Pubdate: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) Copyright: 2010 The Gazette Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/ Website: http://www.gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165 Author: Eileen Welsome COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUES County commissioners will consider three medical marijuana items at their weekly board meeting Thursday, including whether to ask voters in November if marijuana-related businesses should be banned in unincorporated El Paso County. Commissioner Amy Lathen, who represents eastern El Paso County, said: "The right place for resolution of the issue is on the ballot. I trust the people." Commissioner Wayne Williams,who represents the northern part of the county, agreed. "Given the way the state Legislature structured the law, the appropriate thing to do is let voters make the decision." Dennis Hisey, chairman, said he had "mixed feelings" and wants to hear from both sides. Hisey said he's concerned that a ban would drive the marijuana businesses underground. If a measure does go to voters and is approved, medical marijuana centers, grow operations and manufacturers in the unincorporated part of the county would have to close their doors by Nov. 30. The proposed ban would not impact the constitutionally protected use of medical marijuana by patients or their primary caregivers. All three commissioners said they've received pro and con emails from residents. "People feel strongly on both sides of the issue," said Williams. "Letting folks decide for themselves seems to be the right thing to do." Regardless of the outcome of that issue, commissioners are likely to hammer out land-use regulations and licensing requirements to bring more oversight of medical marijuana facilities. "We won't know until November what the people decide. And if we don't put it on the ballot, we need regulations as soon as possible," Hisey said. The land-use regulations and licensing procedure would be similar to the rules governing liquor license applicants. "We chose the liquor license model because we're familiar with it and it's working well for us," said Hisey. Medical marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2000 when voters approved Amendment 20. But marijuana businesses exploded in 2009 when the White House said it wouldn't enforce federal marijuana laws in states where the substance is legal for medical uses. In Colorado Springs, the number of dispensaries grew from a handful in 2009 to more than 200. Related businesses, including grow operations and manufacturers that make food products, drinks and ointments, also appeared. Under a proposed "Medical Marijuana Policy" to be considered by the commissioners, medical marijuana operators would have to apply for a two-year license. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office would conduct background investigations and the county's Development Services would ensure the proposed operation complies with land-use regulations. The county adopted temporary land-use rules in December 2009 that relegated medical marijuana businesses to four commercial or industrial zones. The businesses cannot be located within 500 feet of a school, park, religious institution, licensed drug and alcohol treatment facility or childcare facility. Once the applicants clear the background investigation, they'll have to survey neighbors and go before the board for a hearing. Once approved, the businesses will not be allowed to prominently display medical marijuana products. Owners would also be required to have 24-hour video surveillance cameras that monitor entrances, exits, transaction counters and vaults. Given the complexity of the issues, Hisey said Thursday's meeting could be a long one. "We could spend several hours on these three items," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D