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Hearing Set for Moratorium on Marijuana Shops

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Nov 30, 2012 at 9:57 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 1, 2012 at 4:06 AM MDT

DELTA, Colo. - As the process to implement Amendment 64 moves forward statewide, one Western Slope city is leading the effort against recreational marijuana businesses moving in.

The city of Delta is set to have a hearing on a moratorium on marijuana businesses next week.

In Delta, Amendment 64 failed by more than 60 percent of voters and city officials say they're trying to be proactive on behalf of their community's sentiments.

"The community was against medical marijuana, I think it's reasonable that someone might think that we'll be against regular marijuana facilities as well," said Justin Clifton, Delta City Manager.

After 64 passed on election night, City Council met and asked staff to draft a moratorium.

"What it really says is we're not going to do anything until we get some clarity. It's scheduled for nine months, the approximate time frame the state has to create regulations, we hope during that time, some of those issues that are pretty foggy right now start to get clear," said Clifton.

Although there has been promises of potential revenue and business growth due to the opening of marijuana shops, Delta officials say it's something they don't mind holding off on.

"One of the points of this moratorium is to be able to take the time so that as the state is doing it's due diligence, communities can start to consider what really are the prospects of sales tax or business tax revenues and how does that compare to the community's perception of the downside," said Clifton.

The first reading of the moratorium is set for December 4. If approved after a second reading it will still take 30 days to go into affect, which officials say is another reason why they are being proactive.



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of course said on Saturday, Dec 1 at 7:33 AM

We wouldn't want to infringe upon the healthy alcohol business in Delta.

Lee said on Saturday, Dec 1 at 8:05 AM

Banning these shops will not make the marijuana magically disappear, it's still going to be here,it's still will be sold, and it still will be used. It is time for the sheeple of America to wake up and learn the truth about marijuana.Stop listening to the lies our government has told us for decades and do some research!

Gofigure said on Saturday, Dec 1 at 8:31 AM

Delta, always a day late and a dollar short! So let me see, if A-64 lost by 60% then 40% of the people don't have a say! This is typical of Delta, and Delta County in general. However as a State wide law, some small town in the North Fork will get smart and let a shop or two in. Whatever town does it will have a heck of a revenue generator!

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