NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW CLEAR ONLY IN CITIES WITH
BANS

The effect of new medical-marijuana regulations that go into effect
today depends on whether local governments even intend to use them.

That's because the first thing the new law requires is for localities
to decide whether they even want medical marijuana dispensaries in
their jurisdictions.

Under the new law, local governments have the option of banning the
dispensaries outright or placing measures on their next ballots asking
voters to do that.

In jurisdictions that approve such bans, however, it won't mean the
complete elimination of places to go to get the herbal weed.

The new regulations allow small caregivers - marijuana growers who
serve a limited number of patients - to operate as they have in the
past. Although such caregivers are limited to serving no more than
five patients, they can be licensed by the state to serve more people
in areas that ban dispensaries, if they can show a need.

Some cities, such as Greeley and Superior, have enacted permanent
bans, while others, such as Colorado Springs, have placed the question
on their next ballots.

Meanwhile, other communities, such as Montrose, have extended their
moratoriums on new dispensaries while local lawmakers consider how
they plan to address the issue.

Communities in the Grand Valley are planning to meet to discuss
whether to prohibit dispensaries, place a ban on the ballot or allow
them to operate under the new law.

"Our strategy was not to try and come up with, as a council, a
preferred option until we've had a chance to talk with all of the
community stakeholders, and that would include current and potential
medical-marijuana-dispensary owners, the medical community, citizens
in general and law enforcement," Grand Junction Mayor Teresa Coons
said. "Then we'll make a decision about what direction we think we
want to go, and that would be presented in a public council meeting."

The marijuana law is one of 29 new laws that fully or partially go
into effect today. They include:

Two new laws that allow trailers that weigh less than 16,000 pounds,
including campers and multipurpose trailers, to be exempt from the
state's controversial late-vehicle-registration fees. Instead of
paying up to $100 in late fees, owners of such trailers would be
subject to a maximum $10 fine.

A law requiring that motorists traveling in the left lane of
Interstate 70 must drive no slower than 10 mph under the posted speed
limit.

A law prohibiting health insurance companies from setting premiums
based on a patient's gender.