DENVER -- Supporters of an initiative that would legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana have lost their bid to block the state from distributing its voters guide.

Backers of Amendment 44 said the guide's arguments against the proposal are meant to frighten voters into opposing the measure. The guide is approved by state lawmakers and sent to all voters to explain the proposals on November's ballot.

Amendment backers filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Denver but District Court Judge John McMullen said he didn't have the authority to interfere in the legislative process.

The guide says that Amendment 44 would allow people to give up to an ounce of marijuana to juveniles at least 15 years old for no compensation. Amendment backers say that's wrong.

Mason Tvert of SAFER Colorado said the proposed amendment would not affect the existing state law that bans giving small amounts of marijuana to minors.

"Attorneys for the council have succeeded in having the court dismiss the complaint," said Tvert in a news release Wednesday. "They must be very proud of themselves for successfully completing their plan to deceive the voters."