Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2012
Source: Fort Collins Coloradoan (CO)
Copyright: 2012 The Fort Collins Coloradoan
Contact: http://www.coloradoan.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.coloradoan.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1580

MARIJUANA AN ONGOING DEBATE IN COLORADO

Ban in Fort Collins Only One Chapter As State Considers Substance's
Role

A chapter, but not necessarily the book, has been closed on medical
marijuana in Fort Collins.

Tuesday was the deadline for closure of medical marijuana dispensaries
in Fort Collins following a voter-approved ban in November.

Like any novel, the tale of medical marijuana has had its share of
twists and turns. In 2000, Colorado voters approved a constitutional
amendment allowing medical marijuana, but the amendment did not
include specifics about regulating the substance - a substance that
still was considered illegal in the eyes of the federal government.
For nearly nine years in Colorado, the topic rarely was discussed as
most people who used medical marijuana relied on the caregiver model,
which limited use and distribution. But in 2009, the Obama
administration released a memo that many believe indicated it would
not seek to prosecute medical marijuana users. Many in the industry
believed they were free to operate without risk of prosecution. Soon
thereafter, a burgeoning industry arose in Colorado as the dispensary
model took hold, and thousands sought access. But this was a Colorado
industry with few rules. Soon, lawmakers stepped in to set up
regulations. But some cities, counties and towns balked at the idea of
state control and turned to local voters for the final decision on the
dispensary model.

Such was the case in Fort Collins, where strong, organized support and
opposition was found for and against dispensaries. In the end, voters
approved a ban. Dispensaries sought an injunction, but a judge last
week ruled that the challenge to the ban was invalid.

Ballot issues on marijuana likely will be considered this fall in our
state. More cases are likely to be decided in the courts. In the eyes
of the federal government, marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled
substance. In Colorado, an amendment says it is a legal substance for
medical purposes. While Fort Collins has joined dozens of other
communities in enacting a ban, the book on marijuana in Colorado
remains unfinished. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.