News Release

Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
7/6/2010

A resolution to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Vail was approved by the Vail Town Council at its July 6 evening meeting.

In June, the Town Council voted to direct the town attorney to draft legislation banning medical marijuana dispensaries in Vail after reviewing newly-adopted state legislation that allows local jurisdictions, either by a majority vote of the governing body or the voters, to prohibit dispensaries. At its Jan. 19 meeting, the Town Council approved a 180-day moratorium on businesses that sell medical marijuana to allow time for approval of the state legislation which determined how to regulate the industry from a statewide perspective. The town’s moratorium expires on July 18. If approved, the ban in Vail would become effective immediately.

The resolution approved by the Town Council on a 5-1 vote (Rogers against), prohibits “medical marijuana centers, infused product manufactures and optional premises cultivation operations.” It would not be a ban on use of medical marijuana for registered patients. The Colorado Constitution guarantees the right for individuals properly registered with the state to consume, possess and grow limited amounts of medical marijuana for personal use. It also extends rights to designated caregivers. This guarantee would not change under the newly-adopted ban.