Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. -- Voters across the region refused to allow more pot shops to open up in the most recent election.
In Montrose County though, it's what the ballot measure didn't ask that's causing some confusion.
The wording of the new law in Montrose County bans future pot shops, but doesn't clearly say anything about current dispensaries.
Right now there are two dispensaries serving their patients in unincorporated Montrose County. And from here on out, it seems it's up to the county on the fate of these businesses.
"Being handed over back to the county doesn't really make sense," ColoMed manager Jene Craft says.
ColoMed on Townsend, north of town.
Craft and fellow supporters pushed for other medical marijuana shops to be able to sprout in Montrose County.
"Competition's healthy. It's good for the patient because they get more choices," he said.
But the voters chose against it.
"Don't like them open, don't like anybody having an excuse. It's just not right," resident Doug Moseley said.
So what happens to ColoMed and the other business, Green Meadows? Now the decision is up to county commissioners on whether the last two shops can stay open. Some residents say having just three people in charge of this decision, doesn't seem right.
"I think it's something that the people should be able to vote on," voter Isaac Leverett said. "Less government would always be a little bit more ideal."
"It's monopolizes us, which is great for our business, but I think overall as a movement and alternative medicines as a whole, it needs to be opened up back to everyone," Craft said.
The county refused an interview with KJCT News 8. But they did say, as of now, it's unknown when that decision will be made.
Until then, ColoMed will stay open and keep serving it's 580 patients.
"They think we're going to go away? We might, this business might. But the MMJ (medical marijuana) that's in this county will stay, and it will be unregulated," Craft said.
56% of voters decided that they didn't want new licenses to be handed out to businesses that would sell medical marijuana.
Tuesday a regularly scheduled commissioner's meeting will be held at 3:30. This issue is not on the docket, but supporters say they will be there to voice their concern.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: kjct8.com
Author: Honora Swanson
Copyright: 2010 Pikes Peak Television, Inc.
Contact: News staff, sales team, Station Managers
Website: Commissioner's Decide: Will MMJ Dispensaries Stay - Local News Story - KJCT Grand Junction
In Montrose County though, it's what the ballot measure didn't ask that's causing some confusion.
The wording of the new law in Montrose County bans future pot shops, but doesn't clearly say anything about current dispensaries.
Right now there are two dispensaries serving their patients in unincorporated Montrose County. And from here on out, it seems it's up to the county on the fate of these businesses.
"Being handed over back to the county doesn't really make sense," ColoMed manager Jene Craft says.
ColoMed on Townsend, north of town.
Craft and fellow supporters pushed for other medical marijuana shops to be able to sprout in Montrose County.
"Competition's healthy. It's good for the patient because they get more choices," he said.
But the voters chose against it.
"Don't like them open, don't like anybody having an excuse. It's just not right," resident Doug Moseley said.
So what happens to ColoMed and the other business, Green Meadows? Now the decision is up to county commissioners on whether the last two shops can stay open. Some residents say having just three people in charge of this decision, doesn't seem right.
"I think it's something that the people should be able to vote on," voter Isaac Leverett said. "Less government would always be a little bit more ideal."
"It's monopolizes us, which is great for our business, but I think overall as a movement and alternative medicines as a whole, it needs to be opened up back to everyone," Craft said.
The county refused an interview with KJCT News 8. But they did say, as of now, it's unknown when that decision will be made.
Until then, ColoMed will stay open and keep serving it's 580 patients.
"They think we're going to go away? We might, this business might. But the MMJ (medical marijuana) that's in this county will stay, and it will be unregulated," Craft said.
56% of voters decided that they didn't want new licenses to be handed out to businesses that would sell medical marijuana.
Tuesday a regularly scheduled commissioner's meeting will be held at 3:30. This issue is not on the docket, but supporters say they will be there to voice their concern.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: kjct8.com
Author: Honora Swanson
Copyright: 2010 Pikes Peak Television, Inc.
Contact: News staff, sales team, Station Managers
Website: Commissioner's Decide: Will MMJ Dispensaries Stay - Local News Story - KJCT Grand Junction
