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Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinance Feedback The City of Boulder conducted a survey during the month of January 2010 to collect community feedback per the interim Medical Marijuana regulations enacted in November 2009. This report shows the feedback received by the 641 community member respondents. There is a cover page for each question, breaking down responses by percentage. If the question offered an open ended answer, those narratives are available after each question cover page. Survey screen shot as it appeared on www.surveymonkey.com Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinace Feedback Given the above summary, how well do you understand the interim medical marijuana land use regulations? Rating Response 1 2 3 4 5 Average Count 5=Completely understand, 1=Don't 11.8% 31.0% 50.1% 4.6% (29) 2.5% (16) 4.19 633 understand (75) (196) (317) answered question 633 skipped question 8 1 of 1 Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinace Feedback Do you think the interim regulations are: Not strict Rating Response well balanced Too Strict enough Average Count Please choose one: 25.0% (159) 46.0% (293) 29.0% (185) 2.04 637 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 329 answered question 637 skipped question 4 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 1 In regards to established and operation dates which I assume will change with the Jan 13, 2010 9:50 PM regulation. 2 Medical marijuana businesses should be limited in number within city limits. Jan 13, 2010 10:00 PM 3 Medical Marijuana is a prescription drug, and should be dispensed at a licensed Jan 13, 2010 10:39 PM pharmacy only. I would prefer that oversight of this prescription drug and the locations approved for its distribution be as strictly controlled as for all other prescription medications. 4 Not allowing new businesses to open is bizarre and absurd. If any new operations Jan 13, 2010 11:18 PM want to open in 2010 they cannot? If old business close, they cannot be replaced? Restrictions on locating any business near other similar business is anti- competitive. Do you do this with liquor stores? Pharmacies? Doctors? Dentists? Any other regulated medial or business establishment? Then why do it with medical marijuana? 5 Dont allow any, ever. Jan 13, 2010 11:37 PM 6 Distance between should be greater. I prefer 1,000 ft. Jan 13, 2010 11:58 PM 7 If marijuana were legalized and taxed accordingly, it could be regulated like any Jan 14, 2010 12:47 AM business that sells intoxicants. I would support legalization and taxation using existing laws for liquor stores. 8 I see no reason to prevent clustering of these businesses as is currently limited by Jan 14, 2010 12:51 AM the 3 stores within 500 ft rule. 9 I think the medical MJ dispensaries should be held to the same Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM rules/laws as liquor stores. 10 500 feet is not enough separation. 1000 feet is more appropriate Jan 14, 2010 1:01 AM 11 Anyone who uses marijuana should be prosecuted to the fullest extent. We Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM should increase the fines against users and dealers of marijuana in order to generate revenue for public use, such as infrastructure. 12 Limiting the number in a small location seems to go against the idea of having any Jan 14, 2010 1:12 AM potential problems grouped where they can be dealt with more easily. If there seems a need for more regular police patrolling, it would be prohibitively expensive when sites must be so spread out. On the other hand limiting them to non-residential areas means that those who need them the most may have to travel some distance to reach them when 6they aren't allowed in neighborhood locations. 1 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 13 More than 500 feet from schools, daycares or each other. 2500 feet or more Jan 14, 2010 1:13 AM would be great. I do not really really like the thought of MM businesses on every street corner. 14 Restrictions on businesses that provide medical marijuana should be no more Jan 14, 2010 1:17 AM stringent than those that limit the sale of tobacco or alcohol. 15 500 feet from school is not far enough; should be at least 1000 feet, possibly Jan 14, 2010 1:29 AM more. 16 They are both too strict and not strict enough. Jan 14, 2010 1:35 AM They are too strict with the school/day restriction. As far as I know, the same does not apply to a pharmacy, which is how I think they should be treated. They are also not strict enough in that I think some level of security should be required by the regulations. As we've seen in the recent news, the dispensaries are a target for being robbed. 17 500 hundred feet is not a lot compared to Denver's 1000 feet. Jan 14, 2010 2:07 AM 18 I see greenhouses are allowed by right in Industrial zones, good. Jan 14, 2010 2:21 AM You must allow both production and dispensing as a home occupation within the normal limits for home businesses. You might be able to get away with limiting production in multi-family housing due to safety hazards. 19 We just need to track them more. Jan 14, 2010 2:56 AM 20 I agree with most proposed regulations except for "all medical marijuana Jan 14, 2010 3:01 AM businesses are prohibited from operating in residential zone districts" Take that out and don't add anything else and you have the most fair MMJ regulations in Colorado. 21 Let's just let zoning regulations decide. If there's marijuana inside, doesn't matter. Jan 14, 2010 3:02 AM It's retail. Tax it. Pave something or pay someone's salary. Hire a cop. 22 Dispensaries should be able to be within 500 feet of each other - what is possible Jan 14, 2010 3:17 AM harm to the public if several are nearby? 23 Three in 500 feet is a lot. I'd rather see fewer, larger professional dispenceries Jan 14, 2010 3:20 AM than an overcrowded cottage industry that has to cultivate clients to survive. 24 The restriction that a mmj business not be within 500 feet of 3 other mmj Jan 14, 2010 3:21 AM businesses, and the restriction of 500 feet from schools or day care centers are arbitrary and not applied to other adult businesses such as pornography and alcohol sales. These restrictions attempt to address an issue that does not exist. This unnecessary restriction will impede these legitimate mmj businesses rights, and reduce access to patients. 25 Legal business, sell it in the grocery store or anywhere else a legal business can Jan 14, 2010 3:28 AM operate. 26 I think there should be more distance between the dispensaries and a limited Jan 14, 2010 3:34 AM quantity of dispensaries in Bouder as well as tighter controls of who can obtain a mmj registery card. 27 I think that as long as it is not in a residentially zoned district, 500 ft from each Jan 14, 2010 4:06 AM other should not be a requirement 28 The primary concern of my family and neighbors is that the potential for violent Jan 14, 2010 4:11 AM crime is minimized. 2 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 29 The recent flood of these dispensaries is appalling! This isn't about helping Jan 14, 2010 4:56 AM people, it is about selling pot. My business unfortunately is near one of these Dispensaries, and all I see coming and going are younger men and women, buying pot... They are no sicker than I am. I plead to the city council to stop this crap. Please note last week's break in on the hill where a FELON is now the owner of a business, selling pot and calling himself Doctor. I spent 9 years becoming a doctor, and never went to prison, so I take offense to his remarks. Please put a stop to this and bring the laws back! 30 Considering the thefts and break-ins, it would seem that many see some of these Jan 14, 2010 5:17 AM businesses as easy pickings for either cash or product. Perhaps Council should look at regulations that are in place for the storage of alcohol and hard narcotics. 31 I believe that the new required distance of 500 feet between two medical Jan 14, 2010 5:34 AM marijuana businesses is too long. A individual that may be growing medical cannabis in a more inconspicuous building i.e. an industrial zoned warehouse suffer more from these strict rules. On the other hand, the number of dispensaries in Boulder should remain or go down from where it is. 32 Caregivers should be allowed to grow marijuana in residential districts Jan 14, 2010 6:27 AM 33 No need for any regulation at all. While the ideas sound good they futile and will Jan 14, 2010 6:33 AM provide the desired motive of protection children from marijuana usage. 34 Greater regulation to decrease availability of marijuana consistent with voter intent Jan 14, 2010 7:05 AM to provide true medical treatement. The current practice is a joke and not based upon true medical need. They should also be taxed heavily. 35 Should be permitted only in light industrial zoned areas, or more than 5000 feet Jan 14, 2010 7:08 AM from any school, and there there should only be one such business allowed per 50,000 residents. 36 The 500' envelopes are too strict. It should be similar to liquor stores for a Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM dispensary. 37 I believe we should allow the market to take care of it's self. Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM 38 If any regulations should be set, it should be similar if not less strict than liquor Jan 14, 2010 8:00 AM stores. I think having a marijuana dispensary 500 feet from a school zone is not a bad idea nor should it be a problem. 39 I don't think there should be a distance limit between dispensaries. It is a free Jan 14, 2010 8:17 AM market and they will either prosper or close. Take the Hill for example, there are way too many sub/sandwich shops (something that should actually be regulated), but the market shows that students love subs so there is one every 100 feet practically. Like any business, the wheat will be separated from the chaff. 40 Should limit the number of dispensaries within a square mile, nieghborhood or Jan 14, 2010 12:39 PM other geographical boundary in order to prevent a "pot town" from developing within city. Distance of 500 is too short from schools - should be more like 1000'. Should restrict type of signage beyond standard sign regs. 41 It should be legal for over 18 years old Jan 14, 2010 1:02 PM 42 The people of Boulder do not weant over regulation however, they want to be Jan 14, 2010 2:14 PM assured that the clinics are managed and run properly. 43 I think that they are on the right track but I would have set the distance at 1000 Jan 14, 2010 2:16 PM feet and the concentration limit at 2 instead of 3. 44 these operations should be regulated as closely as, if not more tightly, than liquor Jan 14, 2010 2:49 PM stores 45 I think they should be tightened drastically, I have spoken to people who say that Jan 14, 2010 3:02 PM all a "patient" has to do, is say they are stressed out, and they can get marijuana at will. 3 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 46 Traditional pharmacies that sell controlled drugs such as Oxycontin are not Jan 14, 2010 3:20 PM banned from being within 500 feet of schools. Medical marijuana dispensaries should be subject to the same regulations that apply to pharmacies. Regulations should be in place to restrict public usage of marijuana. 47 I think three MM businesses are to many for one area. Security needs to be Jan 14, 2010 3:25 PM vigilant. Ex. North Boulder already has challenges with the Homeless Shelter and the fact that it is an outlying area. My perception is police patrol is less common in the north. Burglaries and Robberies are common in this area. 48 Should be 1000 foot limit from schools, day care etc. and should require Jan 14, 2010 3:29 PM dispensaries to be at least 1000 ft from each other. 49 If there are no regulations about gun stores, banks, liquor stores, etc being within Jan 14, 2010 3:32 PM a certain distance of schools, why medical marijuana? 50 Don't agree with businesses not being located within 500 feet from THREE other Jan 14, 2010 3:33 PM such business. I think it should be not located from ONE other business within a bigger distance that 500 feet. I am an owner, and another business is opening 2 doors down from us. I don't think that this should have been allow3d. 51 The businesses attract a bad element, robberies and the like. People will be Jan 14, 2010 3:37 PM smoking pot in the vicinity after they do their pickup. These businesses should not be a part of family neighborhoods or commercial areas. 52 500 feet from a school seems a little close. 3 dispensaries within 500 feet is a lot Jan 14, 2010 3:47 PM of these businesses in one place. There are 2 within 500 feet of each other near my residence and I think this really changes the neighborhood environment. I think no more than 2 within 500 feet is more appropriate. 53 Just because I think this industry should be taxed like liquor sales and run just like Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM liquor sales are or sold through pharmacies like other medications are. 54 Just legalize it. Legalize marijuana. Jan 14, 2010 4:12 PM 55 Medical Marijuana requires a doctor's perscription, i.e. the dispensing of Medical Jan 14, 2010 4:14 PM Marijuana is for health purposes. The dispensary should be put in the same legal standing as a pharmacy. Code should reflect that it is a pharmacy. Enforcement is the same as a pharmacy. It is a pharmacy. 56 I don't have a problem with most of the rules, but I don't think it's necesssary to Jan 14, 2010 4:19 PM prohibit "clustering" or some level of residential permitting. 57 the ones that are here now should be able to stay. Jan 14, 2010 4:23 PM 58 I do not see a need to require medical marijuana businesses to be 500 ft away Jan 14, 2010 4:34 PM from schools or day cares. I believe this new industry must be treated like other pharmacies, like wallgreens and others. There is no reason that a medical marijuana facility should be treated differently than other medical facilities. It seems to me that requiring the facility to be away from schools implies that there is something inherently bad about dispensaries. Medical marijuana has been approved by Colorado votes and it must now be treated like any other medical drug. 59 Must be licenced Rx distribution centers, not not as proposed (retail, office, Jan 14, 2010 4:39 PM greenhouse etc.) Must be further from schools and other marijuanna distribution businesses. Must be controled similar to Rx distribution....not pot shops. 60 I understand the historical motivations for forcefully separating business and Jan 14, 2010 4:42 PM residential uses, but I don't think it's necessary to force people to commute to an office to sell cannabis. Plenty of people in Boulder have been doing that for years from their homes without causing a nuisance to their neighbors. If dispensary licenses are only considered when someone wants to open an office outside of their home, then I think the regulations are mostly reasonable. I don't personally see a problem with dispensaries near schools or day-care centers, however. 4 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 61 1) Dispensaries should definitely not be located near schools! Jan 14, 2010 4:45 PM 2) This one has not been addressed, but I believe the city should require all business to have some kind of safety system in place. California dispensaries require people to show their card or recommendation, then they are "buzzed" into the building (like an apartment complex). This is what prevents robberies, which Boulder has been experiencing. 62 This 500 feet rule makes no sense. You are not allowed to purchase MMJ without Jan 14, 2010 4:56 PM a card. Children will not be walking into dispensaries to buy pot. This "for the children" arguments holds no water. Also the residential rules are unclear. If you are a patient you are allowed to grow a limited amount of MMJ. What if your house is located within 500 ft of a school or day care center? Finally, who cares if more than 3 MMJ businesses are located 500 ft. from each other? 63 Not having businesses operate within 500 feet of each other is too strict. Don't Jan 14, 2010 5:12 PM you think that the natural boom-and-bust cycle will take care of this naturally? 64 The proposed regs MIGHT be too strict. I don't know how the distance Jan 14, 2010 5:14 PM requirements compare to liquor stores, which I believe is a good proxy for how the land use should be regarded. I also don't know what is accomplished by having them a minimum of 500 feet from each other. 65 If there are laws regarding the use of Medical Marijuana and who can and cannot Jan 14, 2010 5:25 PM purchase and use it, then it is a waste of time, energy, and resources (particularly in a slow economy) to put restrictions on how far away it needs to be from a school. 66 I do not think there should be a 500 foot space required between one medical Jan 14, 2010 5:27 PM marijuana business and another. I agree that they should be kept away from schools but do not see the reason for not letting them be within a certain disatance of each other. Liquor stores are on every block and I think marijuana is much better than liquor! 67 the number of applications are excessive, to start with; the distance from schools, Jan 14, 2010 5:34 PM nursing homes, etc. needs to be greater (already crimes associated with marijuana dispensaries is clearly going to be a problem); I think a moratorium until federal regulations are clarified should be the way to go. Clearly, everyone in pain is not a 25 year old male.... 68 I think marijuana businesses should at least be 1000 ft or more from any schools, Jan 14, 2010 5:55 PM day cares facilities, sport venues etc. 69 I think that all marijuana use should be legal, regulated thru taxation. Jan 14, 2010 6:11 PM 70 except concerning the time frame that new businesses can open. weshould take Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM advantage of new business growth right now with a budeget defecit and make good use of this new booming business 71 If it really is medical Jan 14, 2010 6:26 PM Put the product in a current pharmacy Must have a written prescription from a Dr. specify number of refills. 72 Regulate them like liquor stores. License & tax them. Jan 14, 2010 6:27 PM 73 same laws that apply to alcohol should apply to MM Jan 14, 2010 6:47 PM 74 I do not believe there is any evidence that the dispensaries need to be located Jan 14, 2010 6:59 PM more than 500ft from schools and daycares. We are not regulating pharmacies in this way, which sell far more dangerous drugs. I appreciate the other regulations, and while not a consumer of marijuana, I have cancer and appreciate having the option should I need it. Thank you. 75 I think that medical marijuana should be dispensed in pharmacies like all other Jan 14, 2010 7:05 PM drugs. 76 We voted to allow medical marijuana for the people who were ill. Not for Jan 14, 2010 7:09 PM everyone who might have a pain. Now it it a joke. Do not allow it in the city of Boulder 77 What is the difference where they are located? You need to be 21 years old to Jan 14, 2010 7:13 PM enter the establishment. 5 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 78 legalize it Jan 14, 2010 7:14 PM 79 Complete legality Jan 14, 2010 7:27 PM 80 If we have to have it, put all outlets for it just inside to city limits so they don't have Jan 14, 2010 7:36 PM to come into the city to buy and to use it. From my moral standard these shops are just as bad as porn shops. 81 Any rules that limit the availability of this medicine to people that are in need is not Jan 14, 2010 7:37 PM OK. I also want to support small businesses, instead of big business. If you don't allow caregivers to have residential growing for just a few patients, then the black market will return and the "big guys" will have control of the medicine cost which will skyrocket and will not be available to the people that need it. 82 Further from schools. Need clarification on how close to residential Jan 14, 2010 8:19 PM neighborhoods. 83 Limiting free market capitalism to 3 related businesses w/in 500 feet it absurd and Jan 14, 2010 8:21 PM unAmerican. Either free market competition will 'weed' out the weaker businesses, or the demand will be so great that it will support these businesses and justify their existence. Consider each one of these dispensaries as a revenue stream. Would the city like more or less revenue? Also consider, this is the framework for which eventually legalized cannabis will operate under, so its good to bear that in mind, particularly when it comes to the City of Boulder's financial interests. Did you think of the effect on the local real estate economy, particularly now, by letting otherwise useful vacant office space just sit there while the property owners are losing money and not reinvesting into the city? 500 ft. from day cares and schools is also ridiculous. As if it would even affect children in ANY way, EVER. Are there lots of kids lurking around community pharmacies, shoulder-tapping for Vicoden? Are there banks in residential areas, near day cares and schools too? And don't they have a track record of getting robbed far far more often than dispensaries? Where is the 500 foot ruling for them? It is simply mindless arbitrary regulation. **If it is crime that people fear, how about in lieu of zoning, as part of their business plan, dispensaries MUST ALL implement city/county approved security measures (cameras, safes, secure windows/doors) as a deterrent?** Then publicise that fact repeatedly. 84 Why should we create an entirely new infrastructure to sell a substance for Jan 14, 2010 8:39 PM medical use when a perfectly adequate infrastructure already exists. Marijuana should be sold through existing pharmacies, who are already experienced in selling controlled substances, validating prescriptions, and managing inventory. 85 I feel the restrictions on these businesses should be exactly the same as the Jan 14, 2010 8:41 PM restrictions on where liquor stores can be located. I don't know the details of how liquor stores are authorized, so I don't know if the current pot rules are more or less strict than them, but it seems like they should share the same guidelines. 86 Because of the high costs involved in setting up a safe and effective growing site, Jan 14, 2010 8:59 PM a small group of caregivers should be able to pool their resources and grow medical marijuana in a residential setting provided they can demonstrate that their operation is safe and secure. Banning it outright is too strict. 87 I think we don't need special dispensories. Jan 14, 2010 9:29 PM Why don't we use existing pharmacies (like Walgreens, King Soopers etc.) We don't have special dispensories for other drugs like aspirin or penicilin, 88 Children are not allowed in dispensaries. It only takes minutes for a kid to go "500 Jan 14, 2010 9:31 PM ft". Why not 499 ft? ...or 501 ft.? What other businesses are limited to such nonsense? I see children go into liquor stores with their parents. I see children go into drug stores without parents. Please stop this antiquated, draconian approach. "reefer Madness" has already been proven to be farcical. 89 I think the number of dispensaries should be significantly limited. Jan 14, 2010 10:00 PM 90 all medical marijuana businesses should be at least 1 mile from all schools and Jan 14, 2010 10:43 PM day cares 6 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 91 Should be farther from schools or day care. Should definitely restrict the number Jan 14, 2010 11:19 PM of these dispensarys. 92 It doesnt deal with proximity to residential - also this should include mixed used Jan 14, 2010 11:21 PM residential/commercial districts, 500 feet spacing from schools or day care seems way too close - 1,000 minimum should be considered, 500 feet from another medical marijuana business is way to close, to clustered. Should be in miles. 93 The zoning seems quite good. Very logical. Jan 14, 2010 11:36 PM The rules that don't make any sense are the "500 ft from children" and the density rule. Medical decisions for children are the responsibility of the adult caretaker, so it shouldn't matter how close they are to daycares and schools. This one seems to be pandering to unfounded fears of legitimate store owners doing stupid, illegal things like selling to children rather than a well-reasoned regulation. Remember, MM has a long way to go to be legitimate in all spheres - shop owners aren't even going to *consider* doing something so stupid that would jeopardize their legitimacy. The density regulation I think will be better served by market forces. If there really are too many for a given area, they will thin out, naturally. It is a morphing market, so it doesn't make too much sense to put arbitrary limits on it just yet. Are other retail and greenhouses limited in this way? It seems that these are dispensaries, not smokehouses, so I don't see the need for a density regulation at this point. 94 If marijuana is indeed medical, then it should be sold through PHARMACIES, by Jan 14, 2010 11:42 PM licensed pharmacists, with quality/source control, and appropriate security. 95 Seem to be common sense zoning, although i would be interested to see if Jan 14, 2010 11:44 PM pharmacy and liquor stores (even thought there different) are zoned the same way. 96 I think medical marijuana should be dispensed by a licensed pharmacyand should Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM be prescribed by a medical doctor. 97 This is a legal business and there is no practical or other reason for the Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM regulations. I am particularly concerned that density restrictions create a de facto monopoly in favor of early market entrants, most of whom started when dispensaries were far more "grey market" than they are now. Why help those people out? 98 Why shouldn't residential grows be allowed? The home business is perfect for Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM farmers and does not require finding a place to rent. The market will take care of the several businesses in a close proximity issue. No problem with the school issue. 