Medical marijuana dispensaries likely soon in Crested Butte

Public hearing next month

Medical marijuana dispensaries could be allowed in Crested Butte by the end of the year. The Town Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance regulating such businesses at the Monday, December 7 meeting.

The council discussed the ordinance on Monday, November 16 and agreed to some minor changes in the proposal. Dispensaries will have to be located in the town’s commercial zone, and at least 175 feet away from parks and 500 feet away from schools. No more than three dispensaries will be permitted in town at one time. The businesses must apply for a permit and pay sales tax. They can only be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 20-page ordinance will “sunset” in a year, effectively giving the town a trial period to analyze the impacts of such dispensaries.
“The town is saying we will zone it, regulate and tax it,” said town attorney John Belkin. “This ordinance doesn’t allow them to grow it on site. It just addresses dispensaries. We are plowing down an unplowed path.”
Councilperson Reed Betz asked the council to be able to review applications at least minimally. But the town staff advised him it was best handled in an administrative manner.
Councilperson Dan Escalante asked if the staff was finally comfortable with the ordinance, which has been in draft form for several months.
“I am comfortable with it legally,” said Belkin.
Town building and zoning director Bob Gillie said the Board of Architectural and Zoning Review would be giving the ordinance a once-over this week and report back to the council.
“This is like a test drive for all of us,” said town manager Susan Parker. “If you want to expand it later, you can.”
The council seemed comfortable enough to move to the next stage and hold a public hearing on the ordinance December 7.