TIME FOR A DECISION

It's said that marijuana causes slow reaction times.

Given the Moffat County Commission's recent bout of inaction, the
same must apply to governing bodies attempting to decide rules
regulating medical marijuana dispensaries.

During a special meeting June 11, the three-member commission again
extended its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. The
moratorium prohibits dispensaries from opening in unincorporated
parts of the county for six months.

The county originally approved its moratorium in December 2009. It's
been six months from then to now, and our county is no closer to
resolving the question on dispensaries.

It should be noted that state voters have already done most of the
work for Moffat County and other jurisdictions by approving medical marijuana.

The commission's stated reason for extending the moratorium is that
it needs time to form a county policy that conforms with Colorado
House Bill 10-1284, a regulatory bill signed into law June 1 that
addresses several issues surrounding the medical marijuana industry
in Colorado.

There may be some logic in that decision, but it seems to the
Editorial Board that the commission has had plenty of time to review
the bill and implement measures that agree with the will of state
voters, who have already stated their preference concerning the industry.

And, the commission floating the idea of perhaps putting medical
marijuana issues before voters in November is also misguided.

November's election, not to mention August's primary, is a
critically important election for our state, and particularly for
Moffat County.

Those elected will shape our immediate future, a daunting task in
today's difficult economy.

Voters have voiced their opinions on medical marijuana. They don't
need to be saddled with an additional burden on Election Day, and no
one needs the added expense.

It's time the commission embraces the responsibility the public has
given it and makes a decision on this issue.

Passing another moratorium, or passing the buck onto voters, makes
no sense and shows indecision.

State regulations change. Moffat County can change as those regulations do.

Until then, the commission needs to embrace its role and make the
best decision it can instead of sitting on the sidelines for another
six months.