99 The problem facing mmj patients is limited access to quality medicine in a safe Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM and dignified manner. Different dispensaries offer different strains of medicine to focus on different symptoms of debilitating conditions. Additionally, dispensaries are consistently running out of medicine. As it is, it is too hard for potential dispensary owners to find suitable locations in order to provide more competition in the market place. More dispensaries means more competition, which means more medicine, more variety and lower prices. As with any other industry, let the market determine when it is saturate by dispensaries having to close down for lack of sales. 100 I agree with the notion that dispensaries should be 500 feet from schools, but i Jan 15, 2010 1:41 AM don't think it is necessary for them to be 500 feet from one another 101 The restrictions are not in line with those imposed on similar businesses. In the Jan 15, 2010 1:45 AM case of medical marijuana we need to look to the pharmaceutical distribution points as an analogous business. 102 The market should determine some of the parameters. Jan 15, 2010 1:57 AM 7 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 103 There should be a limit on the number of these businesses in the city. What Jan 15, 2010 2:27 AM about licensing? Who qualifies to run such a business? Is there an age limit for entering such a business? 104 I understand the restriction on residential zones (there are restrictions on other Jan 15, 2010 2:28 AM businesses there as well), but I don't see why they should be treated differently than other businesses within the permitted zoning districts. 105 Amendment 20 doesn't even mention dispensaries. Marijuana ought to be treated Jan 15, 2010 2:34 AM like any other pain killing medication. How are you licensing the food products that the dispenaries are selling? Who inspects these? 106 There is nothing shameful or threatening about suppling medical marijuana and Jan 15, 2010 2:53 AM should be treated like a pharmacy which has far more dangerous supplies. People like myself suffer greatly and should not be shamed because we need to use a natural substance rather than endure the horrible side effects of drugs easily obtained from a pharmacy. People buy and leave, these stores should not be tavern gathering places. If such are allowed then the "Strict" regulations should apply the same as with a tavern/bar or liquor store. 107 Dispensaries should not be regulated any differently than any other retail Jan 15, 2010 3:14 AM establishment. 108 500 ft. is still too close to schools or day care facilities. I know Denver is proposing Jan 15, 2010 3:21 AM 1000 feet. There seems to be too many medical marijuana business for a small area. 109 Let the market regulate itself Jan 15, 2010 3:25 AM 110 When several MMJ businesses are permitted to be relatively close together it Jan 15, 2010 3:53 AM makes it easier for law enforcement to monitor activity and allows the businesses to interact with one another to the benefit of the MMJ patient. Further, these businesses have more security then pharmacies and liquor stores. Generally, to even get into one of these businesses one has to produce a valid MMJ card before entering a locked security door. 111 The idea that a facility such as this could be granted simple retail status and is Jan 15, 2010 4:50 AM allowed to be just 501 feet from any school is ludicrous! 112 Should be regulated to the same extent as any other prescription drug. Jan 15, 2010 6:59 AM 113 There needs to be much stricter regulations on where they are located. There Jan 15, 2010 1:24 PM needs to be stricter regulations on who can run and be employed by these businesses. There needs to be control on these businesses public appearance. Not one place I've seem looks like a "medical" facility. I also hate the word "Dispensary." If it's medical, it belongs in a Pharmacy. Dispensary is just another work for drug dealer. 114 City should not enforce laws against medical or recreational use of marijuana. Jan 15, 2010 3:03 PM 115 It is my firm belief that all prescriptions should be dispensed through a pharmacy, Jan 15, 2010 3:44 PM such as Pharmaca Pharmacy or King Soopers, etc. To set up individual prescription dispensaries for individual drugs is inefficient and may enable the filling of 'prescriptions' that are not actually prescribed by qualified physicians. To make an exception for medical marijuana is a joke. If people really have a need for med marijuana then let it be dispensed and controlled in the same manner as other legal drugs. Has glaucoma suddenly become an epidemic amongst our youth? Wake up. Allowing individual drug dispensaries for med marijuana is foolish, and it makes our City, and especially the City Councillors look foolish as well. Another point of view is this.; Would you set up individual dispensaries for Lipitor, and another separate dispensary just for Zoloft, etc.? Let the pharmacies handle the distribution of prescription drugs. 8 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 116 Why 500 ft from schools, etc? Children are not potential mmj customers. Also, Jan 15, 2010 4:02 PM the 500 ft rule could affect many small/individual caregivers that may be discreatly growing in a residence withing this 500ft buffer. And why must there be a 500 ft buffer between MMJ businesses? That is anti-capitalistic. Maybe we should apply that to, say, restaurants and gas stations as well, and see what happens. This clause give a location-monopoly to the established business. 117 Professional office is not applicable. It is retail or greenhouse. Also, not sure Jan 15, 2010 4:10 PM about locating 500 feet from 3 other such businesses. Reduce to 500 feet from one other business. 118 If an area can support more than 3 businesses, I see no reason to restrict that. Jan 15, 2010 4:38 PM Also, including licensed day care facilities is too onerous. Schools are easy to spot, day care facilities not so much. Plus, are we really worried that toddlers are in danger because of a dispensary? 119 why are we so worried about proximity to schools, when only people who have Jan 15, 2010 4:55 PM perscriptions from physicians can purchase the products? 120 This constitutional amendment is really about the privacy between the patient, the Jan 15, 2010 7:16 PM doctor and the caregiver. IF you replaced the words "Medical Marijuana: with "Wheelchairs" or "Service Dogs" and read the regulations you would shudder. 121 there has been no case of children buying medical marijuana. the zoning should Jan 15, 2010 9:13 PM follow that of alcohol or tobacco. further, by limiting density, the city is creating a monopoly, restricting business from competing. 122 The laws should be no stricter than those for pharmacies and stores that sell other Jan 15, 2010 9:30 PM things that are illegal for those under a certain age, such as liquor stores or stores that sell cigarettes. I do not believe these stores I just mentioned are required to be 500 feet away from schools or that they can't be operated in residential zones, and therefore these rules are too strict. If I'm wrong however and the rules do apply to the types of stores I mentioned here, I think they are well balanced. 123 there needs to be heavy regulation on the doctors issuing MM cards to patients. I Jan 15, 2010 10:09 PM have heard and seen the amount of 20-26 year old college age students going in in masses to get a MM card issued for a fee. The doctor goes through the motions of acting as if he's diagnosing an ailment, but in reality, knows that 99% of the patients that go in suffer from nothing at all. This constitutes horrible mis- diagnosis. I cannot believe that given the healthiest town in the USA, we have so many debilitated 20-26 year old white males!!! 124 Not enough regulation regarding the definition of what a medical marijuana Jan 15, 2010 10:46 PM business is: who it can sell to, who it can purchase from (wholesale), what the grade/quality of product it sells, labeling etc. 125 Because of the potential nature of the clientele of these establishments it is not Jan 16, 2010 12:21 AM appropriate for them to be allowed in professional offices. They should be restricted to retail locations as that is what they are. In addition, there should be restrictions on the owners/operators of such establishments similar to what is required of liquor licenses. 126 In light of recent criminal activity at several dispensaries, we should consider, Jan 16, 2010 2:31 AM perhaps, 750-1,000 feet from schools, day care facilities; and, perhaps, even consider a footage removal from residential. Also, maybe reducing to 2 within 500 feet of each other. 127 It is TERRIBLE that the city so many medical marijuana distributors to pop up all Jan 16, 2010 3:31 AM over town. They are FAR too close to some schools, such as Boulder High. To have it so readily visible for students is totally unthinking on the part of the city. The city has made a terrible decision. Crime is already rising from these facilities being broken into. I've heard college kids scheming about how to get a "diagnosis". I've seen the worst this can become in CA where folks are literally on the streets outside their "facility" hawking signs that say, "Free medical evaluation" with marijuana leaves painted on the signs. Use MORE common sense and keep our children and students LESS exposed to drugs. Please DO NOT allow craziness like the "cafe" or "restaurant" in Denver that bake medical marijuana into their food. 9 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 128 #3 regarding distance between businesses seems unnecessary - do you regulate Jan 16, 2010 4:33 PM whether 2 pharmacies can be near each other, 2 grocery stores, book stores? If more than one opens, the one that is most competitive will most probably succeed and others go out of business, just as any other business. Apply the law equally for all business. Of course the sales tax will also be useful to the city especially during these current times. 129 I think the distance restrictions on schools are appropriate. I think the restrictions Jan 16, 2010 5:15 PM on distances from other businesses are not necessary. We are seeing a boom in these businesses because of the recent legalization of medical marijuana. In a year or so, these will begin dropping off due to competition and/or Boulder's expensive rent. In short, let market forces do the regulating. In the meantime, vacant retail rental space is being occupied and benefiting the city as a whole. 130 rules that require dispensaries should be increased from 500 feet to 1000 feet Jan 16, 2010 6:16 PM from schools, daycare centers, gov., state, federal buildings and public libraries. Since they are business operations, the rules should also be the same in respect to business zoning laws, certainly not able to operate in houses or residential zones. Also increase the 500 feet to 1000 feet in operation with additional dispensaries and no more than 3 per 2 city blocks. 131 Too many opening up, too near each other, near schools. In the last month there Jan 16, 2010 6:23 PM have been 4 break ins at these facilities 132 Beyond personal use (which these are), they are not considered as legal. Boulder Jan 16, 2010 11:50 PM needs to follow State and Fed regulations. The explosive expansion of the licenses and facilities begs of misuse and abuse of intent. 133 These facilities are supposed to be providing medicine. These "medicines" make Jan 17, 2010 12:47 AM people high. These providers should be extremely well regulated and should act like they are providing mood altering substances for true MEDICAL reasons. 134 I find it hard to believe that there is enough "medical need" for 81 dispensaries to Jan 17, 2010 4:24 AM be in business in Boulder. If indeed marijuana use is for medical reasons, then it should be provided by pharmacies like other medications (I know this is beyond the skope of the council). In the meantime, regulate them like liquor stores. The distance limits from educational facilities should be farther, at least 1000 feet. I'm waiting for one to pop up neighboring Boulder High to match the porn and gun shops, 135 Landlords should not be involved in the growing of the plant because of conflict of Jan 17, 2010 4:52 AM interests. 136 I think the rules should make it even harder for these shops to open around Jan 17, 2010 7:38 PM schools. 500 feet isn't enough. 137 Let the free market decide these things rather than more ordinances. I always Jan 17, 2010 8:09 PM remember, when growing up, a corner that had three gas stations. Within a year, only one was left. Don't legislate what can be left alone. With regards to being too close to schools, I just don't see a connection. Is there any evidence that there is a connection or is this just a "feel good" part of the ordinance. 138 Let the market sort out excess business locations. No need to restrict location. We Jan 17, 2010 8:18 PM don't restrict pharmacies for other medical products. 10 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 139 There is no indication of how many dispensaries or greenhouse/nurseries will be Jan 17, 2010 10:28 PM allowed in the City. Likewise there is no indication of how many valid prescriptions are likely to be filled per month. The rapid growth in the number of dispensaries is exceedingly troubling, as it reflects the very questionable growth in the number of prescriptions being written. Marijuana is still an addictive and dangerous drug, even though recreational use has become rampant. The City Council needs to look at the long term health of its citizens and the impacts to the community of all known addictive substances (such as marijuana, nicotine and habit-forming pain killers). Why do we need separate marijuana dispensaries at all? We have licensed pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs. Medical marijuana should be treated as any other potentially habit-forming pain killer and be closely monitored through existing pharmacies. 140 they should go through the same review and restrictions as alcohol licensing Jan 18, 2010 4:02 AM 141 We need very few of these businesses and 500 feet is too close. How about a Jan 18, 2010 6:09 PM half mile? If a doctor's prescription is necessary, why wouldn't we have pharmacies be the outlet? 142 medical marijuana is now considered a drug for which a precription (card) is Jan 18, 2010 10:11 PM required. Why not have medical marijuana distributed through a regular pharmacy? 143 1. I think the distributor should be a qualified pharmacist or doctor. Jan 19, 2010 3:25 AM 2. I think the distribution sites should actually be in established pharmacies with pharmacists - like Walgreens, Pharmaca, or King Soopers/Target. I think they need to be regulated with the same restrictions that established pharmacies need to follow. 3. I don't think they should be in homes or even close to residential areas. 4. These regulations really don't address growing or how the marijuana is obtained by these distributors. 144 The total number of facilities in the city needs to be limited so that our town does Jan 19, 2010 6:27 AM not turn into an Amsterdam. Also the limitations need to apply to the 60 pot shops that opened before Nov 6th. 145 I think these facilities should be further than 500 ft away from schools, homes Jan 19, 2010 4:30 PM 146 Why limit the amount of MM businesses in designated area? Laws of supply and Jan 19, 2010 7:14 PM demand will automatically ween out the surplus. 147 Medical Marijuana should be dispensed the way other medications are Jan 19, 2010 7:46 PM dispensed...through a pharmacy. If marijuana was completely legal, then it would be appropriate to regulate these businesses more. 148 Farther away from schools. Restricted to certain commercially zoned Jan 19, 2010 9:59 PM neighborhoods. Restricted by having to obtain a license. Dispensaries should be taxed and money used to pay expenses such as law enforcement and drug treatment centers for those who abuse pot. Hours of operation regs are needed, only doctors should be able to dispense. 149 3 within 500 feet is too many. 1,000 ft from school or licensed day care center Jan 19, 2010 10:44 PM would be better and it should include special schools where young children attend. 150 The requirement that MMJ businesses not be within 500 feet of each other is Jan 20, 2010 1:20 AM ridiculous. When I go to a medical center, there are many doctors and many very similar businesses located next to each other. Consider the area around BCH for instance. Similarly, I can go to an office building and find many Lawyers in one locale. I'm a cancer survivor, disabled (amputee), and an MMJ patient. Why should I have to wander all around town to visit different dispensaries? 151 Would like them to be further from schools. Jan 20, 2010 1:55 AM 152 there shouldnt be any restrictions. its a free market society. Let the markets Jan 20, 2010 2:57 AM determine what will succeed and fail. CERTAINLY it shouldnt be reserved for those that are already in place. 11 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 153 500 feet isn't very far. Would like it to be farther from schools than that. Also, Jan 20, 2010 5:04 AM would like it to be not near at any other store. Just seems like there are too many for the number of people who would truly medically need it. 154 A 120 marijuana dispensaries is crazy. How did this slip thru the cracks? Jan 21, 2010 3:06 PM 155 Medical Marijuana should be treated the same as liquor and prescription drugs Jan 21, 2010 5:49 PM and cigarettes 156 More needs to be explained about the definition of "greenhouse". Would this Jan 21, 2010 6:11 PM prohibit patients from growing in rented/owned homes for themselves and/or from providing to select close friends or relatives? 157 greenhouse nurseries should be permitted within residential areas. How else can Jan 21, 2010 6:13 PM a patient grow their own? 158 Let free markets do their job and regulation won't be necessary. Are there Jan 21, 2010 6:14 PM restrictions on how many Walgreen's can be together? Or, how far they need to be from schools? MMJ is primarily a medicine, not a recreational drug. It is not a matter of choice to patients, its a matter of life with or without suffering. 159 seems like a solution looking for a problem Jan 21, 2010 6:25 PM 160 are establishments that sell beer, liquor, and tobacco, substances far more toxic Jan 21, 2010 6:58 PM in every sense than cannabis, are these businesses required to abide by the same rules? how about prescription narcotic peddlers? do they also have to abide by the same rules? did you know that alcohol, tobacco, and prescription narcotics kill an average of 500,000 or more americans each year, and yet the businesses that push these are allowed to be plenty. really people, WTF? 161 Believing that medical marijuana and it's patients are so extraordinarily Jan 21, 2010 7:09 PM threatening, that the mere sight of either is something the public needs to be protected against, is simply a belief based on backward, ignorant fear. If given time, Supply and Demand will dictate how many of these businesses can survive in Boulder, and the ones that behave with integrity toward their community, neighbors and patients will prevail. 162 we should just let the businesses filter themselves out without any help. If we try Jan 21, 2010 7:19 PM to regulate or limit the number of busineses we very well may kill a business that would otherwise survive and give life to a businesses that should die and fall by the wayside. The saying only the strong will and should survive is very true in this case. We all want only the best to go on. Let everyone have a shot at it and the weak and poorly run will die. 163 Do they tell Walgreen's they can't be withing 500 feet of schools? Jan 21, 2010 7:20 PM 164 Taking into account what extra services are provided by individual dispensaries Jan 21, 2010 7:22 PM and proceeding accordingly. 165 the 500 ft from a school seems ok, but not the daycare, as there are too many of Jan 21, 2010 7:24 PM them and thier locations could change, but the schools are more permanent locations. 166 lift the density restriction. Let the market sort out who should be in business and Jan 21, 2010 7:26 PM who shouldn't. 167 I think every location must be looked at on an individual bases, I understand and Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM agree "the hill" on CU could be lined with dispensaries which would looks bad for the city and the University. However locations like Broadway and 28th street, having dispensaries limited to 500 feet and 3 in one area might not be needed. 168 The density issue is backwards. In order to easily regulate, monitor, police, etc., Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM the greater the density the better. 169 The third point, about density, seems unnecessary Jan 21, 2010 7:41 PM 12 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 170 I think the school limit is good. I don't agree with limiting businesses from Jan 21, 2010 7:41 PM operating near one another. Let the free market sort things out. There are existing operations that would go out of business if healthy competition was allowed. I also think this would allow the best of the best to survive. Also, it does not address what use is or is not allowed in residential. Can a personal garden still be grown? What are the limits there? 171 Anything that restricts access is never a good thing. Jan 21, 2010 7:48 PM 500 feet may as well be 500 miles to an individual who is severely disabled. 172 I think greater clarity, rather than increased restrictions, is what is needed. So Jan 21, 2010 7:53 PM much focus is being placed on what Medical Marijuana businesses CANT do that very little attention is being paid to what they CAN do. It seems the issue of legal protection for potential and existing MM business owners is not being fully addressed. This lack of balance between restrictions and clear local/state protection leaves both business owners and the clients the serve vulnerable in a variety of ways. 173 mandating that a medical marijuana business must be more than 500 feet from a Jan 21, 2010 8:01 PM school acomplishes nothing. If a child has the intent to seek out a dispensary to try to purchase marijuana, then the fact that the establishment is 500 feet away will do nothing to deture that individual. Also, there has never been a case in any state with a medicinal marijuana program in which an unliscensed person especially a child has ever successfully purchased medicinal marijuana from a legal medical marijuana establishment. This is a solution in search of a problem! Not allowing multiple medical marijuana establishments to opperate within 500 feet of three other medicinal marijuana establishments is damaging to our economy. With our tough economic times why would we not allow a profitable business to opperate. These establishments are using store fronts that may have been sitting vacant for months if not years. The new establishments also offer a potential for more work thus helping out our unemployment crisis which on a national level is at an all time high. What I am concerned about is my tax dollars being spent on an issue that has no merrit. 174 These guidelines are a product of hysteria. They serve no one but politicians and Jan 21, 2010 8:03 PM the insane. 175 Some definition of "patient need" should be developed that strictly limits the use of Jan 21, 2010 8:29 PM medical mj to those whose conditions have been shown (through scientific research) to be demonstrably improved by its use. Licensed medical doctors who write prescriptions should be required to keep detailed records like they do for any other patient. They must have an ongoing relationship with their patients. Any doctor who routinely prescribes mj to numerous patients should have to justify such conduct. Dispensaries should be licensed like any other pharmacy and standards should be strict. Dispensaries should not be seen an entrepenurial endeavor by any Tom, Dick or Harry who sees a great opportunity to make a quick buck. Dispensaries need to be licensed and taxed. 176 Since you recognize it is "MEDICAL" marijuana, you need to use the EXACT Jan 21, 2010 8:32 PM same zoning for the dispensaries that are used for a pharmacy and for grow houses there should be no limitations since it cannot be grown outside in CO. We see Walgreens and King Soopers across the street from each other and schools. 177 No need to restrict operations in residential zone districts. Jan 21, 2010 8:33 PM 178 Loosen the regs on location proximity of the same businesses. Jan 21, 2010 8:46 PM 179 these businesses are providing services and products like any other business Jan 21, 2010 8:54 PM 180 The point of several dispensaries in the same office building is a good point. Jan 21, 2010 9:12 PM When there are therapists, acupuncturists, law offices, and counselors in the same office building there is no problem is there? Why limit medical marijuana providers? 13 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 181 Residential caregivers must be able to grow discreetly. Jan 21, 2010 9:16 PM Dispensaries should be able to group or compete ...and not strict enough: Public signage and traffic must be restricted. See below. 182 I see liquor stores, bars and drug (grocery stores) stores near schools. I treat the Jan 21, 2010 10:10 PM medical marijuana businesses as the same. As a matter of fact, didn't Boulder have a PORN SHOP right across from a Boulder School? Come on, let's be real. 183 I'm good w/them not being close to school but I don't care if they are w/in 500 feet Jan 21, 2010 11:05 PM of each other. 184 Limiting the number (though not covered in this survey) is generally a good idea, Jan 21, 2010 11:10 PM but the zoning restrictions are too strict, almost "over-protective" of the population. Yes, currently there is an explosion of dispensaries but how many will remain until next year? The market will winnow out the weak. And since it is already illegal to consume the medication outside of the patient's home, why the need to restrict the dispensaries location vis-a-vis schools, etc.? Are pharmacies treated with the same market (and social fear) regulations that are being considered for medical marijuana dispensaries? But this is regulation is a start and ultimately will do for the time being. 185 Should be no distance regulation, children are mobile and will pass by a Jan 21, 2010 11:26 PM dispensary regardless of where it's located. 