Pubdate: Tue, 09 Jul 2013
Source: Craig Daily Press, The (CO)
Copyright: 2013 The Craig Daily Press
Contact: http://www.craigdailypress.com/site/feedback
Website: http://www.craigdailypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2334
Author: Noelle Leavitt Riley

CRAIG CITY COUNCIL SAYS 'NO' TO RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

Craig City Council decided to opt out of allowing recreational
marijuana in city limits, highlighting that the voters made their
decision about the issue last November with 54 percent of Craig
against and 46 percent in favor.

At the last couple of meetings, city staff has highlighted to council
that it needs to decide if they want to continue a moratorium on
Amendment 64 or let the voters once again put in their two cents.

Yet, on Tuesday night, council pointed out that it would cost the city
roughly $10,000 to put it on the ballot again, which potentially could
be a waste of money since the community already voted it down.

Specifically, the majority of the council stated that it didn't want
to invest the money in something that has already been decided by its
constituents.

"Eight months ago, the city of Craig voted it down," said City
Councilman Don Jones.

All of the City Council members, with the exception of Jarrod Ogden,
thought that recreational marijuana should not be allowed in Craig.

Ogden felt that it should be put to the voters again; however, he
didn't push the issue when the rest of council explained their stances.

Ray Beck thought that it was not beneficial to the city for a number
of reasons.

"We're talking about recreational marijuana here, we're not talking
about medical marijuana," Beck said. "It sends a bad message to our
kids."

Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 last November. In January,
recreational pot shops will be legally allowed to open under state
law.

However, it will still remain illegal under federal law, making it a
sticky situation for cities and counties across the state that decide
to allow recreational businesses to open -- a point of discussion that
Councilman Joe Bird brought up.

"I personally have got a problem with it. The state laws go against
federal laws," Bird said.

According to supporting documents presented at the council meeting, 51
percent of Moffat County voters voted against Amendment 64.

But ultimately, the amendment passed statewide.

City staff pointed out that council had until Oct. 1 to decide on if
it wanted to create an ordinance to opt out of recreational marijuana
in Craig.

Council will continue discussing the topic in upcoming meetings, where
it will allow public comment. At this time, city staff will prepare
proper documents to reflect the council's wishes.
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