COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUES

County commissioners will consider three medical marijuana items at
their weekly board meeting Thursday, including whether to ask voters
in November if marijuana-related businesses should be banned in
unincorporated El Paso County.

Commissioner Amy Lathen, who represents eastern El Paso County, said:
"The right place for resolution of the issue is on the ballot. I trust
the people."

Commissioner Wayne Williams,who represents the northern part of the
county, agreed. "Given the way the state Legislature structured the
law, the appropriate thing to do is let voters make the decision."

Dennis Hisey, chairman, said he had "mixed feelings" and wants to hear
from both sides. Hisey said he's concerned that a ban would drive the
marijuana businesses underground.

If a measure does go to voters and is approved, medical marijuana
centers, grow operations and manufacturers in the unincorporated part
of the county would have to close their doors by Nov. 30.

The proposed ban would not impact the constitutionally protected use
of medical marijuana by patients or their primary caregivers.

All three commissioners said they've received pro and con emails from
residents. "People feel strongly on both sides of the issue," said
Williams. "Letting folks decide for themselves seems to be the right
thing to do."

Regardless of the outcome of that issue, commissioners are likely to
hammer out land-use regulations and licensing requirements to bring
more oversight of medical marijuana facilities.

"We won't know until November what the people decide. And if we don't
put it on the ballot, we need regulations as soon as possible," Hisey
said.

The land-use regulations and licensing procedure would be similar to
the rules governing liquor license applicants. "We chose the liquor
license model because we're familiar with it and it's working well for
us," said Hisey.

Medical marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2000 when voters
approved Amendment 20. But marijuana businesses exploded in 2009 when
the White House said it wouldn't enforce federal marijuana laws in
states where the substance is legal for medical uses.

In Colorado Springs, the number of dispensaries grew from a handful in
2009 to more than 200. Related businesses, including grow operations
and manufacturers that make food products, drinks and ointments, also
appeared.

Under a proposed "Medical Marijuana Policy" to be considered by the
commissioners, medical marijuana operators would have to apply for a
two-year license. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office would conduct
background investigations and the county's Development Services would
ensure the proposed operation complies with land-use
regulations.

The county adopted temporary land-use rules in December 2009 that
relegated medical marijuana businesses to four commercial or
industrial zones. The businesses cannot be located within 500 feet of
a school, park, religious institution, licensed drug and alcohol
treatment facility or childcare facility.

Once the applicants clear the background investigation, they'll have
to survey neighbors and go before the board for a hearing.

Once approved, the businesses will not be allowed to prominently
display medical marijuana products. Owners would also be required to
have 24-hour video surveillance cameras that monitor entrances, exits,
transaction counters and vaults.

Given the complexity of the issues, Hisey said Thursday's meeting
could be a long one. "We could spend several hours on these three
items," he said.