Jacob Bell
New Member
Fort Collins voters will decide whether medical marijuana businesses may continue to operate in the city.
The City Council on Tuesday agreed to place an ordinance that would prohibit marijuana dispensaries and grow operations on the Nov. 1 ballot. The ordinance was supported by more than 4,500 petition signatures.
The council had the choice of adopting the ordinance as written or referring it to voters. Council members said voters should decide the controversial issue, which has divided the community for more than two years.
About 60 people spoke on the issue, with number speaking for and against the dispensary model for distributing medical marijuana currently allowed by the city nearly evenly divided.
Some speakers urged the council to adopt the ban outright, saying the city shouldn't become known and the center for marijuana distribution. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is allowed under the state Constitution, but its growth, sale and possession is still illegal under federal.
Local banker Mark Driscoll said the city should not be in the position of permitting activities that are against the law.
"These dispensaries are in violation of federal law; the city in licensing them is in violation of federal law," he said.
Other speakers said the presence of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city has led to the impression amongst the city's youth that using marijuana carries no risks. Several speakers told heart-wrenching stories of children falling into drug addiction by initially using marijuana.
Drug use and expulsions in local schools have increased since dispensaries open in Fort Collins, said Patrick Albright, a member of the Poudre School District board of education.
But others talked about the benefits of medical marijuana and the relief it brings patients who suffer from chronic pain and nausea. Local resident Kevin Carlan said strict regulation of marijuana will keep it out of the hands of youngsters.
The current dispensary system shouldn't be thrown "off the table," he said.
"The target is on the back of the wrong people," he said.
Steve Ackerman of the Fort Collins Medical Cannabis Association said dispensaries are in commercial areas that can be easily monitored by local and state authorities.
Fort Collins has 21 licensed medical marijuana businesses. Other regional communities have banned marijuana businesses, including Loveland, Windsor and Greeley.
Critics of medical marijuana say the dispensary model that emerged around the state about two years ago is not what voters intended when they approved an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that allows the use of marijuana for debilitating medical conditions.
Mayor Karen Weitkunat said the city is going to have an interesting conversation in the coming months before voters make their decision.
"I look forward to the discussion and the ensuing debate ... I'm sure the people will make the right choice."
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: coloradoan.com
Author: Kevin Duggan
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: coloradoan.com
Website: Fort Collins voters to decide fate of medical marijuana businesses
The City Council on Tuesday agreed to place an ordinance that would prohibit marijuana dispensaries and grow operations on the Nov. 1 ballot. The ordinance was supported by more than 4,500 petition signatures.
The council had the choice of adopting the ordinance as written or referring it to voters. Council members said voters should decide the controversial issue, which has divided the community for more than two years.
About 60 people spoke on the issue, with number speaking for and against the dispensary model for distributing medical marijuana currently allowed by the city nearly evenly divided.
Some speakers urged the council to adopt the ban outright, saying the city shouldn't become known and the center for marijuana distribution. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is allowed under the state Constitution, but its growth, sale and possession is still illegal under federal.
Local banker Mark Driscoll said the city should not be in the position of permitting activities that are against the law.
"These dispensaries are in violation of federal law; the city in licensing them is in violation of federal law," he said.
Other speakers said the presence of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city has led to the impression amongst the city's youth that using marijuana carries no risks. Several speakers told heart-wrenching stories of children falling into drug addiction by initially using marijuana.
Drug use and expulsions in local schools have increased since dispensaries open in Fort Collins, said Patrick Albright, a member of the Poudre School District board of education.
But others talked about the benefits of medical marijuana and the relief it brings patients who suffer from chronic pain and nausea. Local resident Kevin Carlan said strict regulation of marijuana will keep it out of the hands of youngsters.
The current dispensary system shouldn't be thrown "off the table," he said.
"The target is on the back of the wrong people," he said.
Steve Ackerman of the Fort Collins Medical Cannabis Association said dispensaries are in commercial areas that can be easily monitored by local and state authorities.
Fort Collins has 21 licensed medical marijuana businesses. Other regional communities have banned marijuana businesses, including Loveland, Windsor and Greeley.
Critics of medical marijuana say the dispensary model that emerged around the state about two years ago is not what voters intended when they approved an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that allows the use of marijuana for debilitating medical conditions.
Mayor Karen Weitkunat said the city is going to have an interesting conversation in the coming months before voters make their decision.
"I look forward to the discussion and the ensuing debate ... I'm sure the people will make the right choice."
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: coloradoan.com
Author: Kevin Duggan
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: coloradoan.com
Website: Fort Collins voters to decide fate of medical marijuana businesses
