Pubdate: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 Source: Fort Collins Coloradoan (CO) Copyright: 2013 The Fort Collins Coloradoan Contact: http://www.coloradoan.com/customerservice/contactus.html Website: http://www.coloradoan.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1580 Author: Patrick Malone LARIMER COUNTY AUTHORIZES RETAIL MARIJUANA SHOPS Two Existing Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Will Get the First Crack at Selling to a Broader Population. Retail marijuana businesses will be allowed to operate in unincorporated Larimer County beginning early next year. The proprietors of two existing medical marijuana dispensaries are poised to be the first. County commissioners on Monday adopted regulations that would have nixed the two existing dispensaries based on their proximity to a church and a drug rehab center, but commissioners chose to grandfather their current locations. "We have some people who we have some experience with," Commissioner Lew Gaiter said. "Let's do this slow and see how they do." Owners of Flower Power Botanicals and Choice Organics, both located on East Mulberry Street outside Fort Collins city limits, confirmed they plan seek the two retail marijuana shop slots allotted by the county. Cities and counties have until Oct. 1 to begin accepting retail marijuana business applications or enact bans under Amendment 64, which voters adopted in November 2013. It legalized use and possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for people 21 and older. The Larimer County towns of Loveland, Windsor, Estes Park and Berthoud have banned retail marijuana shops. Fort Collins City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposed ban. By authorizing retail operations from their inception, Larimer County stands to get a share of an excise tax on marijuana sales if voters approve it in November. "This is not a moneymaker," Gaiter said, because Larimer County is authorizing just the two stores, with the existing medical dispensaries getting first dibs. Gaiter's point was underscored by the fact that retail marijuana establishments will not be charged a separate licensing fee by the county. For the individual commissioners, authorizing recreational marijuana sales in Larimer County was a bitter pill to swallow. Each of them publicly opposed Amendment 64. But by crafting homegrown guardrails for the retail marijuana trade, the board was content to unanimously adopt regulations. "This represents the best that we can do," Commissioner Tom Donnelly said. "The job of elected officials is to carry out the wishes of the voters," Commissioner Steve Johnson said. The two Larimer County dispensaries that plan to offer retail marijuana can submit an application to the state starting Oct. 1. The state has 90 days to accept or deny it. Then the shops have until Feb. 1 to apply to Larimer County for a license to sell retail marijuana. "It would be great to be selling retail by Jan. 1," said Peter Verchik, owner of Flower Power Botanicals. "Is that going to happen? I don't know." [sidebar] Reefer rules Guidelines for retail marijuana establishments adopted by Larimer County: Licenses are limited to two each for stores, cultivation sites, manufacturing facilities and testing labs. No person can hold more than one of each type of license. First priority for licensure is granted to existing medical marijuana business operators. License renewal is required annually. Disallows the sale of edible marijuana products, except tinctures and topical products, but allows edible products for medical marijuana patients. Allowed only in commercial and industrial zones. Retail marijuana businesses can operate only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week and must be closed on Christmas. From property line to property line, must be 1,000 feet or more from schools, child care homes and child care centers, and 500 feet or more from colleges, residences, churches, public buildings, parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. These will apply to future applicants, but not the two grandfathered dispensaries. Private marijuana clubs are banned. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt