A Colorado police chief says smoking marijuana can still earn violators a ticket despite the town's vote to largely decriminalize pot.

Residents of the resort town of Breckenridge overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure Tuesday that allows adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.

The Summit Daily News in Frisco, Colo., said state law still prohibits possession, which gives police the authority to write up a summons if officers think the situation warrants it.

"We'll still have tools at our disposal," said Chief Rick Holman.

Breckenridge officers cited three people under the state law last year and Holman said he did not expect the ballot measure to have a noticeable effect on law enforcement when it takes effect Jan. 1.