186 This wouldn't happen to just about any other business, and is not fair to the Jan 22, 2010 12:09 AM medical marijuana dispensary businesses. 187 I agree with the schools. I think limiting how many can be next to each other just Jan 22, 2010 12:11 AM doesn't make sense. There are a tremendous amount of budjet shortfalls and you are trying to constrict viable profitable businesses. there hasn't been any problems and you don't even know they are there. At the end of the day it is a constitutional right and restricting them being next to each other doesn't seem to make sense. I am a Boulder native and in my experience these people are great people and just want to be treated like everyone else. 188 The school restrictions are not reasonable. Liquor and tobacco are not prohibited Jan 22, 2010 1:28 AM like this. Prohibition in residential zones means the city can't regulate them there. 189 I would say first you need to come up with zoning and business regulations before Jan 22, 2010 1:50 AM you can impose them on a business. A dispensary does not fall under any of the current zoning laws. If medical cannabis is a medicine, what is the concern with children seeing them. Please stop looking at this with stigmatized eyes. 190 Placing restrictions on these businesses does nothing. Kids will not be obtaining Jan 22, 2010 2:24 AM cannabis from a dispensiary if that is what they want. They will get it from someone they know who does not care about any law that the government puts into place! Placing distance requirements from schools and daycares is also a waste of time and money. for the same reasons listed above. 191 Home occupation growing should be allowed. In this weak economy this industry Jan 22, 2010 3:14 AM is the only thing thriving in the area. A home grow business is the difference for a lot of out of work residents to not have to start living on the streets. A reasonable limit of no more than 50% of the residence should be more than acceptable. It's already happening, let it be legal. Given the low key profile of "most" of the dispensaries I feel the location numbers limits are unreasonable. 192 Dont limit dispensories to 1 everY 500 ft. Jan 22, 2010 4:34 AM 193 There are too many dispensaries already Jan 22, 2010 2:31 PM 194 No restrictions that goes against the law as written Jan 22, 2010 2:33 PM 195 Some are just ridiculous. Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM 14 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 196 There's no compelling need to specify a minimum distance separation between Jan 22, 2010 2:53 PM businesses, and 500 feet is a completely random number with no real justification. Why 500 feet? Why not 1,000 feet? Why not 200 feet? 197 I don't think there should be regulations on how close dispensaries can be to each Jan 22, 2010 3:52 PM other, or how many there can be in a given area, as I feel this is discriminatory. It is only fair to hold dispensaries to the same standards and regulations as liquor stores, which (I don't believe) have regulations on density. 198 I think that the regulations should not exceed that of other businesses Jan 22, 2010 4:20 PM 199 I believe in the free market. MJ is safer than alcohol. The regulations are bigoted Jan 22, 2010 5:36 PM and biased. Why don't I go to Denver city council to ban any other podcast about weed from opening up within a thousand feet of marijuana radio? I want a free market. I want the death of the health care industry. Who do you think wants to keep marijuana illegal? Law enforcement has lots of time and money to break down doors. We can't threaten their precious budget, even thought that budget is a tool against freedom every moment of every day. 200 There are many different services that dispensaries offer and well adjusted good Jan 22, 2010 6:18 PM competition have many same type of business's within 500 feet of each other. There should be no restriction to the availability of the medicine for the patients. 201 If there are regulations keeping Them a certain feet from each other and they Jan 22, 2010 6:32 PM need to be close to wotk together for 'caregiver' services then this is hindering and not helping these types of businesses. Why can't they adopt the same caregiver guidelines as CA- a patient's Caregiver is not the dispensary it's actually the persons spouse or nurse or relative taking care of them on a daily basis. 202 Medical Marijuana should not be treated like alcohol. It is not something to be Jan 22, 2010 9:54 PM ostracized and pushed aside. Proximity laws are archaic and should not be enforced, in my opinion. It's up to the business owner to keep youth from entering, not up to the city to tell a business where to set up. 203 The way I understand this proposal is that it is not o.k. for children to see a pot Jan 23, 2010 2:06 AM leaf, while it is o.k. to see liquor bottles, beer bottles and cigarettes. How about the suggestive window displays in clothing stores and other ads along the same vain? What about gun shops? Pharmacies? Many of the dispensaries are not in plain public view. 204 There should be no restrictions whatsoever to how many are located together. Jan 23, 2010 9:48 AM Competition is healthy! 205 no restrictions Jan 23, 2010 10:49 AM 206 As long as they are totally professional, I see know reason why more than three Jan 23, 2010 5:36 PM cannot coexist regardless of their proximity. 207 no 2 pieces of medicine are the same. I understand the need for control of the Jan 24, 2010 1:59 AM industry, however, the consumer needs to have the ability to choose in order to find what fits their personal needs, and therefore, need to have several outlets(dispensaries) in order to find the propper medicine. 208 these "medical" businesses are opening up faster than starbucks in a big city in Jan 24, 2010 3:23 AM the year 2000! there's one on every corner in Boulder and Denver now!! something needs to be done quick! 209 as a dispensary operator, I think there ought to be criminal background checks - Jan 24, 2010 9:18 AM with felons not qualifying of course. also there should be requirements for a burglar alarm installed to deter break-ins and robberies. 15 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 210 Boulder does not need 300 dispensaries. All dispensaries should be state Jan 24, 2010 2:56 PM licensed (I know, there is no such thing - yet) with a maximum of 5 within the city limits. All 5 locations should have to go through public hearings before having their locations approved. 211 According to these regulations, the lady who lives across the street from me can Jan 24, 2010 5:33 PM operate a private pre-school out of her home. But, I cannot, even very discreetly, operate a care giver service out of my home since it's within 500 ft. of hers. What next, care givers cannot operate in a neighborhood where there are residents under the age of 18? Come on, it's not as if someone wants to open a bar in the neighborhood. Does the word 'unconstitutional' ring any bells? How about 'restriction of trade'? 212 first I want to say that I am "pro" medical marijuana. I do think, however that there Jan 24, 2010 8:26 PM are too many clinics in Boulder, and that they seem to be clustered very closely, and I support more space especially from schools and day care centers. The other regulations for land use seem o.k., I just wish there was a way to limit the amount of clinics...I strongly believe consumers should have competitive choices, but it feels a bit overwhelming ( the amount of clinics compared to the population size of Boulder) 213 There are no regulations to protect patients (use of licensed kitchens, clear Jan 24, 2010 9:09 PM labeling of dosages, etc) or to keep this medicine local (encouraging dispensaries to grow their own medicine, etc). The temporary regulations only limit access and promote purchasing out of state illegally grown and transported cannabis because of the difficulty to establish a nursery especially with the limit of 3 greenhouses per 500 feet. If you say a business is "inherently dangerous" and make it difficult for these business operate near hospitals, clinics, or therapeutic offices (because of the proximity of these businesses to schools, etc) it further promulgates that these businesses are "bad" or "nuisance businesses" only being allowed or tolerated rather than being respected and supported for the discernible community service they provide. The temporary regulations missed the mark I believe they intended. So much time was wasted talking about the danger, the signs, and the proximity when no danger has been proven and signage and proximity are generally addressed by the condo associations, committees, or landlords renting the space. Most plazas or shopping areas already have non-compete rules disallowing competing businesses to open next to each other. The regulations we need have nothing to do with the doctors who recommend medicinal cannabis; again they already have channels for monitoring the behavior and referrals of physicians including but not limited to medical review boards. Truly helpful regulations will protect patients safety, security, and privacy while keeping this unique Colorado industry in Colorado avoiding unwanted federal attention. 214 I think that there should be a distinction between dispensaries and grow Jan 24, 2010 10:02 PM operations. I was denied a construction permit on a location due to the fact that there were too many grow operations within the 500ft zone. These grow operations do not dispense therefore do not generate the kind of traffic that it appears the ordinance is intending to target. I would like more clarity on this issue. 215 Land use regulation does not well address the issue of how the business is Jan 24, 2010 10:04 PM licensed and the product distributed. 216 If one building houses multiple MM businesses, that building should be Jan 24, 2010 10:21 PM considered one MM business. I'm fine with the last item in the ordinance if one building is considered a MM business. 217 I agree with the distance restrictions from schools, but I feel the distance Jan 25, 2010 2:21 AM restrictions from other dispensaries is arbitrary and will be unduly burdensome for dispensary owners. The free market will quell over-saturation. 218 No need to restrict business from other marijuana business's. Jan 25, 2010 3:14 AM 219 clarity on bullet point one above in summary--it could be all 3 Jan 25, 2010 3:30 AM 16 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 220 There aren't enough areas in Boulder to spread out the grow facilities so in some Jan 25, 2010 4:54 AM ways it would be better to allow more in the same area so that they can stay away from schools etc. And I don't think grow facilities should be zoned the same way dispensaries are since there will be no traffic to these locations. 221 I think the "distance from each other" provision is more applicable to retail store- Jan 25, 2010 1:41 PM front businesses than to wholesale grow operations. Why should non-retail production sites in greenhouse/nursery zoning be spread out from each other? Also, it seems a provision should be made for individual caregivers who only serve a limited number of patients from within a residential zone. 222 I feel like more competition within the industry is needed to reduce costs to Jan 25, 2010 4:18 PM patients and increase service level - just like any business, competition is a good thing. 223 The explosion in the number of these dispensaries shows the lack of fore-thought Jan 25, 2010 4:25 PM in planning and approval process. More, stricter regulations need to be implemented to curtail what even the lay observer would notice as rampant abuse. 224 Does the definition of business include 'growing'? I would like to see small scale Jan 25, 2010 5:51 PM growing allowed in residential properties, just like gardening. 225 The 500 foot from 3 MMJ business requirement makes no sense, particularly from Jan 25, 2010 6:43 PM a strictly growing operation. A better solution would be to zone dispensaries in certain areas of the city, if the fear is one of kids getting the wrong message, with existing dispensaries and grow operations being legal non-conforming uses. 226 In regards to density restriction, it is too strict because many Boulder dispensaries Jan 25, 2010 8:17 PM are not visible from the street - they are either upstairs, downstairs, or in an office building. So this does not really address that "problem". 227 I agree with locations away from schools and most residential areas but believe Jan 25, 2010 9:04 PM the natural law of supply and demand by the patients will self regulate the density issue. 228 I am not sure why they need to be located 500 feet away from each other, this is Jan 25, 2010 11:29 PM not true of other pharmacy type businesses 229 Based upon the explosion of dispensaries it seems obvious to me that the Jan 26, 2010 12:03 AM demand for marijuana seems to indicate that this may be the first step in legalizing a substance that is perhaps less dangerous than booze. Seems silly to have more dispensaries than pharmacies, wouldn't you think? 230 I don't believe these are negative influences on children; I don't believe clients of Jan 26, 2010 12:55 AM these businesses would harm children. Also, I would assume that children would not be allowed in/to purchase anything from these businesses. So I don't think it's necessary for them to be so far from schools. When I was growing up I had to walk right by a pornography store to get to high school. That was much more potentially noxious, and there were no incidents I ever heard about involving that business or its clients and the kids at my school. 231 there should be a "density" rule How many marijuana businesses are allowed Jan 26, 2010 1:27 AM within a certain area. 232 I think the law has gotten too lax, and basically it seems that marijuana has been Jan 26, 2010 1:38 AM legalized for the masses. It seems this has just opened a whole can of worms, and their was not alot of foresight put into the implications of medical marijuana. 233 still too close together and too close to schools, one is very close to boulder high Jan 26, 2010 2:40 AM school and ascertises free friday party/ tax the heck out of them to cover the extra police time needed for their burglaries. 234 I think they should be under some limitation re. how many can exist within a Jan 26, 2010 5:46 AM certain distance, they should not be allowed within 1 mile of any schools etc., and more strict guidelines need to be followed re. who gets to buy it. ( I know it is being abused and is going to people that have no medical reasons for it.!!!! 17 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 235 The regulation that prohibits dispensaries from being located within 500 feet from Jan 26, 2010 8:00 AM three other such businesses is discriminatory against medical marijuana businesses. I know of no such regulation for any other medical businesses. Each dispensary is unique and provides different services for different people. Patients should have relatively easy access to a dispensary that suits their individual needs. This regulation forces patients to travel farther to obtain high quality medication. 236 500 ft from 3 other such businesses is not very descriptive. Does this include 2nd Jan 26, 2010 10:07 PM and 3rd floors of commercial buildings? Does this mean there can be three in a row? No residential areas? Why not? I would think signage there could be more controlled therefore, would be less noticable? 237 Too many MMDs selling to too many "customers". The MMD across the street Jan 26, 2010 11:31 PM from my home is nearly all out-of-state plates with "student-age" drivers hoping out, getting their merchandise and then they're off. 238 By lumping "retail," "professional office," or a greenhouse/nursery together the Jan 27, 2010 6:26 AM city is not clearly defining specific use at any given space and thus not taking into consideration the immediate impact on said business. A professional office would not necessarily have medicine on premises and therefore should not be subjected to the same rules as say a dispensary. The city should not limit business owners from operating simply based on an arbitrary classification without taking into consideration the actual usage parameters. 239 Density requirements are moot if meant to control the signage, since most MMJ Jan 27, 2010 6:49 AM entities do not use signage, or are located within office buildings 240 I think that medical marijuana businesses should be allowed in residentially zoned Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM areas. 241 These types of businesses should not be located within a 1mile radius of schools Jan 27, 2010 7:17 PM or day care facilities. The patrons of these defacto drug dealer/ stoner outlets have little to no concern for the safety of the children that will be affected by these people who will drive under the influence. 242 Do regular pharmacies have these same restrictions? Are Walgreens and Rite-Aid Jan 27, 2010 7:18 PM prevented from being near schools, or near each other? 243 Smoking of marijuana should not be allowed inside or outside the dispensary. Jan 27, 2010 7:30 PM They're supposedly a pharmacy, not hooka bars. 244 I think they should be treated no differently than a liquor store, drug/pharmacy, or Jan 27, 2010 9:02 PM a place you can purchase other medications or liquor/cigarettes 245 Concentration should be lower. No more than two within 1000 ft. Also a special Jan 27, 2010 9:09 PM sales tax of 20% should be applied. 246 The people voted on this issue to legalize medical pot. The local and state Jan 27, 2010 9:15 PM government should recognize that and keep their politics out of where and how it is sold 247 There are some dispensaries that are located near schools and public facilities Jan 27, 2010 9:25 PM such as swimming pools and libraries. There are dispensaries with licenses approved before aby regulations were in place. 248 I think this whole medical marijuana thing is way out of control. It takes nothing to Jan 27, 2010 9:34 PM get a diagnosis that qualifies for marijuana and there are WAY too many dispensaries. Crime follows. There is not nearly enough regulation. They should be like pharmacies. 249 The businesses should be more than 500 feet from schools and residential zone Jan 27, 2010 9:46 PM districts. 250 More pot dispensaries than fast food joints? That's way too many. Jan 27, 2010 9:49 PM 251 The City of Denver has recently passed an ordinance dealing with the location of Jan 27, 2010 9:51 PM these dispensaries. Their ordinance is strict and well though out and should be considered for adoption by the City of Boulder to enable planned consistancy for the region. 18 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 252 They should be illegal Jan 27, 2010 11:03 PM 253 There should be no dispensaries. Let pharmacies do it. Jan 28, 2010 12:22 AM 254 the total number in the city should be limited, 500 feet away isn't far away Jan 28, 2010 12:45 AM enought, 3 in a cluster is too many 255 I believe since we have formed ourselves as a capitalistic society we should act Jan 28, 2010 1:17 AM as such. Supply and Demand will weed out the bad businesses leaving the community with owners who care, who can provide a superior product and act in the most responsible way. Someone who has the ability to sell something they care for legally with a business license are not going to jeopardize themselves by selling to those without paperwork. Also, those who do run shady operations will fail just as other businesses do (be it a liquor store, starbucks, or market). I believe if you do not allow the strong force that is the free market, to take care of this boom, then we will all be left worse, with dispensaries that are grandfathered into a situation where they have no competition to encourage good business practices. 256 I'm a capitalist, I disagree with most governmental regulation. These businesses Jan 28, 2010 1:44 AM should be treated as any other. 257 Allow a very few in Boulder Jan 28, 2010 1:58 AM 258 The 500 feet from schools seems ridiculous since this is MEDICAL marijuana, not Jan 28, 2010 1:59 AM a recreational drug store. Liquor stores are recreational drug stores and do not have this prohibition. Other businesses aren't limited by the amount of other similar businesses that they are near, so this shouldn't be either. Marijuana really isn't that dangerous. 259 The regulations fail to take into account existing areas in town that are business Jan 28, 2010 2:41 AM oriented but fail to meet the test of these regulations. (Table Mesa Shopping Center, Folsom & Arapahoe, North Broadway Shops). These regulations blindly prohibit business to occur in areas that would normally be promoted as business areas. 260 Needs to be regulated like a pharmacy. Jan 28, 2010 3:25 AM 261 1000 feet is more reasonable for separations. Jan 28, 2010 3:44 AM Grow operations should be limited to industrial zones and prohibited from residential zones. 262 I think that it should be no more than 2 within 500 feet. I think that these should Jan 28, 2010 4:15 AM be more that 1000 feet away from primary or secondary schools and day care. 263 why should "medicine" dispensaries be away from schools? Jan 28, 2010 6:02 AM 264 I don't think 500 feet is enough distance from a school. I also think there should be Jan 28, 2010 6:50 AM zones for these stores...I would be disturbed if it was located within 500 feet of say...my dentist office. 265 Considering that most medical marijuana facilities are getting product illegally Jan 28, 2010 6:59 AM from such places as Mexico, it should be banned all together. There may be some health benefits but it's already know that smokers are much more likely to get cancer from smoking it....10-15 years down the road this will be like tobacco and cigarettes are today. Loose regulations are only going to hurt the city and it's residents. 266 More than 3 within 500 ft could be beneficial from the standpoint of concentration, Jan 28, 2010 7:44 AM competition, & security. 267 Let the market decide. The successful businesses will thrive and the losers will Jan 28, 2010 12:24 PM disappear. 268 500 ft is not nearly enough of a separation between a facility and a school. I Jan 28, 2010 2:02 PM would propose doubling or even tripling this distance. 269 do something about the advertising please!!!! Clearly they should have at least as Jan 28, 2010 2:27 PM many restrictions as liquor; and let's ditch the tye-dye \ hippie references in advertising as this is supposed to be medicinal 19 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 270 I am not sure about the third provision about being 500 feet from other such Jan 28, 2010 2:46 PM businesses. No such provision exists for bars or banks - two businesses that attract more crime. This provision seems overly restrictive. 271 I currently do not know if an area can be zoned both for retail and residential. If Jan 28, 2010 2:50 PM an area can be, and the medical marijuana dispensary is in a retail-zoned location which is also residentially zoned, I believe the medical marijuana dispensary should be allowed to operate. I am sure this is already true for liquer stores. 272 I would like the language to include something about the nature of the signage. Jan 28, 2010 3:15 PM Rember 'Joe The Camel?' The tobacco industry was found to be targeting children and teens. I think that if there is a sign for the 'store' it needs to be understated and limited by size and not too 'cute'--By the way, I do believe canibis should be legalized, but we don't want to say to our kids that it is fun to do! 273 There is no reason to restrict how close businesses can be to each other. There Jan 28, 2010 3:58 PM is no such restriction for pharmacys or liquor stores, it makes no sense. Capitalism will win out, no need to legislate it. People vote with their feet. Ditto for schools and nurserys. The regulations for marijuana dispensaries should be NO DIFFERENT than those for liquor stores or pharmacies. Why would this distinction be made Yes, I agree that they should NOT be in residential zones, just like pharmacies and liquor stores. They are a business and should be in business zones. 274 I marked 'too strict' because the above mentioned 'businesses' doesn't separate Jan 28, 2010 4:08 PM those that are patients and growing the legal # of plants for medicine and those that are running dispensaries. While I agree with some of the ordinances mentioned, we need more detail to insure patients with real health issues are prioritized, and not these money hungry dispensaries popping up everywhere. 275 Regulations should address advertising, signage and crime. Jan 28, 2010 4:09 PM 276 let them be where they want to be. competition will drive out the businesses that Jan 28, 2010 4:20 PM are not complying or being fair or good businesses 277 I might give you my personal information if I know who's asking for it. As it is, this Jan 28, 2010 4:21 PM survey seems rather intrusive. 278 Hopefully what's presented above is "too summarized". The use of marijuana to Jan 28, 2010 4:42 PM curb pain and side effects is real - so why in gods name aren't we getting real prescriptions for it and buying it from pharmacies? The entire situation is rediculous. 279 needs more regs on prescribing docs Jan 28, 2010 5:16 PM 5 docs write most of the prescriptions too many outlets needs a limit on kick backs by docs 280 Spacing between businesses. Gas stations are not required to be 500 ft apart, Jan 28, 2010 5:19 PM neither are pharmacy's or liqour stores. 281 Further from schools please. Jan 28, 2010 5:28 PM 282 If marijuana is to be considered a medicine, shouldn't it be distributed by a Jan 28, 2010 5:54 PM pharmacy, just like other medicines? Why the special treatment for this one medicine? We don't have Prozac dispensaries. 283 "Medical Marijuana businesses cannot be located within 500 feet from three other Jan 28, 2010 6:02 PM such businesses" - is a unfair restraint on free markets. Essentailly you are creating a land grab by early shop keepers to force other, possibly better run businesses, out of the market. Let the market place will take care of the problem. 