[420 Girl]

STERLING, CO — The Sterling city council voted unanimously in support of the first reading extending the temporary moratorium on issuance of sales tax licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries.

The sale of medical marijuana and the surge of attacks against the dispensaries has become an issue in Denver area communities as several businesses have been broken into and robbed.

“Every day, there are two or three articles in there (the Denver Post), pro or con,” said councilman Jerry Haynes. “All we can do is what we’re doing, extend the moratorium.”

Councilman Rocky Joy agreed. He said he addressed the medical marijuana issue when he was on a city council while living in California. He said it was a balance between local and federal laws.

“For right now, I agree. We just need to let it lie and see what the state does,” he said. He said he would consider a strong stance against medical marijuana at a later time if the city can legally do so.

Joy stressed that he does have compassion for people who need marijuana medically, but is concerned about the people who might follow the industry to this area seeking it for non-medical purposes.

Councilman Mark Fuller also urged caution when addressing medical marijuana dispensaries.

“We spent a lot of money on the water wars. I don’t think we need to spend money on this,” Fuller said.

The council asked how many residents of the Sterling area can legally use
marijuana. City Manager Joe Kiolbasa said research by city staff has shown there are 54 people east of Interstate 25 and north of I-70 who can legally possess marijuana for medical purposes.

Mayor Larry Fetzer said he would like input from Sterling Police Chief Roy Breivik before the council makes a final decision.

“I know that the police in Vail urged their council to vote absolutely no, and they did that,” he said.


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