SUMMIT COUNTY WAITS FOR STATE'S LEAD MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

Commissioners Extend Moratorium On Businesses

BRECKENRIDGE -- Medical marijuana dispensaries won't be opening in
unincorporated Summit County until at least June, since Summit County
Commissioners on Tuesday voted to extend a moratorium on the businesses.

The decision came after opposing viewpoints were presented to the
commissioners from local law enforcement officials and real estate
professionals.

Summit County Sheriff John Minor said that with a variety of bills
before the state Legislature -- some of which could quash
dispensaries across the state -- it wouldn't be fair to the business
community if the county drafted a set of regulations, then change
them a few months later to comply with state law.

Fifth District Attorney Mark Hurlbert agreed.

"This is almost more of a business decision as opposed to a medical
marijuana decision," he said at the public hearing.

Bernie Zurbriggen, owner of High Country Real Estate, said the
hundreds of dispensaries statewide are generating too much revenue
for the state to shut them down, considering Colorado's existing
budget issues.

"Nothing that happens in the Legislature is going to change it
significantly from where it is," he said.

Minor said there are plenty of alternatives in Breckenridge, Frisco
and Silverthorne for people who need the product in the mean time.

The commissioners decided unanimously to extend the moratorium to
June.

"My vote is in no way, shape or form any sort of judgment or position
against medical marijuana. This is simply about efficient government
and use of our resources," Commissioner Thomas Davidson said.

While the county may set up regulations in accordance with state law
this summer, the Colorado guidelines could change again after November.

Medical marijuana patient advocacy organization Sensible Colorado is
taking action toward putting a statewide ballot initiative before
voters.

"There will be no closure on this issue until we finally legalize
marijuana," Minor said at the public hearing.