284 MMDs should be permitted on in areas zoned for light industrial or heavy Jan 28, 2010 6:55 PM commercial. There are too many MMDs located in or near residential areas. A good benchmark for the City is to adopt stricter rules and regulations similary to those recently adopted by the city of Los Angeles. 285 I think they should be further than 500 ft from schools/day cares. Jan 28, 2010 6:58 PM 20 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 286 If legalized, marijuana should be controlled by the FDA or the ATF, either through Jan 28, 2010 7:03 PM pharmacies, or similar zoning rules to hard alcohol. 287 regulations should treat all business's equally Jan 28, 2010 7:06 PM 288 limit the number. Jan 28, 2010 7:38 PM increase to a minimum of a 1000 feet. 289 There should be a regulation as to how many seriously need to service a city and Jan 28, 2010 7:45 PM district, not other MM businesses 290 Medical marijuana is a legitimate answer to a lot of people's problems, as well as Jan 28, 2010 8:19 PM economic problems. Limiting the amount of dispensaries will affect business and will also limit the amount of businesses that can enter. 291 Sale of this weed should be limited to licensed pharmacies only. Jan 28, 2010 8:20 PM 292 As it's a professional business, it shouldn't be regulated to be 500 feet from other Jan 28, 2010 9:09 PM such businesses or from schools/daycare. There aren't a lot of commercially zones places in Boulder and it would just reduce the number of businesses that could operate. And it's a professional business, like pharmacies, the regulation to not be near schools/day cares does not make sense, it would be hard to comply with (who checks this?) and again limit the number of businesses that could operate. Let the market decide how many businesses stay open. 293 I'd like to compare what other 'similiar businesses' have to comply with. Like liquor Jan 28, 2010 9:33 PM stores, Rx Pharmacies, etc. They should not be allowed in residential zones. 294 basically anyone with connections can get Marijuana Jan 28, 2010 9:57 PM 295 Explanation as to why a plant is illegal in any way, and harmful drugs, such as Jan 28, 2010 10:05 PM tobacco and alcohol are legal. 296 500 feet should be increased to at least 1000 feet in all cases. Jan 28, 2010 10:13 PM Smoking should not be permitted indoors, regardless of the facility, the same as any other business in Boulder (bars, restaurants, etc.), but especially ones that share walls with another occupant. 297 I believe there needs to be better control on who can own an operate these Jan 28, 2010 10:29 PM businesses and it should be zoned as a medical facility. 298 I believe in order to get buy the marijuana you have had a physical by a specialize Jan 28, 2010 10:45 PM Dr. 299 why do we need them in the first place Jan 28, 2010 10:53 PM 300 There needs to be some sort of oversight involved. Also, I don't believe doctors Jan 28, 2010 11:23 PM prescribing MM or MM Cards should be allowed to practice on-site at a dispensary or be paid/compensated be the dispensary. 301 If liquor stores and pharmacy's are exempt from the 500' rule, medical marijuana Jan 28, 2010 11:39 PM business's should be as well. 302 Though I think the limiting of the proximity of 3 outlets is a bit odd. Jan 29, 2010 12:24 AM 303 I don't understand why head shops are popping up all over Boulder if the product Jan 29, 2010 1:17 AM is being sold for health purposes for people with doctor's prescriptions. Shouldn't they be able to get the marijuana at their doctor's office if this is truly a medical need? That is what users of other narcotics do when their use of such drugs is deemed medically appropriate -- i.e., the use of painkillers for a root canal. I don't understand why, in a city of 125,000 that routinely shows up on national lists such as "healthiest", "fittest", etc., there are 80+ dispensaries. Does Boulder really have that many sick people or does Boulder have a lot of recreational drug users? It seems that Boulder has legalized the sale of marijuana for all intents and purposes, without providing for a means of collecting tax revenue, or even minimal regulations of this industry. 21 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 304 I would like some exploration about how many marijuana business are enough Jan 29, 2010 1:38 AM within the city of Boulder...is 83 enough? 200? 500? Seems like there could be continued significant growth, with a business popping up everywhere. I also worried about the associated crime, traffic, and related activities...I have friends who have businesses next to marijuana businesses and they feel the impact on their business, parking, pedestrian traffic is detrimental. 305 The whole business of mmarijuana usage is beyond ridiculous! It should be Jan 29, 2010 2:36 AM allowed to be sold in tobacco stores and all other forbidden drugs should be medicalized to be administered in hospitals and clinics. 306 the distance thing should not be an issue and is the result of lingering stigma; Jan 29, 2010 3:06 AM also, better to have one area of the city with a group of businesses with similar product -- same principle as a mall where gift shops are grouped; or medical practices, for that matter, where many are group --these rules are a gesture of control where no control is needed 307 Silly that a group of like businesses cannot be within 500 feet of each other. Also, Jan 29, 2010 3:16 AM regulating how close to schools and daycares is questionable. Are liquor stores given the same regulations? 308 Boulder might as well become a leader here. We've chased away so much Jan 30, 2010 12:30 AM business, and we're quirky enough to be able to capitalize off of this. We need it! 309 they need to be treated like alcohol or tobacco - it is looked at as one big party! Jan 30, 2010 5:10 AM 310 Ban them. It is illegal to sell marijuana. Patients and caregivers may give each Jan 30, 2010 9:42 AM other marijuana, but state law prevents sales. Boulder, though home rule, did not legalize sales. CRS 18-18-406 finds sales a felony. No cash, trade, or barter. Now the city is immorally deriving taxes from illegal sales. 311 Prohibiting medical marijauna businesses from operating in residential districts. Jan 30, 2010 1:57 PM This prevents someone from having a 'home office', thus requiring additional rent somewhere else. 312 I think that overall the interim regulations are close to the mark, but details need to Jan 30, 2010 2:09 PM be worked out. For example, I think the concern over proximity to day care facilities is misplaced; first, no one has a handle on what the definition of a 'day care facility' is, and, as a parent of two young boys, I don't have any particular concern about dropping off my two-year-old near a dispensary; I doubt he'll be getting 'the wrong message'. Second, there is no provision for businesses other than dispensaries and grow ops - what about the ancillary businesses supporting these operations, such as facilities for producing edibles or tinctures, or labs testing the product? 313 The 500ft proximity to schools and day care and other such businesses is an Jan 30, 2010 2:22 PM arbitrary figure based on fears that children will enter said establishments and be given pot. This is nonsense. But prohibiting a business in a residential zone is apropo. 314 Medical Marijuana Dispensaries are a joke that currently cater to criminals and Jan 30, 2010 3:21 PM legitimate patients alike without regard to teh consequences. 315 Marijuana is non-toxic and of no danger to children or schools. We do not restrict Jan 30, 2010 3:50 PM the locations of pharmacies convenience stores that sell tabacco or alcohol. Nor do we restrict gas stations that can be harmful to the environment. We should not make an exception for medical marijuana because of any stigma associated with it. 316 500 feet away from a school or day care is not far enough Jan 30, 2010 4:14 PM 317 People are using MM ( Medical Marijuana) as an excuse to do legal drugs. Now, Jan 30, 2010 4:32 PM while I believe that MM should be legalized I don't want to see the abuse of the system. More Doctor scrutiny should be prescribed. I also would like to see an accounting of where the MM is coming from. Do distributors grow it all, or are is some of it supporting Mexican Cartels. Each plant should be categorized and maintained for state or local records. 22 of 23 If you answered, "Not strict enough," or "Too strict" please describe what you think should be different. 318 There shouldn't be any limitations on where they are located, or the proximity of Jan 30, 2010 5:30 PM various businesses. We should just let the market system decide which dispensaries are the best, and eventually the bad ones will go under. There is no way our current economic situation can support so many dispensaries, so just let them go, and see what happens! 319 Too strict... not strict enough. Both fit. Too strict.... What are these regulations a Jan 30, 2010 6:48 PM solution to. Perhaps it is appropriate to designate one or more areas as appropriate zones for dispensaries. What reasoning was used to make all schools pot free zones? With sufficient regulation(most likely from the state) marijuana shouldn't be available to anyone who walks in. With the invention of cars and bikes pot can be easily accessible to students outside of the dispensary. The best solution: 1) wait for the state to regulate what it will. 2) define the problems to be solved through local regulations. 3) evaluate results of current Boulder regulations 4) decide on regulation. I'm intrigued with L.A. L.A. is imited the number of dispensaries. That's, at least, part of the problem although over the long run many will not make it. 320 please don't be fooled satan is making his case and creating more crime and Jan 30, 2010 7:01 PM destroying us from the inside out by controling the minds of those that are lost and don't Jesus Christ we don't need all these drugs to make well and fill better we need our Lord and saviour Jesus CHRIST ! 321 The school restriction is purely cosmetic, since dispensaries won't sell to children. Jan 30, 2010 9:05 PM 322 Seems like it is easier to open a Medical Marijuana business than a regular Jan 30, 2010 9:06 PM doctors office. This seems to be out of balance. 323 "Medical" marijuana is a joke - it should not be legal at all. Jan 31, 2010 12:24 AM 324 There should not be a whole lot of small dispensers. A couple of city (or state) Jan 31, 2010 1:12 AM regulated entities with a license is adequate. Too many will be hard to manage and is obviously vulnerable to abuse. 325 Just enough, no more regulations... any limitations would cause poorly run Jan 31, 2010 3:12 AM dispencaries to survive the capitalistic market which would normally drive them out of business 326 Competition is best left to the free market system. Jan 31, 2010 5:27 PM 327 Businesses in violation of federal law should not be permitted in the City of Feb 1, 2010 2:09 AM Boulder. 328 I voted for the legalization for medical marijuana because as a health care Feb 1, 2010 1:15 PM provider, I have seen Cancer, HIV and severe chronic pain patients with a great need for pain relief. However, I have only met one person in this catagory with a medical marijuana license. I have met many individuals (all young men) who are absolutely thrilled that they can obtain pot for fulfilling their drug addictions and do it legally. A law that allows 6 pot plants per "caregiver" will yeild so much more marijuana than any individual can smoke. This law is legalizing drugs for drug addicts and not helping those in need. 329 I'm not sure of the exact rules, but does a bar/ liquor store have these kinda Feb 2, 2010 2:45 AM regulations. Please explain the difference. Pleaseeee! 23 of 23 Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinace Feedback Given your understanding of the interim regulations, do you think the regulations address the issues regarding retail dispensary locations? Wholesale grow operations? Not sure, need Rating Response Yes more No Average Count information Please answer 32.1% (203) 30.4% (192) 37.5% (237) 2.05 632 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 231 answered question 632 skipped question 9 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 1 Medical Marijuana is a prescription drug, and should be dispensed at a licensed Jan 13, 2010 10:39 PM pharmacy only. I would prefer that oversight of this prescription drug and the locations approved for its distribution be as strictly controlled as for all other prescription medications. 2 It is not clear exactly what the issues are - apart from some generic emotional Jan 13, 2010 11:18 PM appeals like "think of the children". I have seen no substantive harm assessment taking place, and have heard no specific harm even occurring. Kneejerk reactions to undisclosed and univestigated 'issues' are always inappropriate. 3 Dont allow any, ever. Jan 13, 2010 11:37 PM 4 I prefer the distance between dispensaries be greater. Jan 13, 2010 11:58 PM 5 Personally, I am using my residence as a professional office for a medical Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM marijuana related business. I am not growing, nor do I have any retail sales on- site. In future drafting of regulations, please consider that not everyone in this industry is a grower or a dispensary owner. Please visit http://HerbalAvenger.com or contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com if you care to hear more input on this! 6 Eliminate all dispensaries. People claim to "need" medical marijuana just as an Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM excuse to get high. These people are pathetic losers. 7 On the one hand, it says dispensaries are good for areas zoned retail/professional Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM office, but then it outlaws them within 500 feet of schools. I think that retail/professional office areas should trump the school-margin rule, especially since the 500-foot rule could outlaw dispensaries on University Hill. 8 The proposed zoning seems too restrictive, especially with regard to growing Jan 14, 2010 1:12 AM operations. Is there nowhere in town zoned as agricultural? 9 I think the most important issue is public discourse and education regarding the Jan 14, 2010 1:17 AM nature of medical marijuana as a viable means of improving human health. In that regard, the current regulations and attention the issue has received seems to be a positive process. Like any business, it's important to operate in appropriate facilities, so it seems quite reasonable to limit dispensary locations to areas zoned for professional businesses. 10 see above Jan 14, 2010 1:35 AM 11 dispensary regs are clear, wholesale grow op's are unclear. Jan 14, 2010 1:42 AM 12 No, it's not clear at all what the regulations are concerning grow operations. Jan 14, 2010 2:13 AM 1 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 13 There should not be a limit on density (grouping) of these facilities. I question the Jan 14, 2010 2:21 AM 500 foot rule from schools etc as well but this is probably not too restrictive. For home use you could try to limit it to say 2.5kwh of equipment, equivalent to a large salt-water aquarium. This limit would be based on something like "safe electrical usage" though someone could always make a case for "I upgraded my service panel to support more gear". 14 interim regulations don't make any real sense, other than 'we're doing something' Jan 14, 2010 3:02 AM better to do nothing than do something wrong. I do COMMEND Boulder for letting this industry take in Boulder. We need it. It's reality for a majority of our citizens and voters. You can win and take Boulder into the future by being the most progressive voice for medical marijuana - there are only a couple years ahead!! 15 the fact that we already have 50 dispensaries in town suggests serious demand. Jan 14, 2010 3:12 AM just legalize it so grocery stores or liquor stores can carry it and we can get rid of the ad-hoc dispensary model. 16 Eliminate the 500 foot from other dispensaries limit. Jan 14, 2010 3:17 AM 17 The restriction that a mmj business not be within 500 feet of 3 other mmj Jan 14, 2010 3:21 AM businesses, and the restriction of 500 feet from schools or day care centers are arbitrary and not applied to other adult businesses such as pornography and alcohol sales. These restrictions attempt to address an issue that does not exist. This unnecessary restriction will impede these legitimate mmj businesses rights, and reduce access to patients. 18 You have two questions here with only one answer. The "short" explanation Jan 14, 2010 3:28 AM above does not address grow operations. But yes the regulations do address the issues. I just don't agree with the restrictions. It's a legal business and should be able to operate freely in business zoned areas. 19 The regulations are adequate at present, however, they may need to be Jan 14, 2010 4:11 AM readdressed in the not to distant future. 20 If you want to run a " commercial grow", I feel you need should have to obtain a Jan 14, 2010 4:51 AM license from the City or County. These guys are dealing with lots of safetly issues like high amperage, butane extractions, etc. They need to be regulated to keep the community safe. 21 This is not about zoning. Jan 14, 2010 4:56 AM 22 Where does the product come from? Jan 14, 2010 5:17 AM 23 To the extent that Growers must remain Primary Caregivers they are limited in Jan 14, 2010 5:34 AM Growing. Growers should have protections and not have to be a Primary Caregiver. Growers need to be able to grow and sell to storefronts or patients independently of having to be a primary caregiver. 24 I see no issus with dispensary locations at all. You can purchase tobacco Jan 14, 2010 6:33 AM products in any grocery store and gas station . Tobacco, statistically is much more harmful than marijuana, so by logic standpoint should we not also allow the sale of tobacco products within 500 or 1000 ft of school. And, is this limitation really going to prevent children from getting there cigarets. 25 Does not address Wholesale grow operations. Jan 14, 2010 6:41 AM 26 There are too many permitted uses. There should be new zoning put into place Jan 14, 2010 7:05 AM which limits numbers further. 27 Should be permitted only in light industrial zoned areas, or more than 5000 feet Jan 14, 2010 7:08 AM from any school, and there there should only be one such business allowed per 50,000 residents. 28 Retail is fine. It's going to all come down to the best businesses with the most Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM quality product, which is in the best interest of the patient. 29 Addressed above. Jan 14, 2010 12:39 PM 2 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 30 Uh, looks like your survey contains an error. The description doesn't mention Jan 14, 2010 2:01 PM wholesale at all, this question appears to be an accidental two-part question, and the comment block seems to be introduced wrong because the next one is the same. Anyway, the regulation doesn't address wholesale at all so it is apparent that it needs to. The interaction between wholesale and dispensary, I think, is what will be the most difficult. How do consumers know that their marijuana is good quality? 31 See comments above. Jan 14, 2010 2:16 PM 32 the operations are still illegal under federal law. Strong regulation and Jan 14, 2010 2:49 PM enforcement actions should be put in place 33 I would like to see more emphasis on dispensing for those whom "really" need this Jan 14, 2010 3:10 PM as medication and perhaps, just as the case of resturants, a department within the City to inspect facillities, make sure the correct management is being done, and that they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. I appauled your working on this situation. I also believe you should tax this to your benefit. 34 Restricting dispensaries to retail, professional office, and greenhouse zoning is Jan 14, 2010 3:20 PM appropriate. Zoning should be used to prevent a parade of patients/customers from entering and leaving any home based business. 35 How does one measure the number of feet. Currently the two dispensaries on Jan 14, 2010 3:25 PM Broadway in North Boulder, North of Violet seem to be within 500 feet of a private school, SMWS. Also kids pass these facilities daily for lunch services in the area which are all right past the facilities. 36 Why would they be allowed in zoned nursery areas? Are they growing MJ? Need Jan 14, 2010 3:29 PM more regulations regarding this. 37 Regulations should be more towards safety (electricity in grow operations, Jan 14, 2010 3:32 PM cleanliness in dispensaries) than "protecting our churchgoers" 38 I assumed you were talkig about dispensary locations only and was not aware Jan 14, 2010 3:44 PM from what I read that you were also talking about grow operations. 39 Add a component of taxation. Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM 40 Please, see above comments. The operation is in the same category as a Jan 14, 2010 4:14 PM pharmacy. 41 As stated in the section above. I do not believe their should be any restrictions Jan 14, 2010 4:34 PM around schools. Any patient that receives medicine at dispesararies must obtain a medical recommendation and they are not "drug" dealers that are going to walk over to a school and sell "pot" to kids. Again think of this issue like other pharmacies. People don't walk into Walgreens (or other pharmacies) to pick up prescriptions and then head over to the school to sell to children. 42 All Rx businesses have to be regulated and reviewed by state . Jan 14, 2010 4:39 PM If city want to be held responsible, they must also be responsible for the control untill state requirements are defined and approve by the voters. 43 I don't see how any wording regarding wholesale grow operations. Jan 14, 2010 4:41 PM 44 Dispensaries should be allowed within 500 ft of schools or daycare centers. Jan 14, 2010 4:42 PM Children should have the opportunity to see adults making decisions about their health care, and kids aren't allowed in dispensaries anyhow, so what's the issue? p.s. Next time you make a survey, don't pose two questions and leave sufficient response functionality to answer only one. 45 We need to let the free market weed out (no pun intended) all the MMJ Jan 14, 2010 4:56 PM dispensaries that won't work. In our economic climate just opening a business should be applauded. Grow operations are the future of the industry. What's important is organically grown chemical free MMJ. This is something The city of Boulder should really look into. Outdoor growing should be encouraged. Location for this could be an issue. 46 There is no delineation between wholesale grow operations and retail sales. Jan 14, 2010 5:12 PM 3 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 47 Fewer regulations are needed. Jan 14, 2010 5:25 PM 48 see above. Jan 14, 2010 5:34 PM 49 there are still so many unknowns as far as regulating the sale of mm. caregivers Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM should have a way to legally sell the unsold or not given product they are producing for their patients. why not allow a legal outlet to sell this and the state/city receive taxes on it? make it legal for grow operations or just a small potatoes caregiver have a way to legally sell their remaining product and dispensaries be legal in buying it 50 As far as where these businesses can be located - the ordinance addresses that. Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM However, where there seems to be no regulation is who can grow and how that is distributed. Right now, it seems like there's free reign over who can grow marijuana and be a provider to a dispensary. These seems to give growers the green light. There should be some kind of regulation around who can grow and where dispensaries get their supply. Otherwise, it creates a free-for-all atmosphere that could quickly become chaotic where the line between legal/illegal could quickly become blurred 51 Offer only in a licensed pharmacy manned by a pharmacist. Jan 14, 2010 6:26 PM 52 Again, I think that the drug could be much better regulated in pharmacies where Jan 14, 2010 7:05 PM doctors are more accountable. 53 Don't have retail all over city. Keep it in 2 or 3 concventraated areas. Jan 14, 2010 7:36 PM 54 Quality of the medicine is an issue for people that need this product to save their Jan 14, 2010 7:37 PM lives. So many have been able to stop taking the dangerous pain-killer medicine on the market. If large commercial businesses are the only ones allowed to grow the medicine, then this eliminates the small business owner/grower who wants to supply only a few people under their care, who cannot grow. The small grower is also more able to have quality control. We do not need to limit the location or number of dispensaries. No school children, especially pre-school! would or have ever tried to steal or buy this medicine from dispensaries. Kids know about this medicine already.....it is not a secret!! Drug stores with very dangerous products on their shelves, are located very near schools!!! 55 Growing medicine for dispensaries seems to be very unclear Jan 14, 2010 7:43 PM 56 Are there existing zoning or size limits that would apply to "wholesale grow Jan 14, 2010 8:15 PM operations"? Are there existing local regulations that would apply to hours operation? Also, I know that it's difficult to find a 24 hour prescription pharmacy in Boulder and think that it may be a good idea to clarify that they can be open 24 hours if hours of operation isn't already covered by existing regulations for "retail" or the other two use categories. 57 The grow-ops must remain invisible until legal change comes from the feds. Let's Jan 14, 2010 8:21 PM say if Obama is voted out and a conservative gets in and orders the DEA to march on Colorado, the entire medical industry, notably the patients, will suffer....Actually the local government would also suffer, as the tax money that will have been pouring in will be in serious jeopardy. For now zoning DISPENSARIES as a business, nursery or prof. office is understandable as it relates to being like any other business, but GROW OPs themselves MUST retain invisibility for public/patient/provider safety. Grow ops are clandestine by nature. Brining them to the public eye would be flat out counterproductive to the interests of our local government. At least, until their protection is guaranteed, and not micromanaged buy outsiders, politicians, and other ignorant individuals. 