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