Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Colorado

Photo: wikipedia

The Castle Rock Town Council will once again be voting on the Medical Marijuana question in the first of two readings on August 24th. The second reading of the ordinance to ban Medical Marijuana dispensaries  will be September 14th 2010. A majority of council has to approve this ordinance in the two readings.

“The ordinance would ban medical marijuana centers, optional-premises cultivation and the manufacturing of marijuana-infused products within Town limits – an action allowed by the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code.”

The only remaining marijuana dispensary would be allowed to remain in business through December 31, 2010 but would then also be required to close up shop.

Public comments on the proposed ordinance will be heard prior to Council’s initial vote Tuesday and prior to the final vote, planned for Sept. 14. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St.

Approval of the ordinance would mean that, as of Jan. 1, 2011, medical marijuana only could be lawfully cultivated in Castle Rock by a patient, for personal use, or by a caregiver, as defined by the Medical Marijuana Code.

Public comment on the proposed ordinance will be heard prior to Council’s initial vote Tuesday and prior to the final vote, planned for Sept. 14. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St. Castle Rock CO

This is a hotly contested issue throughout Colorado with one side of the debate fearing increased crime, a “bad element” gathering around the centers and in general feeling like marijuana should be illegal regardless of the circumstances. On the other side of the debate are health care providers and those suffering from symptoms related to cancer and/or chemo therapy treatments that have found marijuana to be extremely helpful in managing pain and nausea, and help with glaucoma and AIDS. Those folks would like to be able to get “weed” from a reputable dealer rather than in a back alley somewhere.

There will be continued discussions on this matter throughout Colorado for years to come costing tax payers dollars that none of these small town have.

As it stands registered patients may obtain medical weed by growing their own, from a licensed caregiver or from a center and local municipalities can not prohibit them from growing their own nor can they prevent caregivers from providing legal weed to up to five patients.
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More on the Douglas County Examiner article here.

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