58 See answer to #3. Jan 14, 2010 8:39 PM 4 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 59 Because of the high costs involved in setting up a safe and effective growing site, Jan 14, 2010 8:59 PM a small group of caregivers should be able to pool their resources and grow medical marijuana in a residential setting provided they can demonstrate that their operation is safe and secure. Banning it outright is too strict. It seems reasonable that many current dispensaries may be "squatting", hoping to get "grandfathered" in. I would think that what Boulder residents want are dispensaries that are operated as a fully professional wellness care facility, and not the way that most dispensaries are currently operated. There needs to be a process in place to allow new dispensaries to operate as a totally professional wellness center even if they are located near existing dispensaries. Let competition and service to patients drive who survives and who fails. 60 It would be nice to have a explanation of what the city defines as "the issues" Jan 14, 2010 9:17 PM regarding grow houses and dispensary locations. 61 No dispensory Jan 14, 2010 9:29 PM use local existing pharmacies 62 I believe dispensaries should be farther away from residential areas and schools. Jan 14, 2010 10:00 PM 63 Need more restrictions on the whole idea! Jan 14, 2010 11:19 PM 64 Unambiguous definitions would help. Jan 14, 2010 11:21 PM 65 For retail locations, no. I think I've outlined my thinking above. The density and Jan 14, 2010 11:36 PM children regulations lack logic, but the zoning seems correct. Growing operations is an inside operation. I think most growing operations will be well served by the proper zoning. 66 If marijuana is indeed medical, then it should be sold through PHARMACIES, by Jan 14, 2010 11:42 PM licensed pharmacists, with quality/source control, and appropriate security. If I were to develop glaucoma, and "need" medical marijuana, I would be mortified to be required to fill my prescription at one of these shady outlets. I would also be frightened by a lack of quality control, licensing, and security. Please force this drug into pharmacies where the folks who need it (the ill) can get it safely and without added concerns. If truly these dispensaries are the shams that they appear to be, please stop the pretense. 67 There needs to be more clarity in who can store, transport, & supply dispensaries. Jan 15, 2010 12:07 AM 68 It does not cover warehouse space used to grow indoor medicine of higher quality Jan 15, 2010 1:03 AM 69 They are too restrictive. Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM 70 The only issue should be schools, although I doubt that is as big an actual issue Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM as it is a fear. 71 See the answer above. As for wholesale grow operations, regulations need to be Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM established that permit independent grow operations to sell to independent dispensaries. 72 There are no issues regarding retail dispensary locations. The regulations are Jan 15, 2010 1:45 AM trying to address a "problem" that does not exist. Any alleged problems that have been reported in the media are centered around crime, which is not disproportionately high at dispensaries relative to other businesses that carry high value product and/or have cash on the premise. 73 The third requirement is a little too strict since the market would prevent too many Jan 15, 2010 1:57 AM like stores to open up together. 74 Amendment 20 doesn't even mention dispensaries. Jan 15, 2010 2:34 AM 75 As stated above. Legal users growing 3 plants should be allowed to grow these Jan 15, 2010 2:53 AM without problems at the place of residence. Large growers should be treated as any other growing farm but not in a house used for that purpose. Certainly they will have to maintain reasonable security. 5 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 76 I do not want these facilities in my town. Get them away from my children! This is Jan 15, 2010 4:50 AM a terrible influence which will lead children to believe that POT is needed and accepted for medical purposes. 77 There is no real oversight or background checks on any of the caregivers that Jan 15, 2010 6:59 AM provide these services. Felons have been allowed to start up these operations. These dispensaries and grow operations should be as strictly regulated as any pharmacy. Why are they held to a much lower standard than any of our other drugstores?-- In terms of land use as well as the actual dispensing of the marijuana. 78 If marijuana is a medical drug, it belongs in Pharmacies. The prescriptions need Jan 15, 2010 1:24 PM to be given out by licensed Doctors, not "Care Givers". In my view, a dispensary is a fancy word for drug house, and care giver is a different name for drug dealer. 79 I would propose a licensing process for both dispensaries and grow ops. Jan 15, 2010 1:43 PM 80 There should be no restrictions on locations. Jan 15, 2010 3:03 PM 81 The locations of Pharmacies such as King Soopers, Pharmaca, Walgreens, are Jan 15, 2010 3:44 PM sufficient in number and in location so as to provide complete distribution to all people with a legal prescription. It should be a red flag to the City Councillors if they feel that there is a need to address specific distances from schools, etc for a marijuana dispensary. That red flag alone should be an indication that the dispensaries are a bad idea to begin with. 82 need clearer definition of " other such businesses" Jan 15, 2010 4:55 PM 83 I dont think the regulations address the growing operations enough. Jan 15, 2010 5:31 PM 84 I do believe there should be common sense regulations as to signage, hours of Jan 15, 2010 7:16 PM operation, and zoning regulations for commercial grows, but given there are 45,000 registered patients if you do away with legit dispensaries, or you limit to 5 the number of patients one can caregive for you will be left with 9,000 people doing this from their homes. 85 the production should be separated from the sale. you don't go to Coors brewery Jan 15, 2010 9:13 PM in golden to buy beer, you go to a store. wholesale grows need their own regulations, primarily those to protect it. while Clubs have been broken into, people go to extremes to protect their grows, often times endangering themselves or others. 86 I think it was an easy way to regulate the number of dispensaries in the city. I do Jan 15, 2010 9:33 PM not think that they would have any impact on a school because of how highly regulated they are. Not to mention how disguised a dispensary is, children/teenagers/even card holders dont know where they are. 87 47 permits issued bu the city of Boulder in 2009....Don't you think that's about 43 Jan 15, 2010 10:09 PM more than need be? How many more is the city going to issue? Why not make it 100?! PS: It's still a federal crime and a state crime, so why is Boulder participating in this to this degree? 88 So many sites are grandfathered in so the regulations seem meaningless. Jan 15, 2010 10:46 PM Proliferation of sites and the variety of services they can offer in each site is unclear. (Food?) 89 I don't understand what type of business the 'three other such businesses' have to Jan 16, 2010 12:52 AM be in order to force the fourth one 500 feet away. 90 It's CLEAR that the city has not put enough restrictions and boundaries around Jan 16, 2010 3:31 AM medical marijuana facilities, they are EVERYWHERE in Boulder and kids are very aware of them. Think more about the future of our citizens. If you're going to do this, at LEAST charge 100% in taxes! 91 This question is unclear. By "address" does it mean "solve" a problem or does it Jan 16, 2010 5:15 PM mean it "regards" the retail locations? 92 Rules should also effect business operations that were approved before Nov. Jan 16, 2010 6:16 PM 6,2009. 6 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 93 Need to be stricter. Look at surrounding neighborhoods where these businesses Jan 16, 2010 6:23 PM want to operate. 94 If it is illegal, then there should be no questions. Don't allow it. Why would you Jan 16, 2010 11:50 PM worry about how far a wholesale grow operation should be if no one is sure it can be allowed at all? If deemed OK, what would be the requirements / controls (including "scrap") for chemical manufacturing? For retail, what would be the requirements (and checks) for retail? 95 If these businesses are truly providing "medicine" then they should be looking and Jan 17, 2010 12:47 AM acting like PHARMACIES since these are the facilities that provide medicine currently in our country. 96 Only a two should be allowed per square five miles. Jan 17, 2010 4:52 AM 97 Just like snowboarding and sledding are the same sport (as far as open space is Jan 17, 2010 8:09 PM concerned), why aren't pharmacies and dispensaries regulated in the same way? 98 Too many restrictions. Jan 17, 2010 8:18 PM 99 I do not know the regulations on "wholesale grow" operations but these should fall Jan 17, 2010 10:28 PM under FDA regulations like any other drug. How can the City of Boulder afford the inspectors and police staff that would be necessary to ensure that any new greenhouse operations for growing marijuana are conforming to FDA regulations and are secure from theft? 100 there are already too many and located too close to each other. Maybe growing Jan 18, 2010 4:02 AM and dispensaries should be separated. 101 no, doesn't address wholesale grow operations. There should be no limit on the Jan 18, 2010 1:39 PM amount of marijuana grown at a commercial farm. Individuals should be allowed to continue to grow 3 plants at their homes, as they are allowed to do so now. 102 We need just a few. How many pharmacies do we have. Not many - how many Jan 18, 2010 6:09 PM liquor stores do we have. Not many 103 The above answer says that I think that MM should be distributed through a Jan 18, 2010 10:11 PM regular pharmacy. 104 They don't address the issues about growing - What is safe? What kind of Jan 19, 2010 3:25 AM precautions do they need to have? How are they going to be regulated? 105 Restrictions create an unwarranted perception. But I mostly concerned that long Jan 19, 2010 4:48 AM term constrictions will interfere with the natural market process keeping prices high, and more difficult for patients to get what they need. Restrictions seem to me to be coming from a place of fear, which doesn't seem like a good thing no matter how you look at it. 106 I have a "professional office building" in my neighorhood, literally down the street Jan 19, 2010 6:27 AM from my house. I would hate to see it turn into a pot dispensary that my children would walk by daily. They need to ban them from residential areas, schools etc and limit the total number allowed in the city limits. 107 I don't see any verbiage that states where growers should be located. Overall, the Jan 19, 2010 4:30 PM wording seems kind of vague 108 Given that growers and dispensaries are effectively sanctioned "grey markets", Jan 19, 2010 6:40 PM and they are able to charge lucrative black market prices, they will remain targets for theft/armed robbery. This puts the business, patrons, and the surrounding area at-risk. 109 Grow operations should only be in areas zoned agriculture. Jan 19, 2010 10:44 PM 110 retail dispensary yes, whole sale grow no. Jan 20, 2010 12:08 AM 111 I agree with not having businesses like this in residential areas. Jan 20, 2010 1:20 AM However, if you draw 500ft circles around every school and licensed daycare, including those run out of homes abutting business areas, that eliminates a large swath of retail space. Further, what is the point of isolating the business offices? I don't understand that. 112 I wish there was more clarity in what a care-giver or dispensary can/cannot do. Jan 21, 2010 5:49 PM 7 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 113 the difficulty presented with the interim regulations is that it requires a MMJ Jan 21, 2010 6:13 PM business to obtain two separate locations to conduct the business - a retail establishment to serve the patients and a commercial/industrial establishment to produce the patient's medicine. The regulations should recognize and permit the MMJ business to create and provide the medicine in a single location regardless of whether it is zoned retail or commercial/industrial 114 Dispensaries are retail outlets and are entirely different than grows. whether large Jan 21, 2010 6:14 PM commercial grows or small private ones.....there are totally different parameters and requirements involved. A farm is not treated the same as a Safeway....A grow and a dispensary are two different things with two different sets of needs. 115 why? Jan 21, 2010 6:25 PM 116 model it after alcohol and tobacco models. tobacco will kill you, yet i can see 7 Jan 21, 2010 6:58 PM different places i can go buy it. really people, WTF? 117 Again, Supply and Demand will determine the number of dispensaries in time, and Jan 21, 2010 7:09 PM the nicest ones will be able to afford the nicest locations, just like every other business! 118 one of the objective should be to make this as affordable as possible. We want Jan 21, 2010 7:19 PM cost all around to go down not up. Why shouldn't the business be allowed to partner and and work in a professional co-op in the same building? Doctors and lawyers do it all the time to save money and cut cost. 119 Wholesale issues need to be addressed for people who want to make and Jan 21, 2010 7:24 PM distribute cannabis products and growing or obtaining cannabis. 120 the legislation lumps dispensaries and grow operations together. they generally Jan 21, 2010 7:26 PM require different types of locations (retail store front v. warehouse). 121 Many medical marij. card holders grow their on marij. in their private residents, Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM and excess medicine can be sold/given to dispensaries or to people they are caregivers for. The city does not have the right to say what a person can do in their private residence. Probably most of the marij. grown in Boulder is grown in people private residence (house basements), this has been going on for many years, would the city try to restrict a person from growing herds/food in his own home? 122 See above. Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM 123 Same as above. Jan 21, 2010 7:41 PM 124 To the residential ban, What if we were talking about a chemotherapy clinic Jan 21, 2010 7:48 PM instead? Would that be fair? 125 Can wholesale growing businesses operate in retail business zone districts? Is it Jan 21, 2010 7:53 PM necessary that they are established only on agricultural land? Is it true that patients who consume edibles as their primary method of use can be granted 24 plants and if so, is their caregiver legally protected and able to grow 24 plants? What steps do growers need to take in order to be legally protected? Since growers are the WHOLESALERS for dispensaries, why do they need to be caregivers? If the dispensary itself is not the caregiver, why consider limiting the amt of patients it can serve? If the wholesale growing business is not the caregiver, why limit the amt of medicine the business can grow? If pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies are not regulated in this way, why are growers and dispensaries? In other words, do you have to be prescribed Adderall (a federally regulated schedule II drug) to legally work for a company that makes it? Are their any caps on how much Adderall can be produced? No. My point is that our laws should more accurately reflect the production and distribution of other medically prescribed drugs. 126 again this is a solution in search of a problem. Jan 21, 2010 8:01 PM 127 There is no need to address it, unless you start treating Walgreens the same way. Jan 21, 2010 8:03 PM All restrictions harm patients especially those with limited mobility. Wholesale grow operations should only be allowed FOR PATIENTS. 8 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 128 Locations need to be curtailed and the interim regulations are the bare minimum. Jan 21, 2010 8:29 PM Addressing this issue as purely a land use issue does not begin to solve the problem. This is obviously much more than a land use issue. There should be a complete moratorium. The State of Colorado needs to get involved. Any new regulations should be retroactive. 129 If the issue is Cannabis leaves on the front of buildings, then I do not believe the Jan 21, 2010 8:32 PM regulations make sense at all. Do you limit pharmacies from putting the picture of a pill on their signs? Of course not. Please keep in mind that all of your regulations will not keep children from buying black market drugs, including marijuana. Please stop trying to legislate the law breakers by hurting the legitimate patients. 130 Does not seem to address wholesale grow operations - what about Jan 21, 2010 8:33 PM Industrial/Warehouse facilities? 131 I think we simply have to make it clear what exists now and what might be needed Jan 21, 2010 9:10 PM in changes to the "rules." But, I am for unfettered access to marijuana if you are 21 or older. I would legalize an ounce, though, I have a card. But, there should not be too much tax on this "medicine" as to make it unaffordable. I think the "bad" Dispebcaries will be weeded out due to the forces of the "market." 132 Dispensaries should be allowed to cluster for grouped services and allowed to Jan 21, 2010 9:16 PM naturally succeed or fail if proximity is for competition and availability of location. A caregiver who grows for other patients must be able to grow and dispense privately in her home, if she chooses. No public signs or location advertising allowed for this private residential use. A limit to traffic would be required to prevent excesses. This reduces the glaring public display and traffic issue that inflames controversy. Dispensaries should have a legit way to apportion patient assignments to caregiver/growers. 133 Issues? What issues, I don't like having fast food restaurants in my Jan 21, 2010 11:26 PM neighborhood. What about restrictive zoning regulations for them. Let the market decide, there are certain areas better for particular businesses than others. 134 is wholesale grow legal? for the issue brought to the city council, the regulation Jan 22, 2010 12:09 AM did address the issue as far as dispensaries, but is not fair to business owners or operatiors. 135 Well I think you have somewhat. I agree they should not be in residential areas. I Jan 22, 2010 12:11 AM think grow facilities should be in industrial or agricultural areas. As far as the dispensaries as long as they are not in residential areas or right next to a school then I think it is a business like any other. 136 The regulations dont touch whole sale grow operations, just the stores. As one of Jan 22, 2010 12:15 AM the people working in the stores I find this disturbing. I'm the guy who talks to the cancer patients, I'm showing the community the positive side of canabis and paying taxes. These "grow operations" never see sick people, and dont put back into the community. 137 It seems all regulations want to put cannabis in the dark and out of reach. Makes Jan 22, 2010 1:50 AM you wonder since we have been trying to keep from people and here we are today, I wonder what it would be like if government actually made up something that would help. We are setting the precedence for how we the cannabis community, want things to go, follow us and not hinder us we will not go overboard. 138 Dispensaries should be able to open for business wherever they want just like Jan 22, 2010 2:24 AM most any other business. I think it is a waste of time and money to enact useless laws and regulations that will do nothing to keep kids from getting something that they can get easily from people who do not care about the laws and regulkations. 9 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 139 See answer 3 Jan 22, 2010 3:14 AM 140 Allow them to locate anywhere. Jan 22, 2010 2:33 PM 141 should be permitted on a small scale in residential locations. Not more than 10 Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM patients cared for at one location in residentially zoned area. If you completely remove from residential locations, it will affect a lot of growers that use their basements to save their homes in this economy and produce some of the best medication on a very small scale compared to the Dispensaries that carry 300+ patients! 142 So far no one has come up with any compelling arguments that there are any Jan 22, 2010 2:53 PM "issues" at all. There's just a lot of leftover fearmongering from the Prohibitionists. 143 Regulations are being conceived out of fear more than sensibility. Jan 22, 2010 5:36 PM Regulations are written for the constituency that doesn't like it and is afraid. Regulations are NOT written for patients. They are written for big business interests, especially involving enforcement, big pharma, and every company that benefits from prohibition policy. 144 Drop the 500 feet regulation. Jan 22, 2010 6:18 PM 145 What happened to the concept of free market and enterprise? Are you all as Jan 23, 2010 2:06 AM concerned about all of the financial institutions all in a row on Canyon Blvd? We have a serious obesity problem in this Country. Are you all proposing the same guidelines or regulations for them as well? Dispensaries should be located where patients have access to them. I do think a dispensary should be zoned for retail or professional office. If a dispensary is not run well, then people will determine the outcome of that business. Please focus on the regulations that we do need in this Country...Banks, FAA, FCC, Health Care, etc. 146 Wholesale grow operations need to be allowed so that that dispensaries have the Jan 23, 2010 9:48 AM medicine the Patients need. Again the retail dispensary locations need to be allowed to group together as many as they feel they necessary. 147 wholesale grow operations seem to need more explanation... Jan 23, 2010 4:41 PM 148 Allow free enterprise with inspections and fine or revoke licenses that are not Jan 23, 2010 5:36 PM compliant 149 Having such businesses located closer to each other, perhaps in a special block Jan 24, 2010 1:17 AM devoted to that culture could solve many of the problems with law enforcement and such, but I am a devotee of decentralization because it builds local (neighborhood) community and reduces the need for transportation. I think that until cannabis is completely legal, there will be criminal activity surrounding the dispensaries. I don't have the answer here, just tossing out some ideas. 150 I think it is too prohibitive to say that wholesale grow operations should not be Jan 24, 2010 2:16 AM allowed in residential districts. This makes sense for the dispensaries, where there would be traffic and other retail impacts, but the growers are presumably not impacting their neighbors. 151 where is the supply for these numerous shops coming from? are these places Jan 24, 2010 3:23 AM contributing to illegal grow operations because the demand for legal marijuana is larger than the supply? these regulations are extremely confusing and seem to do little or nothing at all to clarify how these places operate. 152 grow ops should NOT be publicly known - the current map showing grow locations Jan 24, 2010 9:18 AM will become likely targets for burglaries, the DEA etc.. grows should not ever be conflated with dispensaries; grows are necessarily kept private for security, whereas dispensaries are for the public to find.. 153 Far to vague, and doesn't even touch on the wholesale growing issue. Jan 24, 2010 2:56 PM 10 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 154 Other retailers of like interests can gather together under one roof in malls, office Jan 24, 2010 5:33 PM buildings and medical clinics (where MMJ cards can and ARE being prescribed), but dispensaries cannot do business under one roof with growers and care givers, etc? Does the word 'unconstitutional' ring any bells? How about 'restriction of trade'? 155 It is a strain on the obviously needed supply for medical cannabis grow operations Jan 24, 2010 9:09 PM to have to spread out in a condensed zone. Growing operations SHOULD be near each other for several reasons: 1) Very few growers work at each growing facility and are very secretive of their location. As opposed to a neighbor who may casually mention to a group of friends that a growing facility rents the space next to them, growers are very private about their location. Generally only one to two people total work these operations. 2) Growers make good neighbors for growers. Not only can they pool their resources and conserve, but together, several grow operations can afford the most effective and state-of-the-art security to protect say the whole building rather than only one unit in a large industrial building. 3) With growers as neighbors, there is no one to complain about the smell. 4) Allowing local competition will drive the price down for patients while pushing quality up. 5) Right now there are not enough growing operations to meet the demand for local dispensaries creating a market for out-of-state medicine and driving income and tax revenue out of the state. A distinction must be made separating wholesale growing facilities in terms of zoning (industrial), and regulations (growing facilities should be regulated like another greenhouse or nursery). These regulations would obviously not apply to a wellness center dispensing medical cannabis and performing massage therapy and yoga. 156 Again the ordinance lumps grow operations and dispensaries into one category Jan 24, 2010 10:02 PM when they should be separated. A grow operation can exist without generating any retail traffic whatsoever. No sale or purchase need occur at the grow locations, therefore there should be separate rules regarding zoning density. One idea might be to create a rule stating that no purchase or sale of anything may occur at grow locations. 157 Land use regulation does not well address the issue of how the business is Jan 24, 2010 10:04 PM licensed and the product distributed. 