Article Contributed on: 10/25/2009 12:21:05 PM
Golden Adopts Temporary Moratorium on New Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Medical marijuana dispensaries are the locations where individuals can fill prescriptions for medical marijuana related to painful chronic or terminal illnesses. Most medical marijuana use is associated with painful chronic or terminal illnesses like some cancers.
Golden has never had a dispensary, so when the first two applications were submitted in recent weeks the city council looked closely at the code and decided that it already imposes substantial limitations on where they can locate.
Council did not anticipate the flood of applications that is now sweeping across the Front Range, and the count now totals four new businesses and another half-dozen or more people who've expressed an interest.
When Colorado's voters adopted Amendment 20 ("The Medical Use of Marijuana Act") in 2000, they clearly said they believe medical marijuana dispensaries should be legal, and Golden is going to honor that constitutional amendment, but wants to make sure there is thoughtful, responsible rules governing their location and use.
Staff is doing research on how other cities are handling dispensaries, and within a few months they will report back and City Council will figure out a long-term approach. In the meantime, City Council adopted a temporary moratorium on any new dispensaries.
Jacob Smith, mayor Golden