping track of Amendment 64 and Question 301 online, as only national Congress and Presidential election coverage was being shown on the projector screen.

6:55 p.m. — 64 and 301 watch party at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins

George Hayduke said he’s at Avo’s tonight to fight the stereotype that young people are not engaged or involved. Hayduke is in support of Amendment 64 and Initiative Question 301.

“If it (the money) is going towards schools, that’s where the future is at,” Hayduke said.

Mark Keating also supported both Amendment 64 and Initiative Question 301.

“Maybe they (dispensaries) shouldn’t be everywhere where kids can see them, but I’m all for regulating it,” Keating said.

Kelsey King, also present at the watch party, said she supported both pieces of legislation because the money used to prevent drug abuse could instead generate revenue for schools and our economy.

6:35 — 64 and 301 watch party at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins

By 6:30 p.m., approximately 30 people had gathered at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins to watch tonight’s election results. Former dispensary owner Steve Ackerman was present as part of the Initiative Question 301 support group.

Election coverage had not yet started and was still being set up. Families, students and community members continued to dine and drink at the bar.

Scene: Several tables and chairs set up in the open room between the bar and restaurant. Large projector screen at the front with two large speakers. People of all ages. Mostly students and an assortment of middle-aged people. No coverage on the screen yet. Some people are eating dinner, others are just drinking.

6 p.m.

Up for vote tonight are two pieces of legislation that may affect marijuana use in the city of Fort Collins.

Amendment 64 would legalize and regulate marijuana in Colorado similarly to alcohol for individuals 21 years old and older. The amendment would modify Colorado’s constitution to allow these individuals to possess, use, grow and transfer up to one ounce of marijuana or up to six marijuana plants, with some restrictions.

Initiative Question 301 would overturn the ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in Fort Collins city limits. If passed it would also impose a limit on the number of dispensaries in Fort Collins, with one dispensary allowed per 500 patients registered to Larimer County. This would limit the number of dispensaries in Fort Collins to about eight or nine.

Collegian reporter Emily Smith is attending a local watch party for both pieces of legislation, and will report with live updates as events unfold.

Stay with the Collegian for pictures, tweets and updates.