158 define better grow operation,classification of what a dispensary is Jan 25, 2010 3:30 AM 159 I think the regulations address locational issues; I disagree with non-differentiation Jan 25, 2010 1:41 PM between retail dispensary locations and wholesale grow operations as noted in the comment to question 3. 160 it doesnt seem that there is any reference to grow operations - which would be Jan 25, 2010 4:18 PM where these dispensaries get their product. It seems like the intent is to not have a whole main street of dispensaries, but who cares about growers in a warehouse district. If you keep the same regulation in place pertaining to the limitation on proximity, I think non-retail operations should be excluded. 161 They seem fine with respect to dispensaries, but not for growing. Jan 25, 2010 5:51 PM 162 Does not take into account the needs of wholesale grow operations by, among Jan 25, 2010 6:43 PM other things, requiring the 500 foot requirement from three other operations. Also, to the extent that dispensaries are located in the same building, the rule makes no sense from a public safety perspective. 163 In regards to density restriction, it is too strict because many Boulder dispensaries Jan 25, 2010 8:17 PM are not visible from the street - they are either upstairs, downstairs, or in an office building. So this does not really address that "problem". 164 age limit? can high school students with fake id get an "rx" Jan 26, 2010 2:40 AM 165 See above Jan 26, 2010 5:46 AM 166 I do not understand why there is an "issue". Jan 26, 2010 8:00 AM 11 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 167 I think there should be a differentiation between designated caregivers (who as I Jan 26, 2010 9:28 PM understand it, by State of Colorado law are specifically persons and not businesses or corporations) and wholesale grow operations. Officially-designated care-givers should be allowed to grow medical marijuana in a residential zone (this should be specified as a explicit exemption) if they meet certain criteria for security and no retail traffic. e.g., grow area must be locked up securely where no unauthorized persons would have access, addresses should be allowed to be kept private (not subject to regular licensing disclosures) and the care-giver's permit could be revoked if there was too much traffic. This exemption should be limited to care-givers with no more than 5 patients or something. They should also have to authorize that they were distributing the marijuana to a number of people equal to or fewer than the number of patients they were the designee for. 168 Any marijuana should be sold only in pill or oil form. Retail distribution should only Jan 26, 2010 11:31 PM be through a doctor or pharmacy. I voted for medical marijuana...not wholesale rampant sale to anyone anywhere. Boulder deserves better than 80 or 100 outlets. 169 I believe that the dispensary model is the type of business that generates the Jan 27, 2010 6:26 AM most debate. Wholesale grow operations are by nature discreet and should not be subjected to the same regulations as dispensaries. Additionally, wholesale grow operations tend to be located in industrial areas away from residential areas and therefore should not be perceived as a publicly viewed business. 170 Spacing requirements from schools is disparate from the requirements of Jan 27, 2010 6:49 AM pharmacies, and if safety is an issue, banks, and jewlery stores do not require the same spacing and there are more robberies at those locations. 171 wholesale grow operations like agriculture or like medicine?? Jan 27, 2010 7:06 AM 172 The growing operations would ideally be organic, and barring that, there should Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM be a limit on the amount of pesticide allowed (see below). 173 Based on the wholesale fraud indicated by the sheer numbers of people being Jan 27, 2010 7:17 PM approved by physicians for a fee for medical Marijuana cards, it is more than evident that the true nature of this legislation is nothing short of a defacto end run around the legality of the substance, and an outright abuse of the process. I voted for the medical marijuana initiative, and am outraged by the abuse of what was basically sold to the public as a humane effort to help those with a true demonstrable need. The entire thing is nothing short of drug dealing run amok, and needs to reined in post haste. 174 I understand that they can be in locations that are zones retail. However, there is Jan 27, 2010 9:25 PM one in my neighborhood that is in a building zoned for mixed use. there are two storefronts downstairs and apartments upstairs. Children live in the apartments next door to the dispensary and in homes and apartments all around it. 175 see above. it seems like there is very little regulation as the dispensaries are Jan 27, 2010 9:34 PM popping up everywhere. 176 This was always a grey area in the law--medical marijuana patients were legal to Jan 27, 2010 9:35 PM smoke or grow, but the law provided no other outlet for obtaining marijuana besides the legally murky term of "caregivers." In the absence of the law providing for where patients are to legally obtain the marijuana, in my opinion the dispensaries are an excellent compromise as they take the sales away from the criminals/black market and can be regulated and taxed. 177 They don't even addresswholesale grow operations. Jan 27, 2010 9:46 PM 178 see answer above for question #3. Jan 27, 2010 9:51 PM 179 For wholesale grow operations, I think that more clarification is necessary. It Jan 27, 2010 10:05 PM seems like an odd business to have in a city. 180 No, I believe you are giving too much freedom to these businesses. As far as Jan 28, 2010 1:17 AM schools or day cares are concerned, I believe we should impose the same regulations on marijuana dispensaries that we do on pharmacies or liquor stores. 12 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 181 "Greenhouse/nursery" could cause serious wording problems. A nursery grows Jan 28, 2010 1:44 AM and sells baby plants. A greenhouse is a glass building. Most commercial grows are indoors and the cannabis flowers are harvested. Therefore, they are neither greenhouses nor nurseries. A more accurate term would be "horticultural operations", since there is something being harvested. 182 Wholesale grow operations shouldn't be treated the same because they aren't Jan 28, 2010 1:59 AM dispensing to people and are presumably selling to the dispensaries. Noone is really affected if someone is growing inside their house. So it doesn't make the slightest difference where they are located. 183 The zoning doesn't allow for these new businesses in existing business districts Jan 28, 2010 2:41 AM and instead pushes into areas where compatibility of uses isn't considered. 184 See Above Jan 28, 2010 3:44 AM 185 Not at all they are too vague. Need to outlaw retail locations completely. Medical Jan 28, 2010 6:59 AM my ass, anyone can get pot in there hands from these facilties and if not it's incouraging the buying and selling which will cause a lot lot of other issues. 186 The whole concept of dispensaries is a heist. Medication should be regulated like Jan 28, 2010 7:34 AM the rest of the pharmaceutical industry. Pain narcotics have their place in society but are gonna let meth heads reflux it in their garages if I have a prescription for "as much as I need" like these pot heads? I am a physician btw. 187 It tries to use the same criteria for dispensaries & grow operations even though Jan 28, 2010 7:44 AM they operate VERY differently. 188 Density issues should be addressed; the market may self-regulate, but it may Jan 28, 2010 12:04 PM settle at too high a density. There should be a limit set per area. 189 See previous answer. Jan 28, 2010 2:02 PM 190 there should just be a few in town Jan 28, 2010 2:27 PM 191 Well, I would have marked 'yes' but I believe you need to separate your rules Jan 28, 2010 4:08 PM regarding 'wholesale grow operations' and 'dispensaries.' They are not one in the same. 192 the intent of the Constitutional amendment was to allow the use of medical Jan 28, 2010 4:09 PM marijuana for specific medical conditions. The dispensaries have become a joke with names like "Dr. Reefer" and advertisements that offer licenses to anyone and everyone. 193 I think there should be regulations limiting each caregiver to 25 patients. These Jan 28, 2010 4:18 PM dispensaries that have thousands of patients can in no way take care of the needs of all of their patients. 194 I think the main issue is with "who" is running the dispensaries and where they are Jan 28, 2010 4:33 PM getting their MM. I'd expect some regulated and regimented certifications in place to ensure qualified, competent ownership/employees as well as I would support LOCAL grow operations, rather than out of country/state ones. 195 Perhaps the usage of land is explained, however the legality of growing MM on a Jan 28, 2010 4:56 PM nursery, without being a caregiver, AND only being a wholesaler to only dispenseries is not well detailed. 196 more pot is being grown than prescribed Jan 28, 2010 5:16 PM where is the remainer sold ? 197 As I said above, retail transactions should be conducted by pharmacies. Jan 28, 2010 5:54 PM 198 See answer above. We have bars and liquor stores all located near each other Jan 28, 2010 6:02 PM and it doesn't create a problem. 199 There are no licensing requirements for MMD operators. Jan 28, 2010 6:55 PM 200 Dispensaries need to be zoned similar to pharmacies / liquor. Jan 28, 2010 7:03 PM 201 it needs a total complete review. Jan 28, 2010 7:38 PM when a guy in broomfield can set up a distribution out of his trailer and gets front page headlines (wow) 13 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 202 It doesn't list in what district of the city or county they are allowed to grow or have Jan 28, 2010 7:45 PM businesses. Does it? 203 Why are dispensaries taxed when considered medicine? Legalizing marijuana Jan 28, 2010 8:17 PM outright would create a great tax revenue for the town, as well as jobs. 204 The mimitations are uncalled for Jan 28, 2010 8:19 PM 205 See item 3 Jan 28, 2010 8:20 PM 206 basically anyone with connections can get Marijuana Jan 28, 2010 9:57 PM 207 These "businesses" are going up everywhere there is empty space. Again, there Jan 28, 2010 10:29 PM needs to be tighter control and a better definition than retail space. 208 There is a huge dispensary located next door to my childs afternoon activites. A Jan 28, 2010 10:45 PM place where there a large groups of kids gonig there everyday. That's loo close. I also get flyers put on my car window regularly at my gym and grocery store! 209 ban them Jan 28, 2010 10:53 PM 210 Being close to a school isn't an issue at all -- if Walgreens Pharmacy can be near Jan 28, 2010 11:23 PM a school so can an MM Dispensary. My main concern is that the laws require the dispensaries & care givers to be true and legitimate medical providers RATHER than than 'stoner supply stores' and legal loop hole providers for recreational pot smokers. 211 I don't believe there should be any restrictions. Jan 28, 2010 11:39 PM 212 Why don't people get their drugs from their doctors? We don't allow opium dens Jan 29, 2010 1:17 AM for people in need of morphine? Why are head shops (i.e., dispensaries) being allowed? They should be outlawed and people with medical needs for marijuana therapy should get the cannabis from a pharmacy like any other drug. 213 Again, I am concerned about the number of businesses. Currently I know of three Jan 29, 2010 1:38 AM just outside of the 500 ft. limit of one preschool. Do we really want 3 of these businesses in this perimeter? 214 if the goal is to segregate as a gesture to those who really oppose the existence Jan 29, 2010 3:06 AM of mmj businesses -- then why bother? I agree with banning commercial grow operations of more than 30 plants from residential locations --- that should be enough regulation -- I support a city annual inspection fee to check on a ventilation system or other mmj specific issues -- that's it -- everything else hurts patients -- why do that to people? the reason there is such a thing as medical marijuana that actually works, is that there is a diverse and fairly large group of professional growers who compete with one another -- why not encourage them to use secure warehouse space and skip the rest -- a warehouse is less expensive anyway; aside from the fact that they're contributing to the economic vitality of the city when other businesses are declining 215 I think they should be allowed to operate wherever the business can grow, as are Jan 29, 2010 3:16 AM other businesses. 216 this should be purely a zoning issue. retail in retail, I would think grows would fit in Jan 30, 2010 12:30 AM commercial, industrial, and ag areas. 217 dispensary rules are clear, but not grow operations. Jan 30, 2010 2:10 AM If a person has their six plants at home (residential zone) but sells off excess to a dispensary, why are you making that illegal? 218 away from schools and kids!!!! Jan 30, 2010 5:10 AM 219 It is an illegal for profit business. It invites crime. We've seen that. The violent Jan 30, 2010 9:42 AM crime turns up in the police blotter, but the rip offs and armed people running around with huge amounts of pot are not only not regulated by Boulder, but invited by Boulder. All they care about is sales tax income. 14 of 15 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary location. 220 With the caveat above (I strongly disagree with the inclusion of 'day care facilities'; Jan 30, 2010 2:09 PM it casts far too broad a net and has no rational basis that, as a parent, I can see), I think that the overall zoning scheme for dispensaries and grow ops is a good one. Again, though, we should not overlook medical marijuana businesses that do not fit in these two categories; leaving them out will encourage these businesses to locate elsewhere due to the regulatory uncertainty. 221 500 feet away froma school or day care is not far enough Jan 30, 2010 4:14 PM 222 I'm not really sure what the issues are. I do know that just about everyone Jan 30, 2010 6:43 PM smokes pot, so I don't see what the big deal is about places that sell pot. 223 don't do this it is not going to make you fill better it is a temperal understand that Jan 30, 2010 7:01 PM this world is temperal . 224 Two different issues, much like a farm and a grocery store. Separate regulations Jan 30, 2010 8:06 PM for wholesale growth and retail dispensary locations are necessary. 225 If there is actual medical need it should be dispensed by an existing pharmacy or Jan 30, 2010 9:06 PM doctor office. Stand alone dispensaries are just plain weird and clearly difficult to regulate. 226 "Medical" marijuana is a joke - it should not be legal at all. Jan 31, 2010 12:24 AM 227 it discusses dispensaries but not where growing operations fit in. how can Jan 31, 2010 12:34 AM dispensaries be legal if growing operations aren't 228 I believe there should be allowances for basement, second floor, or off street Jan 31, 2010 4:29 AM locations. 229 A special category of prohibited use should be created rather than admitting Feb 1, 2010 2:09 AM "dispensaries" to existing legitimate zoning districts. 230 I met a young man in his early 20's at Barnes and Noble the other day pulling Feb 1, 2010 1:15 PM books off the shelf on marijuana cultivation. When I asked himabout it he told me that he will stand to make 60,000 dollars on the plants that he is growing in just a few months. He also told me that at last count there were 67 "dispensaries" in Boulder City/County limits alone. This is out of control. How is a family supposed to talk to their children about drug addiction when their friends can go out and get a permit for drugs issued by the state? 231 This is a strange question. I guess it addresses this so called issue, but the whole Feb 2, 2010 2:45 AM issue is NOT AN ISSUE. Just leave these businesses alone and make money off the taxes. 15 of 15 Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinace Feedback Given your understanding of the interim regulations, do you think the regulations address the issues regarding dispensary operation? Not sure, need Rating Response Yes more No Average Count information Please answer 35.8% (225) 28.3% (178) 35.8% (225) 2.00 628 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 216 answered question 628 skipped question 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 1 Medical Marijuana is a prescription drug, and should be dispensed at a licensed Jan 13, 2010 10:39 PM pharmacy only. I would prefer that oversight of this prescription drug and the locations approved for its distribution be as strictly controlled as for all other prescription medications. The dispensing of all prescription medical marijuana should be regulated as strictly as the dispensing of all other prescription medications. It is not being regulated as strictly under these regulations. 2 Again, what 'issues'? Seems like some small and emotive interest groups have Jan 13, 2010 11:18 PM the entire ear of the council in this matter. 3 Dont allow any, ever. Jan 13, 2010 11:37 PM 4 Hours of operation are not mentioned. Please restrict hours of operation. Jan 13, 2010 11:58 PM 5 Cannabis is a plant that has helped people for thousands of years. It has the Jan 14, 2010 12:48 AM potential of helping a lot of patients. However, some of those patients already have weakened immune systems. The last thing we want is for patients who already have a weakened immune system because of HIV/AIDS or cancer, for example, to be consuming pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, weight enhancers, mold, etc... PLEASE CONSIDER THE REQUIREMENT OF THE FULL DISCLOSURE OF ANY AND ALL SUBSTANCES USED IN THE GROWTH OF CANNABIS TO BE SOLD TO/BY DISPENSARIES. THIS MEANS SOMETHING LIKE THIS: "This plant was cultivated in Fox Farm's Organic "Ocean Forest" soil mixed with Organic "Light Warrior" and received General Hydroponics' line of organic nutrients. The plants were sprayed with natural pyrethrins (derived from chrisanthemum flowers) before the flowering (bud-producing) phase to prevent spider mites. A natural solution of 1% soap with neem oil and cinnamon oil were used as insect deterrents." If a patient who is purchasing cannabis from a dispensary has the right to see this information, then he/she can know what they're ingesting. That way, if someone used paraquat or dichlorvos as pesticides, then I know I won't buy it because I'd see it on the fact sheet for the plant! 6 I'm phylisophically opposed to such businesses. They seem to bo run by dopers Jan 14, 2010 12:56 AM for dopers and attract other unsavory individuals. 1 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 7 I am glad that the proposed 1000 ft restriction on distance from schools was Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM brought down to 500 ft. 8 Need a no consumption on premises...just like liquor stores Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM 9 I don't know whether it is state law, or otherwise but I think you need to register Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM with one store and that's it. I know that medical marijuana cards are being used in Nederland in all the six stores selling the stuff. If you need to change store then you should be able to do that but you don't need to register with six and you certainly shouldn't be able to buy from six and then in the case I heard about sell that to non card holders. The medical law is a joke. I think unless this gets controlled genuine users will be stopped and forced to go elsewhere. 10 Prosecute and fine users and dealers of marijuana to the fullest extent. How Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM pathetic are people who use marijuana, medical or not? These people are the scum of our society. 11 It seems that there is a lot of variety in the approach that dispensary businesses Jan 14, 2010 1:17 AM are taking - some offer a wide range of therapies such as massage, acupuncture, aroma therapy, and so on, while others are focused on medical marijuana more exclusively. Allowing businesses room to be novel in their approach benefits patients. Allowing patients to freely choose where they can go (as opposed to restrictions on the number of caregivers one can see), is similarly important. The current restrictions seem to be sufficient to allow a healthy variety, but certainly should not be stricter in their limitations of what services buisness must or must not provide, or how many different caregivers / dispensaries patients can visist. 12 The regulations don't say anything about dispensary operation. Jan 14, 2010 1:29 AM 13 I'm not sure if land-use regulations can address the issues, but I do think the Jan 14, 2010 1:35 AM license to dispense should be restricted more like a license for a liquor store. It's my understanding that not everyone can have one and that it includes a review process before it is granted. Currently it seem like almost anyone can get one, which I don't agree with until marijuana becomes legal but regulated (which I think it should). I also think that someone with a prescription for medical marijuana use should not be allowed to operate a dispensary. (Some of my biggest pothead friends have both, which is not a good sign as far as the law goes.) At the point at which it becomes legal, I do think a marijuana dispensary becomes more like a liquor store (not a bar), although it's not clear you'd even need a dispensary since everyone could just grow their own ... 14 If these dispensary's are designed to sell medication to the ill don't you think they Jan 14, 2010 2:07 AM should be required to be handicap assessable? 15 I disagree with the proximity/density/grouping rule on principle. What's wrong with Jan 14, 2010 2:21 AM a bunch of growers as tenants in a light industrial park within 500 feet of each other? 16 The issues regarding MMJ are associated with availability. The more BS we add, Jan 14, 2010 3:02 AM the more expensive it will be. You can sell grace, but not protection from something the constitution already protects. Sell caregiver exemptions to dispensaries and growers in exchange for health certifications and fees. Ie - a Boulder Certified Cannabis Product: (Level). Let Boulder be the world leader in this! 17 See #4 Jan 14, 2010 3:17 AM 18 See above comment Jan 14, 2010 3:20 AM 2 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 19 The restriction that a mmj business not be within 500 feet of 3 other mmj Jan 14, 2010 3:21 AM businesses, and the restriction of 500 feet from schools or day care centers are arbitrary and not applied to other adult businesses such as pornography and alcohol sales. These restrictions attempt to address an issue that does not exist. This unnecessary restriction will impede these legitimate mmj businesses rights, and reduce access to patients. 20 BUT, see answer above. Regulations are addressed but not to my satisfaction. Jan 14, 2010 3:28 AM Regulations are too restrictive to a legal business. Who wrote these questions? 21 Because of their necessity and also because the huge sales tax revenue source, Jan 14, 2010 4:11 AM these businesses should be carefully cultivated. We know the city planners have a very good understanding of what guidelines can be generated to keep a "wanted" business in Boulder. Let's make this a win=win proposition. 22 Would still like more research in who can benefit and how the dipensaries can Jan 14, 2010 4:20 AM fulfill medical need. I think the process just needs tweaking, as it always will. 23 They need stricter rules Jan 14, 2010 4:56 AM 24 Some businesses have strong security installed while others have very little. I Jan 14, 2010 5:17 AM would include "Dr Reefer" as someone who has little concept of a business plan if he finds it necessary to sleep in the building. 25 95% of Boulder dispensaries operated in the same way as they did before the Jan 14, 2010 5:34 AM regulations 26 Whether the dispensaries are within 500ft or 5,000ft of a school is irrelevant to Jan 14, 2010 6:33 AM protecting children from obtaining marijuana, therefore there should be no regulations on the location of dispensaries . These regulations sound good but in reality they hold no actual significance in protecting children from marijuana. If someone, children included, wants a drug they will find a way to get it, and marijuana is one of the few drugs we, as a community, should be worrying about. Marijuana is one of the least harmful drugs out their, much less harmful then alcohol and cigarettes. But while it is less harmful its use avoided by children. While we cannot keep children from obtaining marijuana, we can provide information on risks associated with marijuana to discourage its. This should be done in a similar manner as the anti-smoking/nicotine campaigns, that have tremendously successful in curbing underage tobacco use. 27 Operations should be severely curtailed. 60-80 dispensaries are already too Jan 14, 2010 7:05 AM many for a city this size. 28 Should be permitted only in light industrial zoned areas, or more than 5000 feet Jan 14, 2010 7:08 AM from any school, and there there should only be one such business allowed per 50,000 residents. 29 Proximity has no effect on social well being. The idea of spreading the Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM dispensaries out makes no sense. 30 No. Times of day for operations. Security, such as ID checking. Also, have no Jan 14, 2010 12:39 PM outside furniture, patios or enclosures that permit congregation around storefronts. Limit use dispensary products so that use is NOT to occur at the dispensary, rather must be taken back to individual's residence. 31 The City should impose a special sales tax on marijuana. Jan 14, 2010 2:16 PM 32 the operations are still illegal under federal law. Strong regulation and Jan 14, 2010 2:49 PM enforcement actions should be put in place 33 I feel that a medical doctor should be the only ones to prescribe. Jan 14, 2010 3:02 PM 34 I don't know all those regulations. Jan 14, 2010 3:10 PM 35 They don't address the "operations" at all. They address only the location. Jan 14, 2010 3:29 PM Hopefully the state legislature will establish some sensible regulations. Another constitutional amendment with unintended consequences. The voters never learn. 