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November 3, 2026 Active

Colorado: Increased Fentanyl Penalties

State of Colorado

Colorado Initiative 85 would establish higher felony classifications and mandatory penalties for the manufacturing, dispensing, sale, and possession of fentanyl. The measure responds to the devastating fentanyl crisis that has killed tens of thousands of Americans.

Colorado has been criticized by law enforcement for its relatively lenient drug penalties, and this measure would significantly strengthen consequences for fentanyl-related offenses.

RESOLUTE Citizen Analysis

Protecting communities from the scourge of fentanyl is a matter of loving one's neighbor. Stronger penalties for those who profit from deadly substances serve justice and protect the vulnerable.

"Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also."

— Habakkuk 2:15 (KJV)

Sources & Resources

Ballotpedia - Colorado 2026 Ballot MeasuresBrownstein - Colorado Ballot Tracker