After discussing and hearing input last week on whether medical marijuana businesses should be allowed in Castle Rock, Town Council is set to consider a 120-day moratorium on approving such businesses.
Council will vote on the proposed moratorium at its Tuesday, Nov. 3, meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St. If an extraordinary majority of Councilmembers vote for the moratorium, it would go into effect at midnight that night. If the ordinance passes with less than six votes, Council most likely will consider it on second reading on Nov. 10.
The moratorium would prohibit the Town from "accepting, processing or approving MMD (medical marijuana dispensary) or plant-growing operations." It would prohibit the distribution or cultivation of medical marijuana for financial gain. It would not "apply to or affect medical marijuana commerce that has all required Town approvals, permits and licenses" as of the effective date.
Two dispensaries have received business licenses and been cleared to open in Castle Rock, and two others have applications pending. In addition, the Town receives inquiries daily as to its rules regarding medical marijuana businesses.
Colorado voters in 2000 approved Amendment 20 to the Colorado Constitution, which allows caregivers to provide medical marijuana to patients suffering from "debilitating medical conditions" who have state-issued registry cards. However, the dispensaries did not become common throughout the state until this year, when the federal government ended its enforcement of dispensaries in states where medical marijuana is allowed.
The moratorium ordinance on which Council will vote Tuesday says that allowing medical marijuana businesses to operate in Town "without certain constraints and restrictions will have an adverse impact on the health, safety and welfare of the community." Therefore, regulations will be considered and enacted as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the ordinance says, a moratorium is necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare.
Questions? Contact Town Development Services Director Bill Detweiler, 720-733-3530 or
bdetweiler@CRgov.com.