Pubdate: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 2014 The Denver Post Corp Contact: http://www.denverpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122 Author: Austin Briggs, YourHub Page: 13A RUMORS SWIRL OVER POT BIZ The Wheat Ridge City Council Tables a New Moratorium for More Discussion. Wheat Ridge - It was standing room only Monday night at Wheat Ridge council chambers as hundreds of residents packed an overflow room, waited in hallways and stood against back walls to hear what the city plans to do about the local marijuana industry. Many had shown up after hearing false rumors about a potential marijuana growhouse on 38th Avenue and Miller Street. The location met all zoning requirements but drew the ire of residents because it would have been in a high-traffic area frequented by students. "I'm a proud person who loves to trailblaze and be one of the pioneers in a new industry," said Chronic Therapy dispensary owner Sandy Bedard, mentioning the 23 people her company employs. "Entrepreneurs such as myself can normally only dream of such an opportunity I get to live today." Citizen concerns about marijuana's proximity to schools, safety issues and odor complaints prompted what Mayor Joyce Jay said was a need for a second look at zoning regulations. A 90-day moratorium on new marijuana applications has been in place since Aug. 18. Wheat Ridge has a total of five dispensaries and retail stores. Marijuana opponents packed the special study session Monday night as the council heard comments from residents on both sides of the issue. Proponents talked about job creation, the use of marijuana to treat pain, a regulated market and civic pride. Others spoke of negative health impacts, the city's image and use among youths. "As far as taxes go, as an educator, I don't want drug money," said former Lakewood High School principal Ron Castagna. "It's not worth it; I've watched kids die over this stuff." Last month, the council directed city staffers to craft a series of regulatory options to address concerns surrounding marijuana operations. Options include creating a special-use permit so proposed new marijuana businesses would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and weighed against an eight point checklist. The prohibition of marijuana vending machines, further separation requirements between businesses, building code modifications and beefed-up enforcement of regulations around marijuana advertising- including prohibition of sign spinners and balloons- also were suggested as needing further study. The council suggested extending the moratorium on new applications through February 2014; the issues will be further discussed at council meetings Oct. 13 and 27. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom