Title
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA RELATED BUSINESSES
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Summary and Background Information: On November 6, 2012, Colorado voters passed Amendment 64 which provides for persons 21 years of age or older to legally consume and possess one ounce or less of marijuana without a doctor's recommendation ("recreational marijuana") and for retail sales of this recreational marijuana to be taxed and licensed similar to alcohol. Unfortunately, marijuana possession and use remain illegal under federal law and it is unknown at present what the federal government might do in response to the passage of Amendment 64. While Amendment 64 allows local governments to either regulate or prohibit recreational marijuana businesses, any regulation done by local governments would be in conjunction with that done by the state. Since the Colorado Department of Revenue has not yet issued the State's regulations for licensing recreational marijuana businesses, it seems premature for the City to consider such rules. Based upon the City Council's discussion during its February 11, 2013 study session, staff has developed a City-wide moratorium on the establishment of any recreational marijuana business to provide the City with an opportunity to review and consider the Department of Revenue's licensing regulations, the federal government's response to Amendment 64, if any, and the impact on the community related to the use of recreational marijuana.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Bob Gehler, City Attorney
Staff Member Presenting: Bob Gehler, City Attorney
Financial Impact: $
Funding Source: n/a
Staff Recommendation:
Suggested Motion: