[420 Girl]

Colorado - The city of Fort Collins will hold a community open house to discuss potential medical marijuana dispensary regulations from 4-7 p.m. Jan. 21 in the Community Room at 215 N. Mason St.

Fort Collins City Council imposed a moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries Dec. 1 that is set to end March 31.

The council will hear a staff presentation on this issue at a work session Feb. 9.

First reading of an ordinance establishing regulations is scheduled for the March 2 council meeting.

The city seeks feedback on the potential regulations, which include licensing requirements, land-use restrictions, restrictions on grow operations and regulations regarding the way in which dispensaries are operated.

Medical Marijuana

Issue
In November 2000, Coloradoans passed Amendment 20 allowing for the medical use of marijuana for people suffering from debilitating medical conditions. This Amendment tasked the Colorado Department of Health and Environment with implementing and administering a Medical Marijuana Registry program. The State did not, and does not currently, regulate beyond the patient registry program.

Local Moratorium
Recently, Fort Collins and other communities have seen a significant rise in Medical Marijuana Dispensaries (MMDs) including those operating as home occupations in residential neighborhoods. Because of this sudden increase in MMD sales tax license requests and because the City of Fort Collins does not have specific regulation regarding MMDs, City Council imposed a moratorium on any new MMD licenses through March 31, 2010.

Next Steps and Public Input
During the moratorium, City staff is conducting research and public outreach and developing proposed regulations to take back to City Council. Currently, the first reading of a draft ordinance is scheduled to be heard on March 2, 2010. The public meeting schedule includes:

•Public Open House-January 21, 4 to 7 pm, Community Room 215 N mason
•City Council Work Session-February 9, 6 p.m. in Council Chambers
•Planning and Zoning Board-February 18, 6 p.m. in Council Chambers
•City Council Regular Meeting March 2, 6 p.m. in Council Chambers
•City Council Regular Meeting-March 16, 6 p.m. in Council Chambers
Residents may also contact Ginny Sawyer at gsawyer@fcgov.com or 970-224-6070 for questions or comments.



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