POT ISSUE PUT ON HOLD

Medical marijuana moratorium extended through June
2011

Estes Park trustees gave themselves time Tuesday night to gather
public input on the future of medical marijuana centers operating
within town limits. The board, at its June 22 meeting, unanimously
voted to extend the moratorium on issuing any town business
licenses, building permits or any other approvals to the
establishment of medical marijuana facilities within town limits. The
moratorium also prohibits engaging in the sale or production of
medical marijuana without first having obtained from the town a valid
business license.

Town attorney Greg White explained the need for the town taking
action to allow the town board time to seek public input on which
direction the town should take in the medical marijuana question.

Tuesday`s action was in part a response to recent state action. On
June 7, 2010, Governor Ritter signed House Bill 1284, which gives the
state and local municipalities licensing authority over medical
marijuana establishments, creates a state licensing authority and
directs that authority to promulgate rules governing the licensing,
conduct and location of medical marijuana facilities. A link to the
bill is available at estes.org/pressreleases. Estes Park`s
moratorium will allow the town board to seek public input regarding
the options available to the board and the citizens with regard to
the licensing, operation, location and/or prohibition of medical
marijuana facilities in the town. White said that, in effect, the
state law that essentially puts in place a year-long state-wide
moratorium gives the state the same opportunity for public input.

"This gives us the opportunity for continued community input and
discussion," said trustee Eric Blackhurst. He said he has had
numerous and sometimes passionate talks with citizens on both sides
of the issue. At Tuesday`s meeting, only one person chose to speak.

The board may rescind or modify the moratorium at any time prior to
its June 30, 2011, expiration date.

There are currently no medical marijuana facilities selling and/or
producing medical marijuana within the town.

The moratorium that was extended with Tuesday night`s vote was
originally put in place Nov. 24, 2009.