Pueblo, Colorado - Public discussion about possibly extending the moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries will be front and center tonight at City Council.
And Tom Sexton, who has been up front with city leaders about opening Pueblo's first dispensary, said he's disheartened by his belief there's a good chance an extension will be approved.
On Nov. 2, council members voted unanimously to begin a 90-day moratorium on licensing dispensaries. About 60 days have passed since that meeting.
"I don't understand this urgency to pass this second moratorium when you have another six weeks from now to create (city) policies (on dispensaries). It's a little suspicious," Sexton said in a phone interview Sunday.
"Maybe there's some notoriety in rushing this thing through now before (newly elected council members take office). Pueblo politics seems to work backward. But, we'll see. I don't think we'll be quite as vocal in supporting the second moratorium." Sexton is trying to open a MediMar Ministry dispensary and wellness center at 112 Colorado Ave.
He and his staff have had open discussions with city leaders and law enforcement officials about the services he wants to offer and about establishing a reputable business.
Sexton said there is a need for a dispensary in Pueblo and the moratorium has been an inconvenience to patients, his employees and a business he's invested in.
"It's never been our intent to be a big business.
It was to get (clients) out of our living room and into a safe business," Sexton said. "Given the inconvenience, we're still committed to our patients, but we're operating like the city wants us to do, which is in the shadows."
The medical marijuana issue is one Colorado cities are struggling with zoning and ordinance regulations. Some have made ordinances and are collecting sales tax money, like Colorado Springs, which has 14 dispensaries.
The idea behind the moratorium extension in Pueblo is to wait for the state General Assembly to convene and take action on the matter. The federal government already has said it will not prosecute cases involving medical marijuana patients or caregivers in states where its allowed.
Colorado is one of 14 states that allows medical marijuana.
Sexton's lawyer, Jim Oliver, argues the matter is a local issue.
"The city of Denver and Colorado Springs are taking this on and are drafting regulations," Oliver said.
"I don't think what the state's going to do is going to help the city in creating its own regulations," added Sexton.
The public hearing starts at 5:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall.
News Hawk- Weedpipe 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: The Pueblo Chieftain
Author: NICK BONHAM
Contact: The Pueblo Chieftain Online ::
Copyright: 2009 The Pueblo Chieftain
Website:The Pueblo Chieftain :: Medical pot moratorium before council
And Tom Sexton, who has been up front with city leaders about opening Pueblo's first dispensary, said he's disheartened by his belief there's a good chance an extension will be approved.
On Nov. 2, council members voted unanimously to begin a 90-day moratorium on licensing dispensaries. About 60 days have passed since that meeting.
"I don't understand this urgency to pass this second moratorium when you have another six weeks from now to create (city) policies (on dispensaries). It's a little suspicious," Sexton said in a phone interview Sunday.
"Maybe there's some notoriety in rushing this thing through now before (newly elected council members take office). Pueblo politics seems to work backward. But, we'll see. I don't think we'll be quite as vocal in supporting the second moratorium." Sexton is trying to open a MediMar Ministry dispensary and wellness center at 112 Colorado Ave.
He and his staff have had open discussions with city leaders and law enforcement officials about the services he wants to offer and about establishing a reputable business.
Sexton said there is a need for a dispensary in Pueblo and the moratorium has been an inconvenience to patients, his employees and a business he's invested in.
"It's never been our intent to be a big business.
It was to get (clients) out of our living room and into a safe business," Sexton said. "Given the inconvenience, we're still committed to our patients, but we're operating like the city wants us to do, which is in the shadows."
The medical marijuana issue is one Colorado cities are struggling with zoning and ordinance regulations. Some have made ordinances and are collecting sales tax money, like Colorado Springs, which has 14 dispensaries.
The idea behind the moratorium extension in Pueblo is to wait for the state General Assembly to convene and take action on the matter. The federal government already has said it will not prosecute cases involving medical marijuana patients or caregivers in states where its allowed.
Colorado is one of 14 states that allows medical marijuana.
Sexton's lawyer, Jim Oliver, argues the matter is a local issue.
"The city of Denver and Colorado Springs are taking this on and are drafting regulations," Oliver said.
"I don't think what the state's going to do is going to help the city in creating its own regulations," added Sexton.
The public hearing starts at 5:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall.
News Hawk- Weedpipe 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: The Pueblo Chieftain
Author: NICK BONHAM
Contact: The Pueblo Chieftain Online ::
Copyright: 2009 The Pueblo Chieftain
Website:The Pueblo Chieftain :: Medical pot moratorium before council