3 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 36 see above Jan 14, 2010 3:32 PM 37 See above Jan 14, 2010 3:37 PM 38 may need to clarify dispensary versus grow ops in the regulations or otherwise Jan 14, 2010 3:44 PM fine. 39 Tax this as a business, regulate it as a business, like we do alcohol consumption. Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM 40 Same as above. The operation is a dispensary, not a greenhouse, nursery, nor is Jan 14, 2010 4:14 PM it a retail store. It is a pharmacy. Pharmacies sell various retail products, but they also dispense medicines. 41 The regulations don't seem to address the issues regarding dispensary operations Jan 14, 2010 4:19 PM at all. That is GOOD. Let the businesses operate as necessary and manage and zone the businesses as necessary, but keep the two separate. 42 NOT STRONG ENOUGH... Jan 14, 2010 4:39 PM MORE CONTROL NEEDED TO PREVENT DISTRIBUTION TO NONE QUALIFIED USERS.... 43 i dont think they should be regulated; let them operate as a pharmacy or like any Jan 14, 2010 4:51 PM other small business. 44 Putting limits and moratoriums on dispensaries only hurts the patients who Jan 14, 2010 4:56 PM depend upon them. We should be able to select our caregivers. 45 There isn't really anything discussing how they are to be operated... just where. Jan 14, 2010 5:25 PM 46 Technically a dispensary is not legal since people only sign a temporary care- Jan 14, 2010 5:50 PM giver form to buy mmj at a dispensary. There should be VERY detailed rules of the patient - dispensary - grower relationships. 47 Detailed regulations similar to restaurants and liquor establishments should be Jan 14, 2010 6:06 PM provided, then marijuana operations could be inspected by the Public Health Dept. or other city entity. 48 same as mentioned above. the gray area not allowing the sell after the gtrow Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM virtuallymakes the whole operationillegal. please clarify this in a way that benefits the patients rights to purchase and businesses rights to cultivate properly and legally. 49 See the comment above. The current regulation seems to address where these Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM businesses are located but not HOW they operate 50 Too many, too easy, no regulation Jan 14, 2010 6:26 PM 51 Same as above. Jan 14, 2010 7:05 PM 52 Not much control from a "Medical" physician's perspective. If this is for medicine Jan 14, 2010 7:36 PM then have proof and control. Limiting # of users must be strict! 53 There is no need for these kinds of regulations for dispensaries. Let's focus on Jan 14, 2010 7:37 PM having proper paperwork, proper licenses, payment of sales taxes, good record- keeping. Dispensaries need to be in commercial areas for accessability, and if there are several close together, then competition is happening. This is why Home Depot is so close to Lowe's!!?? 54 see above statements for dissenting views. Jan 14, 2010 8:21 PM Outside of on-site security measures, and normal business zoning, there is no additional need to micromanage....except that all cannabis w/in the dispensaries should only be LOCALLY produced in COLORADO. The businesses themselves might well go along with that. 55 Is additional info. needed on hours of operation, or can this be left to the discretion Jan 14, 2010 8:29 PM of the retailer? 56 See answer to #3. Jan 14, 2010 8:39 PM 4 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 57 It seems reasonable that many current dispensaries may be "squatting", hoping to Jan 14, 2010 8:59 PM get "grandfathered" in. I would think that what Boulder residents want are dispensaries that are operated as a fully professional wellness care facility, and not the way that most dispensaries are currently operated. There needs to be a process in place to allow new dispensaries to operate as a totally professional wellness center even if they are located near existing dispensaries. Let competition and service to patients drive who survives and who fails. 58 It would be nice to have a explanation of what the city defines as "the issues Jan 14, 2010 9:17 PM regarding dispensary operation." 59 No dispensory Jan 14, 2010 9:29 PM use local existing pharmacies 60 Need more restrictions. Jan 14, 2010 11:19 PM 61 Nothing indicated regarding hours of operation, loitering, smoking on site, Jan 14, 2010 11:21 PM smoking in front of or adjacent to the building - cant drink in or in front of a liquor store, the facility should truly be a medical marijuana dispensary and not a marijuana store, should not be offering "free samples" to clients, 62 They don't say much about dispensary operations, which is probably best at this Jan 14, 2010 11:36 PM point, but I'm not sure I understand the question though. Location (which the regulations address) and operations (the day-to-day running of the business) seem very different to me. 63 If marijuana is indeed medical, then it should be sold through PHARMACIES, by Jan 14, 2010 11:42 PM licensed pharmacists, with quality/source control, and appropriate security. If marijuana is recreational, then treat these places like bars. 64 See above Jan 15, 2010 12:07 AM 65 I think the whole idea of a dispensary is just a way to get around the law and Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM seriously question the number of people claimining a medical problem. 66 They are too restrictive. Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM 67 See above answer. Clearly this survey was not proof-read before being posted! Jan 15, 2010 1:45 AM Assuming you intended to ask about Wholesale grow operations separately from retail dispensaries, I'll answer the Wholesale question here. There is no need to regulate grow operations any differently than any other high-value crop. 68 I don't see dispensary operation addressed at all. The land use regulations could Jan 15, 2010 2:27 AM include operator licensing, monitoring "prescriptions" and "prescription" providers, and, hopefully, they could be very strict. 69 Now, if I understand correctly we have Tavern gathering places, marijuana clubs, Jan 15, 2010 2:53 AM and quiet dispensaries that are now considered all the same. Regulations should not lump them all together. The dispensary I use sells, carefully checks cards, and people leave without any socializing. It is a private office that I doubt any neighbor even knows about. If it were right next door to a school I don't see how anyone in the school would even know or care about the private business or the people who come there to make a purchase and leave. It is not what the business is but what people's minds do in making ignorant judgments. 70 Regulations should provide whether MMJ patients are permitted to medicate Jan 15, 2010 3:53 AM onsite as they can in pharmacies. Also, don't know what regulations state re signage of MMJ businesses. 71 No. Let individuals get marijuana from their doctors, or from the pharmacies in Jan 15, 2010 4:50 AM medical buildings. The public does not support mom and pop shops popping up all over retail strips in Boulder selling POT! 72 Dispensing of marijuana should be in the hands of pharmacies that administer all Jan 15, 2010 6:59 AM other drugs. 5 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 73 I already have heard about dispensary employees selling marijuana to non- Jan 15, 2010 1:24 PM prescribed clients. I have met some of the clients who then sell their medical marijuana to other people who don't have a prescription. Many dispensaries sell marijuana in the form of chocolates, brownies, and other foods. A customer buying these items are not provided nutritional information, nor a list of ingredients to warn about possible food allergies. 74 There should be no restrictions on locations. Jan 15, 2010 3:03 PM 75 please see my answers to #3 and #4. Thank you. Jan 15, 2010 3:44 PM 76 need stricter regs. on how and who can buy medical marijuana. just telling any Jan 15, 2010 4:55 PM doctor that "you need it" is not sufficient. 77 Regulations should be about protecting the patient. Security regulations, privacy Jan 15, 2010 7:16 PM issues need to be enforced. Also, regulations as to proper growing practices, waste water disposal, chemicals used to combat infections and funguses are really important. Keep in mind that the ONLY people that can get into a dispensary is a registered patient. School children, unlicensed, or recreational users can't get in. These places are not open to the general public like liquor stores and convenience stores. 78 the dispensary must be allowed to operate under their own discression. this will Jan 15, 2010 9:13 PM allow for specific dispensaries to cater to diffrent patient needs. while some patients have serious needs, others do not. some dispensaries should carry clones for patients, while others should have other wellness such as massage, rekie, yoga, ect. by allowing for dispensaries to self regulate, they can address their patients needs, rather than addressing the wants of the city. 79 No, they are HIGHLY regulated within. Jan 15, 2010 9:33 PM 80 IF anything, should be state or county run. There are far too many people getting Jan 15, 2010 10:09 PM into the growing and harvesting business, and from what I know, not all of the grown marijuana is being sold in a dispensary. There are several people I have heard of that are selling off surplus amounts in the streets and to dealers. Way to protect our city's youth Boulder. 81 There are FAR too many and clients should NOT be allowed to ingest in the Jan 16, 2010 3:31 AM facility. They will ingest in the facility and then get in their cars! COMMON SENSE! Since there are only 12-1400 medical marijuana patients in Boulder County, why would you allow this runaway train?? Why so many facilities. Please put some regulations on this! 82 Why would you need to regulate dispensary operation? Again, do you regulate the Jan 16, 2010 4:33 PM operation of any other business in town (other than liquor stores)? 83 No, although similar concern as with the previous question. Jan 16, 2010 5:15 PM 84 see above Jan 16, 2010 6:16 PM 85 What are the federal requirements for this? What are the control mechanisms Jan 16, 2010 11:50 PM that will ensure that there is no abuse of material? I am hearing about new "doctors" that hand out prescriptions to everyone who asks. Has anyone looked at that? What were the number of true patients two years ago compared to now? Abuse. 86 the dispensaries should not just be "retail" operations. They should be as Jan 17, 2010 12:47 AM regulated as a pharmacy is regulated that dispenses potent drugs. 87 Physicians need to be more strictly regulated to correctly follow the laws. The Jan 17, 2010 4:52 AM laws governing who can get medical marijuana needs to be strictly enforced by need. 88 All of the regs are about zoning Jan 17, 2010 7:53 AM 89 Too many restrictions. Jan 17, 2010 8:18 PM 90 Licensed pharmacies should be the dispensary. Why does the city need separate Jan 17, 2010 10:28 PM dispensaries for marijuana? These invite criminal break-ins and send the wrong message about the risks of this addictive drug (even though a few people do get medical benefits from its use, apparently). 6 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 91 Leave the dispensaries alone! They are fine just as they are. Most are very hidden Jan 18, 2010 1:39 PM from public view (aside from Dr. Reefer) 92 See above Jan 18, 2010 6:09 PM 93 I think a dispensary should be licensed as a pharmacy is. I was shocked to read Jan 18, 2010 10:11 PM in the Camera that the owner of one such dispensary had been in jail for a marijuana conviction. 94 see above Jan 19, 2010 3:25 AM 95 I think they should be subject to certain operation hours and days. I would hate to Jan 19, 2010 6:27 AM see 24hr drive up service! 96 We don't know who are operating these businesses. Are some of these people Jan 19, 2010 3:10 PM felon's? I think these businesses are helpful to the people that need these services, but shouldn't be a front for drug dealers. 97 I get the grandfathering to a point. But why is it OK for an operation to be located Jan 19, 2010 6:40 PM by a school or in a residential neighborhood if they pulled a license soon enough, but not after the interim regs? That seems to imply an acknowledgment of a safety or quality of life issue. 98 From what I've seen, most (I would guess about 90%) of the customers are very Jan 19, 2010 10:44 PM young and don't seem to have medical problems. I've also been told by good authority lots of them resell their marijuana. 99 See my comment above about dispensary proximity to one another. Would it Jan 20, 2010 1:20 AM make sense to say that dentists offices cannot be located near one another? How about other business types? 100 Would like some restrictions on hours of operation. Jan 20, 2010 5:04 AM 101 I wish there was more clarity in what a care-giver or dispensary can/cannot do. Jan 21, 2010 5:49 PM 102 Nothing whatsoever is explained about the operation of a dispensary. This only Jan 21, 2010 6:11 PM helps with where to put them. 103 see #4 above Jan 21, 2010 6:13 PM 104 Allow free market and CURRENT regulations to work. Treat this just like any other Jan 21, 2010 6:14 PM retail business. THere are already standards within the community that will weed (sorry) out those who are not good at it. It is no more harmful than a Walgreens. 105 what's the problem your trying to solve. Have people complained Jan 21, 2010 6:25 PM 106 Just limit the signage if you're worried about kids. However, since Medical Jan 21, 2010 6:26 PM Marijuan is LEGAL maybe we should educate children about that. 107 let them run themselves. Jan 21, 2010 6:58 PM 108 see above... Jan 21, 2010 7:19 PM 109 it doesn't address anything regarding the operations of the dispensary or the Jan 21, 2010 7:26 PM quality of the product they sell. Again, the patients will decide who has the best medicine for them, the best selection of meds and who provides them other intangibles such as advice. 110 Each case and location would need to be look at on a individual bases. Most Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM dispensaries are hardly noticed, they look like any other business. 111 Access means just that: Access. Jan 21, 2010 7:48 PM In the 1980's the city of Denver, primarily the area of lower East Colfax came to a halt over a continued protest for wheelchair access to Mac Donald's. Using the logic of the proposed regulation, this puts a Big Mac - a known killer to the heart - ahead in priority status over medicine that helps keep many alive enabling those like myself to take HIV/AIDS medicines. 7 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 112 What type of paper work is needed (clearly and specifically) to legally protect the Jan 21, 2010 7:53 PM dispensary? Is a copy of the signed Dr. note enough? Is the green certified mail receipt necessary to see? Or, is it necessary for the patient and the dispensary to wait until the official MMR card comes back from the health dept to then provide services? (particularly given their current back log of applicants and the process taking now up to 6 months). 113 please read answer to question 3 Jan 21, 2010 8:01 PM 114 In what way do they address any such issues? That is a ridiculous assumption. Jan 21, 2010 8:03 PM 115 See above Jan 21, 2010 8:29 PM 116 The dispensary operatiion should be treated like a pharmacy. Jan 21, 2010 8:32 PM 117 Same as above. Jan 21, 2010 9:10 PM 118 I think limiting where the dispensary is and how many is arbitrary and still negative Jan 21, 2010 9:12 PM towards the positive aspects of marijuana. 119 It is as hypocritical to have attention-getting public signage during a general Jan 21, 2010 9:16 PM prohibition as it would have been for speakeasies during Prohibition, and as foolish as abortion clinics showing a neon pregnant woman or Brinks advertising their transfer point. Like other sensitive medical treatments and services, dispensaries should be discreetly present and operating by appointment and referral, not drive-by traffic. 120 Again, what issues? A person should be allowed to operate a dispensary from Jan 21, 2010 11:26 PM their home if they don't wish to have a storefront business. 121 they did address it, but not appropriately Jan 22, 2010 12:09 AM 122 I don[t think you have done anything but try to stagnate a very profitable, viable Jan 22, 2010 12:11 AM business in which the majority of the constituants want due to lack of knowledge and certain predjudices. At the end of the day we are talking about a extremly safe substance and people will do it anyway. Why not benifit the community?? 123 They can't until the Legislature addresses the issue Jan 22, 2010 1:28 AM 124 Stop with the regulation idea altogether. Try coming up with Patient,Caregiver & Jan 22, 2010 1:50 AM Dispensary rights. Try setting a meeting or a series of meeting with patients,caregivers and dispensary owners to find out what would work best. 125 I think it is a waste of time and money to enact useless laws and regulations that Jan 22, 2010 2:24 AM will do nothing to keep kids from getting something that they can get easily from people who do not care about the laws and regulkations. 126 As Boulder left it at the last meeting seemed fairly non restrictive, based on Jan 22, 2010 3:14 AM pharmacies is fine. 127 Seems to be more about location and does not address regulation of operation at Jan 22, 2010 4:40 AM all. 128 Laws should be the same for all businesses Jan 22, 2010 2:33 PM 129 Colorado residents ONLY for at least 2 years!!!!! Californians are coming here to Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM make MORE $$ and are offering medicine NOT grown in Colorado and NOT keeping the $$ here where we all want it! 130 see above Jan 22, 2010 2:53 PM 131 shouldn't medicine be available 24 hours a day? Self regulation in this industry Jan 22, 2010 6:18 PM would place responsible business owners taking control and operating the provide good services when the customers are shopping. Most won't stay open past 7 oclock at night but there maybe a need for one to be open 24 a day, in case of emergency. 132 Again this goes back to the wrong interpritation of what a dispensary owner is vs a Jan 22, 2010 6:32 PM real caregiver 133 No. It would be beneficial to have a study group consisting of people familiar with Jan 23, 2010 2:06 AM medical cannabis to form regulations for dispensaries. "Reefer Madness" is not appropriate to use for guidelines. 134 Each dispensary should be able to run how it pleases. Jan 23, 2010 4:41 PM 8 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 135 It gave specifics on locations, there were no details on operation Jan 23, 2010 6:17 PM 136 They seem to only address location, and categorization, not operation. Jan 24, 2010 1:17 AM 137 if these business are medical related and "patients" need a prescription to access Jan 24, 2010 3:23 AM these places then they should be regulated the same as a pharmacy with extremely regulated guidelines, rules, laws and safety regulations. 138 the only issue government should address is public safety, and to be fair it should Jan 24, 2010 9:18 AM be no more onerous than maybe liquor stores and bars, meaning no abusively high license fees either; Anyone studied on the issue at all knows alcohol, tobacco, and even caffeine or otc pain pills are far more damaging. Legitimate, credible research is coming out every week showing even more health benefits than ever thought, so it would be hippocritical to levy a huge tax or fee, unless big pharma's pills get the same treatment. No dispensary should ever have to reveal where they buy their meds, where they may have grow-ops, at least not until all threat of prosecution for possessing or growing this amazing plant is history. Also, keep company names professional- evoking rather than terms like "reefer", "bud", etc; we need to differentiate medical mj from stoners, hippies, tie-dye, "gateway drug", or worse with alcohol or tobacco or harmful pharmadrugs, and align it as it should be - with the healing arts, herbolgy, integrative medicine, natural health and wellness aids. 139 See #4. Jan 24, 2010 2:56 PM 140 There is nothing that I have read in the info above that describes and protocol for Jan 24, 2010 5:33 PM how individual dispensaries are to operate. 141 Again, I am in FAVOR of medical marijuana being available and legal to those Jan 24, 2010 8:26 PM who need it. I think that the way some clinics are set up, they make it seem via advertising and the services connected with them, like they are "spas" or "candy stores"...I keep seeing an ad for marijuana pictured like a dessert in an ice cream cone! Pharmacies and drug companies do not promote their products like this. In addition, they have to list any possible side effects. Marijuana as a medication is cleaner than most all prescription drugs, but there are considerations, like, it could lead to dependency, it could impair driving ability and judgement, and smoking could cause lung problems. If there were a way that it could be more regulated, with more guidelines re: who can grow and sell (perhaps some training, as well as background checks so that those arrested previously for drug-related crimes not be allowed to grow or sell?) as well as guidelines re: how it is advertised, more on a professional, clinic rather than a party, let's have fun model. I think that there is a place in our society for marijuana...I believe it is a plant with much to offer especially to those with certain conditions, but I am afraid especially the way it is being advertised and that there is no regulation whatsoever that this might set a negative example for children and youth and even vulnerable adults who are prone to addiction. 142 I would appreciate city officials at least consulting the industry professionals in Jan 24, 2010 9:09 PM regards to the nuances of the business and the protocol these responsible dispensaries, wellness centers, and growing facilities already take to ensure the safety and privacy of those they serve. A copy of the trade association manual for Growing Colorado was submitted at the last City Council meeting outlining helpful guidelines and regulations. This is something city officials as well as patients and business owners could collaborate on together. Right now it is a tremendous burden on families who grew personal medicinal cannabis to have to hunt for impossible to find warehouse space because their need for medicine exceeded the "six plant limit" in residential zones. What if a husband and wife are both medicinal cannabis patients? You mean only one may have home-grown medicine? This is an enormous lapse in reasoning. Further, several cancer patients use a concentrated version of cannabis that takes pounds of the plant to make one vial of medicated oil. This limitation is truly a death sentence to many who are already struggling. 143 For the short term, yes. Jan 24, 2010 10:02 PM 9 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 144 Land use regulation does not well address the issue of how the business is Jan 24, 2010 10:04 PM licensed and the product distributed. 145 The legalitys are not clear between grower and dispensary Jan 25, 2010 12:22 AM 146 clarity on classification Jan 25, 2010 3:30 AM 147 Allow basic, existing health and safety codes to be a normal part of dispensary Jan 25, 2010 1:41 PM regulation as is the case for any legal business. 148 If you don't regulate the operation of pharmacies, there is no need to regulate Jan 25, 2010 9:04 PM these. This is medicine. 149 Not sure what needs to be addressed, other than the need for a system to protect Jan 25, 2010 11:29 PM the controlled substances in the business, and the need for a normal script for dispensing the medicine. 150 Stop the nonsense and legalize and tax much like alcohal and tobacco. Jan 26, 2010 12:03 AM 151 can they leave the dispensary if theyre driving? apparently they get to "sample" in Jan 26, 2010 2:40 AM dispensary. when we give patients pain medicine in the ER they need to have someone else driving them home. 152 People should be able to get medicine close to home in a residential zone. Jan 26, 2010 5:49 AM 153 One thing will lead to another.............. Jan 26, 2010 10:07 PM 154 dispensary should not exist. we did not vote for retail store fronts Jan 26, 2010 11:31 PM 155 its a social service? or a restaurant? or an ice-cream parlor for pain relief? its a Jan 27, 2010 7:06 AM pharmacy? 156 There should be some reasonable legal limit on synthetic fertilizer and pesticide Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM use that is enforced via regular inspections. 157 As stated before Jan 27, 2010 7:17 PM 158 It doesn't have anything to do with how they operate, only where they are located. Jan 27, 2010 7:18 PM 159 Just the smoking issue as stated above Jan 27, 2010 7:30 PM 160 Somewhat. The ones that I'm familiar with are open until late at night which is not Jan 27, 2010 9:25 PM true of any other business in the neighborhood. 161 Please see above, with no state wide regulations, Boulder is doing an excellent Jan 27, 2010 9:35 PM job in my opinion of balancing between providing an outlet for patients to legally obtain their medicines, without it being an infringement on the community. But without the entire state treating dispensaries similarly, if you don't live in Boulder your options and indeed legal standing are much more precarious. 162 The regs just seem to address location. Jan 27, 2010 9:46 PM 163 The interim ordinance description above does not deal with hours or days of Jan 27, 2010 9:51 PM operation or standards for operating permits. 164 Would it be possible for the city to enact taxes on these businesses? Does sales Jan 27, 2010 10:05 PM tax apply? Additionally, these businesses are providing a medical service. The idea of whether felons/criminals should be allowed to run these things should be questioned. 165 I think it's necessary to address issues such as satellite locations. What is Jan 27, 2010 10:43 PM stopping someone from opening a secondary facility (grow or sale) once their primary operation has been established? If the primary meets the laws, could the secondary fly 'under the radar?' 