MESA COUNTY MAY RESERVE SPOT ON BALLOT FOR MEDICAL POT
QUESTION

The Mesa County Commission on Monday will consider holding a place on
the November ballot for a question asking voters whether they want to
ban medical marijuana centers in unincorporated areas of the county.

New state law authorizes local governments to let voters decide
whether to prohibit medical marijuana centers, grow operations and the
manufacture of marijuana-infused products. Commissioners are
considering reserving a spot on the ballot for a question because the
deadline to do so is Friday.

"I want to make sure that we have the opportunity to have the
discussion and consider putting it on the ballot," Commissioner Craig
Meis said.

Should commissioners reject the place-holder, it would effectively end
the possibility of a ballot question this year.

Should commissioners approve the place-holder, the board would still
have to decide whether to actually place a question on the ballot.
Commissioners would hold a subsequent public hearing and must make
that decision by Sept. 3.

Meis said he hasn't decided whether he wants to give voters the
opportunity to ban medical marijuana centers.

"I don't know, I really don't," he said. "I could go either way at
this point. I feel I will probably be making sure we at least have a
place-holder so we can have that option."

Monday's hearing, during which commissioners will take public comment,
begins at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the county courthouse, 544
Rood Ave.