COUNTY BANS MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Prowers County Commission unanimously passed a resolution
prohibiting the operation of medical marijuana facilities in the county.

"It is unlawful for any person to operate, cause to be operated, or
permit to be operated a medical marijuana center, optional premises
cultivation operation or facilities for which a medical
marijuana-infused products manufacturers license could otherwise be
obtained within the unincorporated portion of Prowers County and all
such uses are hearby prohibited in any location in the unincorporated
portion of Prowers County," the resolution stated.

Prowers County Sheriff Jim Faull asked if it applied to someone who is
growing marijuana for use by others.

County Attorney John Lefferdink said the law applies to everything
except private use, telling Faull the county has prohibited the use of
medical marijuana to the maximum of state standards.

The resolution is effective immediately upon signing, Lefferdink told
the commissioners.

The resolution was signed at the County Commission meeting on Dec.
16.

The decision to ban the medical marijuana was made by the board
because of the cost it would have incurred to place it on the ballot
for a vote, Commissioner Gene Millbrand said.

The approximate cost would have been $20,000 and a previous vote had
gone significantly against allowing the use of medical marijuana in
Prowers County.

"It seemed frivolous to spend that extra money to put the ballot
before the voters again," Millbrand said.