166 there should be set hours Jan 27, 2010 11:03 PM 167 I don't see how Land Use has anything to do with existing retail buildings, Jan 27, 2010 11:09 PM whereas zoning does! 168 As long as dispensaries are selling their product only to persons registered with a Jan 28, 2010 1:17 AM need for marijuana then I believe they are doing what every business does. Their is no need to regulate; what can be sold, to how many people. Beyond being in a location zoned for business or agriculture. 10 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 169 The regulations do not address anything with regards to how a business operates. Jan 28, 2010 2:41 AM I also treats a grow house the same as a dispensary and we know they operate differently. The regulations should consider Hours of operation, size in area, employees, etc. 170 Too easy to get medical "prescription" Jan 28, 2010 3:25 AM 171 I think the regulations address the location of the business but not any other Jan 28, 2010 3:39 AM "issues". 172 There is no mention of restricting smoking indoors on the premises. Smoking of Jan 28, 2010 3:44 AM any product should be restricted in all buildings and specially multi use buildings. 173 absolutely not. Jan 28, 2010 6:59 AM 174 Alarmist overreaction. Jan 28, 2010 7:44 AM 175 Hours should be regulated. Jan 28, 2010 12:04 PM 176 I think it is a solution in search of a problem. Jan 28, 2010 12:24 PM 177 I would not allow advertising, and apply taxes, in a similar way to tobacco. Jan 28, 2010 2:02 PM 178 they should not be able to sell food Jan 28, 2010 2:27 PM 179 These businesses need to pay local, state, and federal taxes. There should also Jan 28, 2010 2:45 PM be a business model for dispensaries to follow and they should be inspected time to time for product quality, including edibles, and correct paperwork being kept and disposed of. Owners cannot be felons. Our local police force should have a special unit that would work with dispensaries on security and protection. 180 But I do not think it is the city's business to determine "how" such a business Jan 28, 2010 2:46 PM operates. That is up to the management of the company. If we are talking about hours of operation, maybe the city should have some say. 181 See above. Also, how many dispensaries are needed to serve a town with a Jan 28, 2010 4:09 PM population of 100,000? The distinction between legal and illegal drug distribution has disappeared. Impose a substantial tax on these businesses. 182 see above Jan 28, 2010 4:33 PM 183 Let people run their business as they see fit. If they have poor security they Jan 28, 2010 6:02 PM increase their chances of being robbed. If they run a good operation, then they increase their chances of a successful business. More competition means better business evolving in the market. 184 Stricter controls must be placed on the location and number of MMDs. Jan 28, 2010 6:55 PM 185 May need to be additional statements regarding age of patrons and employees, Jan 28, 2010 6:58 PM background/licensure of owners/growers. 186 There are no controls on safety, quality, or purity of the product. Jan 28, 2010 7:03 PM 187 treat dispensary's equally to other business's Jan 28, 2010 7:06 PM 188 It doesn't tell you who can run such businesses. This would allow individuals with Jan 28, 2010 7:37 PM previous criminal records to operate these dispensaries and also allow offenders that are currently in the system to operate these businesses. 189 if it is necessary to have these in boulder, limit the number. Jan 28, 2010 7:38 PM 190 Dispensaries should be able to operate by their own terms. Jan 28, 2010 8:19 PM 191 See item 3 Jan 28, 2010 8:20 PM 192 They merely address location of a dispensary, they don't address hours of Jan 28, 2010 8:51 PM business, parking restrictions, wheelchair access requirements, or security for and of these businesses. 193 There is not specific in the interim regulations with regard to dispensary Jan 28, 2010 9:41 PM operations. 194 basically anyone with connections can get Marijuana Jan 28, 2010 9:57 PM 195 See above: Jan 28, 2010 10:13 PM smoking 11 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 196 Current operators even admit they are lax regarding ensuring licenses are Jan 28, 2010 10:29 PM checked and that their clients in fact to posses a legal prescription. If they refuse to provide oversight, the city should. 197 One it should be taxed, two it should be regluated, three i don't want advertising Jan 28, 2010 10:45 PM pushed down my throat like of drugs! 198 ban them Jan 28, 2010 10:53 PM 199 See above Jan 28, 2010 11:23 PM 200 How large/how many customers can be served by any given dispensary (3 Costco Jan 28, 2010 11:42 PM operations vs. 3 mom-and-pop shops are very different), is volume of product regulated at all - total or to any one customer, what are the allowed hours of operation, etc. 201 It just says where they can operate, nothing about how hey operate. Jan 29, 2010 12:24 AM 202 Not have potheads running dispensary operations. These idiots tell the press that Jan 29, 2010 1:17 AM they close at 4:20 daily and give their dispensaries names like "Dr Hemp". These are not establishments designed to meet the needs of sick people, these are establishments for the productions, sales and consumption of marijuana for recreational purposes. 203 see above -- Jan 29, 2010 3:06 AM by the way, there was a report in the Denver Post recently -- someone did a study, and having a bank or a liquor store in your neighborhood is three times as dangerous as having a marijuana dispensary -- statistically...based on breakdown of numbers by the staff down there -- 204 let's leave them be as much as we would any other business. Jan 30, 2010 12:30 AM 205 The issue is illegal drug SALES. The key word is SELL. Dispensaries are dope Jan 30, 2010 9:42 AM dealers outside the law. The war between the dispensaries has already started. It is going to get a lot worse. 206 it only referenced location, not how the business was to be operated. Jan 30, 2010 1:57 PM 207 My understanding is that the interim regulations don't address the operations of Jan 30, 2010 2:09 PM the dispensaries in any way, only their location. The dispensaries I have seen seem to be well-run, with discreet signage (save for 'Dr Reefer'), well-established procedures for making sure patients' paperwork is in order before they get access to the product, and a generally open, above-board atmosphere. I think that these are the businesses that we want to flourish; I am on the fence as to how much needs to be codified - for example, signage should be regulated, but most other concerns, such as security, will work themselves out, just as they have for other retail locations, particularly those with valuable, portable merchandise such as jewelry stores. One other item for consideration is whether we should allow consumption on the premises - I am of two minds about that. 208 Not really sure what the issues are here either. Jan 30, 2010 6:43 PM 209 In the interim, these provide some guidance. I wish there were a way to deal with Jan 30, 2010 6:48 PM the sheer number. 210 wake up this is Gods creation given to us to take dominion over but we don't get Jan 30, 2010 7:01 PM let me warn you it took Gods wisdom to create this world and it will take his wisdom to fix it ! we have taken what he made and used it for the wrong thing it is not medical use your just getting high. 211 Add special taxing. If possible, direct all of that expenditure towards education, Jan 30, 2010 7:32 PM public safety and beautification within the city. 212 It addresses the location issues fine for selling marijuana via dispensaries. There Jan 30, 2010 11:28 PM needs to be far more regulations related to growing (i.e quality, location, etc.) 213 "Medical" marijuana is a joke - it should not be legal at all. Jan 31, 2010 12:24 AM 214 Define these operations as a nuisance activity. Feb 1, 2010 2:09 AM 12 of 13 If you answered "No," please explain how the regulations could better address dispensary operation. 215 THC should only be allowed in pill or patch form, not for smoking. The Feb 1, 2010 1:15 PM goverenment or drug companies should be making the pills/patches and they should be available at a fair price (not the street price of pot served in baggies) and only from a pharmacy. This will allow those with real pain from real diseases access to THC in a safer delivery system without the legal drug dealers involvement (dispensary). 216 This is a strange question. I guess it addresses this so called issue, but the whole Feb 2, 2010 2:45 AM issue is NOT AN ISSUE. Just leave these businesses alone and make money off the taxes. 13 of 13 Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinace Feedback In your opinion, do you think these types of businesses will have any impact (positive or negative) on neighborhoods in close proximity to medical marijuana businesses? Response Count 599 answered question 599 skipped question 42 Response Text 1 No Jan 13, 2010 9:50 PM 2 I think with proper monitoring/enforcement they will have minimal impact. Jan 13, 2010 9:50 PM 3 No. Jan 13, 2010 10:00 PM 4 no impact what so ever Jan 13, 2010 10:02 PM 5 No, I do not think that they will have an impact. Jan 13, 2010 10:06 PM 6 I would consider it a negative if I was searching for a home and loved one close to Jan 13, 2010 10:25 PM a medical marijuana business. Given that across the country there are reports of similar businesses being broken into and robbed, I wouldn't want to live near one with small children. 7 My feedback is based on recent observations, not opinion. There have been Jan 13, 2010 10:39 PM numerous robberies at dispensaries throughout Boulder and the entire area since the inception of the current medical marijuana dispensary and growing system. Increased crime is definitely an extremely negative impact to neighborhoods. The City of Boulder is well aware of this escalating trend in criminal activity surrounding dispensaries, and should take action at the earliest opportunity to ensure that growing and distribution is regulated in the same way as all other prescription medications. 8 negative Jan 13, 2010 11:15 PM 9 They are medical facilities, providing a valid and legal service. They should be Jan 13, 2010 11:18 PM allowed to operate as such. 10 100% Negative Jan 13, 2010 11:37 PM 11 Yes I do. I think they will attract visitors from out of the area who are only there to Jan 13, 2010 11:58 PM purchase marijuana, and the risk is negative behavior from those visitors, particularly if the hours of operation are late. Also, there have been reported incidences of theft from dispensaries in the metro area, which increase the risk of follow-on theft occurring in the nearby neighborhoods. 12 As much impact as liquor stores which seem to be ubiquitous. Jan 14, 2010 12:47 AM 13 Positive, increase jobs and more taxes collected. Jan 14, 2010 12:48 AM 14 These businesses can be great for taxes and jobs and education. Jan 14, 2010 12:48 AM Cannabis is a plant. Nothing different than any other out there. The reason it's illegal in some ways and looked at the way it is is purely because of politics. If you are in your right mind, then consider alcohol: consider the number of deaths, the harm to families, the number of car accidents, etc..... that alcohol has caused. TONS. HUGE PROBLEMS. Then consider cannabis.... NOT AN ISSUE! The issues exist ACTUALLY because it's illegal in some instances. That forces the cannabis drug trade to flourish. 1 of 30 Response Text 15 No more so than a local liquor store open until midnight or general college Jan 14, 2010 12:49 AM population living anywhere in close quarters to one another. 16 No, they will have minimal impacts since there are so small and abundant Jan 14, 2010 12:51 AM considering the size of the client pool. If they become large Liquor Mart like operations this might change. Small and dispersed seems good with no neighborhood baring an outsize burden. 17 Yes, negatively. Jan 14, 2010 12:56 AM 18 I think that embracing medical marijuana related businesses will have a positive Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM effect on Boulder's community and economy. Boulder can be a leader in this new industry - and already is on many levels. People in neighborhoods need accessible medicine. Placing harsh restrictions on locations for these types of businesses will only make it harder for patients to have options. Making restrictions without considering all types of businesses will also just drive tax revenues out of the city. I would hate to move my home office! 19 Could be OK if they were treated like pharmacies or liquor stores. Need more legit Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM licensing. 20 I don't think they belong in close proximity to neighborhoods. They should be Jan 14, 2010 1:01 AM restricted to business districts. Some are now located below condos in multi use structures making the condos less that desirable. 21 Negative. Under a properly regulated system I think it would be no different from Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM visiting a pharmacy but with the ease of which cards are being issued and the misuse of cards no good can from any of this. Don't do it. Aren't there enough bums in Boulder already? 22 These dispensaries will have an extremely negative impact on neighborhoods. Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM Anyone associated with illegal drugs are scumbags and a menace to our society. 23 I don't have a problem with dispensaries. I work downtown and maybe 10 years Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM ago the "Boulder Clinic" opened on Spruce between 13th and 14th. The clinic treated drug addicts. There was a bit of an uproar about having such a clinic downtown. My office was on the same block and I have never experienced any problems with it. Although I do not have a medical marijuana card, my sense is that you cannot even get in the door of a dispensary without one, which will keep out those under age 21 and others. So, really, the whole concern about keeping dispensaries away from any school, university or elementary, is likely overblown. 24 Yes, just like any other nearby business. If there are only a few, then the few will Jan 14, 2010 1:12 AM have vastly more impact than if there are many. 25 If there are multiple MM businesses in the area, I think it could have a negative Jan 14, 2010 1:13 AM impact. 26 The more open and legal this process becomes the safer communities will be. Jan 14, 2010 1:17 AM Medical marijuana does not lead people to violence or crime (aside from the legality of the substance itself), and in many cases is healthier than conventional pharmaceutical alternatives. It is important to limit access to children in ways similar to what is done with tobacco or alcohol, but medical marijuana seems to pose no significant danger or threat to front range communities. 27 Negative - I'm against the whole thing. Jan 14, 2010 1:29 AM 28 They will probably have a negative impact, but I think it is because they seem to Jan 14, 2010 1:35 AM be just a way around the current laws regarding marijuana use. This means that it's probably most likely that the cliental will be made up more of "potheads" rather than medical patients, which is the real crux of the problem. 29 i see the mmj industry as purely beneficial to the community. besides improving Jan 14, 2010 1:42 AM the wuality of peoples life, it provides a huge surplus of tax revenue which can be used in any manner the city seems fit. 30 Not really. I think people just worry to just worry about something that might or Jan 14, 2010 1:43 AM might not happen. More often than not, the worry will be unnecessary. 31 I do not think these types of businesses will have any impact (positive or negative) Jan 14, 2010 2:04 AM on neighborhoods in close proximity to medical marijuana businesses 2 of 30 Response Text 32 Negative. Have you seen the "patients" ? Jan 14, 2010 2:07 AM 33 I don't think these types of businesses will impact the neighborhoods at all. People Jan 14, 2010 2:13 AM seem to forget that no dispensary will provide service to someone without a doctor's recommendation and ID, which means there's no threat to young people. 34 no impact on neighborhoods that wouldn't already be present with retail stores. Jan 14, 2010 2:21 AM Most of these businesses will gladly ban customers that make them look bad to the community; For example: medicating in the parking lot. 35 i don't think it would change a bit. if anything, a successful neighborhood business Jan 14, 2010 2:45 AM is just what we need. 36 Dont think is positive or negative Jan 14, 2010 2:56 AM 37 Nothing will change too much, the changes that due occur will be positive. Jan 14, 2010 3:01 AM 1. Economics, we will see great tax benefits from these places. 2. It keeps people from actually going into residential homes to purchase marijuana illegally which can be very bad for residents of the street. 38 jobs ++ Jan 14, 2010 3:02 AM 39 While I can see that some businesses, any businesses, may negatively impact the Jan 14, 2010 3:09 AM immediate neighborhoods, I believe that mmj dispensaries would impact neighborhoods far less than, for instance, liquor stores, which attract transients and homeless people who, by necessity, will drink in public, often becoming very, very drunk. Amendment 20 prohibits smoking in public. Additionally, mmj and the process required to get a Mmj card, are prohibitively expensive. Therefore, homeless and less desirable people will not congregate around dispensaries. Nor are supermarkets, which clearly attract homeless people who wish to benefit from the cheapest available food, limited in where they may operate, except as pertains their size. As to the possibility that dispensaries are more likely to be robbed, I ask if gas stations, convenience stores or banks limited due to their propensity to be robbed? In fact, banks in high profile areas near neighborhoods are less likely to be robbed. As an example, consider Wells Fargo on Pearl and 13th. 40 obviously they'll have an impact. we live close to one and we've already had Jan 14, 2010 3:12 AM someone come to our door, lost, asking if our place was the dispensary. 41 No negative impact - possible positve impact as these businesses are clean and Jan 14, 2010 3:17 AM do not have noise or trash issues like some businesses. 42 It depends on how they're regulated. If they're professional organizations focused Jan 14, 2010 3:20 AM on those with medical needs, it shouldn't be any different than having a pharmacy in the neighborhood. If they're in business to sell pot, they could hurt the neighborhood 43 Positive impact due to tax revenues and jobs. Jan 14, 2010 3:21 AM 44 Every action has impacts, intended and unintended. Boulder Community Hospital Jan 14, 2010 3:28 AM has huge impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods both residential and business and both positive and negative. It's part of doing business and providing medical services. It should be no different for MM operations. 45 It depends upon the neighborhood. Marijuana should be legalized. Jan 14, 2010 3:34 AM 46 It is possible. However, not much difference from a bar or a liquor store. Jan 14, 2010 3:39 AM 47 If the dispensaries are in commercially zoned areas, I don't think it will have a Jan 14, 2010 3:39 AM negative impact. Dispensaries seem to be putting their businesses in areas that already have foot traffic condusive to their clientele. I live in North boulder and the dispensary in our area is about 4 blocks from the homeless shelter. I would suggest the homeless shelter has a greater negative impact than the dispensary. 48 I think that there are many black market drug users and dealers in neighborhoods Jan 14, 2010 4:06 AM and if we are able to provide a safe place away from residential areas than overall community impact will be positive. More sales revenue to provide for libraries and open space and less black market business in residential areas. 49 Of course. Let's plan to review this each and every year. Jan 14, 2010 4:11 AM 3 of 30 Response Text 50 Less of a negative impact than liquor stores or bars. Jan 14, 2010 4:14 AM 51 Not if regulations are clear and straight forward, and that the intention of the Jan 14, 2010 4:19 AM business is followed through with integrity. 52 If they are presented as neighborhood businesses that benefit the business, I Jan 14, 2010 4:20 AM think you ensure success for the business and the neighborhood. 53 Positive impact to the community. Citizens respect freedom and openness, Jan 14, 2010 4:51 AM prohibition allows for neither. So, having pot shops out in the open, taxed and regulated just makes sense. It always has, we are just now coming to acceptance. 54 Yes, as evidenced by two dramatic robberies in the past several months in Jan 14, 2010 4:51 AM Boulder alone, and several others that have occurred within the Denver metro area. 55 It already does. I am a psychologist and this "dispensary" has concerned many of Jan 14, 2010 4:56 AM my clients. I also see one woman that states she now has a "card" and there is nothing medically wrong with her. 56 Positive.......rent will be paid, instead of leaving storefronts empty. Jan 14, 2010 5:06 AM 57 Negative. Jan 14, 2010 5:07 AM 58 New businesses that don't necessarilly fit the public's perception of a "real" Jan 14, 2010 5:17 AM business will generally have a negative impact, at least initially. 59 These businesses have had a positive impact on the neighborhoods, they have Jan 14, 2010 5:34 AM put black market, more prone to violence, drug dealers out of business and off the streets. Dispensaries insure the sale of marijuana is to a register medical marijuana patient. 60 They will be fine. If the medicine is legal it will eventually be like any other Jan 14, 2010 5:34 AM pharmacy or jewelry store. People's perceptions will change slowly. When it is their Mother or son or cousin who needs the MMJ medicine then they will evolve into more accepting citizens. Change takes time. 61 If other businesses operate in the neighorhood, these business should not be Jan 14, 2010 6:27 AM discriminated against. 62 Not at all, just a liquor store does not have impact or grocery store. Jan 14, 2010 6:33 AM 63 No impact. Jan 14, 2010 6:41 AM 64 Absolutely a negative impact. No doubt they will cater to the transient rental Jan 14, 2010 7:05 AM neighborhoods with college kids. If allowed to proliferate, they will communicate a negative community value about recreational drug use. 65 Negative. They are frequently targeted by criminals. Jan 14, 2010 7:08 AM 66 Regulation is needed. Regulation though, not laws. Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM 67 Positive. Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM We wanted a stimulus package, we just got one through the back door with medical legislation. 68 I would feel 100 times safer living next to a dispensary than I would a liquor store. Jan 14, 2010 8:00 AM To me it's just like any other friendly shop. 69 I think there will be zero impact to neighborhoods other than the additional tax Jan 14, 2010 8:17 AM dollars for the state and local governments. This is much ado about nothing. 70 Depends on the restrictions. If the outside appearance is compatible and there is Jan 14, 2010 12:39 PM no congregation around the business then it's fine. If it becomes a "street corner" then it will be negative. Think of other pharmacies...do their customers loiter around the inside or outside of pharmacies and use the product? Of course, not. If these are truly medical dispensaries within the community, then we should expect, and regulate accordingly. 71 No. there are already liquor stores everwhere.why are people up in arms now Jan 14, 2010 1:02 PM about this?? Legalize it and the crime aspect will go away 72 No real adverse effects Jan 14, 2010 1:06 PM 4 of 30 Response Text 73 no I think once established it will balance its self. Jan 14, 2010 1:15 PM 74 Positive - they will bring in customers, which in turn will help bring business to Jan 14, 2010 1:56 PM other stores in the vicinity. 75 I think the impact will be neutral, if regulations are followed. It should be no Jan 14, 2010 2:01 PM different from having a pharmacy nearby. I'm not concerned by it at all. 76 I doubt that the dispensaries will have much of an impact on the neighborhoods in Jan 14, 2010 2:12 PM close proximity. Bars have much more of an impact on their neighborhoods, especially at 2:00 a.m. when the bars close. Liquor stores bring much more traffic to a neighborhood than the dispensaries will. 77 Not if they are operated properly Jan 14, 2010 2:14 PM 78 Negative, along the lines of what you see with liquor stores. Jan 14, 2010 2:16 PM 79 No impact Jan 14, 2010 2:26 PM 80 negative. there have already been several reported breakins. Jan 14, 2010 2:49 PM 81 neutral to positive, more positive than liquor stores and bars. Jan 14, 2010 2:59 PM 82 I believe that there will be little to no impact to the surrounding neighborhoods. Jan 14, 2010 2:59 PM 83 I think they will have a very negative impact, As we can see, how would you like to Jan 14, 2010 3:02 PM have someone rob one of these "business'es" right next door to your home or place of business?? 84 I believe individuals with have beliefs without education just because this plant Jan 14, 2010 3:10 PM has been given such a negative name. The business should present themselves as positive not in some old fashion hippie way of operation or presentation. I am not in favor of anyone doing something just for money, if they are really helping someone and providing a positive service, then and only then can it be viewed as positive. Sometimes change is difficult to accept, but honestly, this plant has been on the planet for thousands of years, individuals would be much better off understanding it's real benefits rather than a source for someone to hide from problems and zone out. 85 Positive impact in that my guess is that "street sales" would decline. Jan 14, 2010 3:13 PM 86 No. Jan 14, 2010 3:16 PM 87 no impact. Jan 14, 2010 3:20 PM Planners might want to consider signage restrictions rather than number of dispensary within 500 feet restrictions 88 Yes, As I mentioned above these facilities are on the outskirts of town in a less Jan 14, 2010 3:25 PM patrolled area and more prone to burglaries.Maybe they should all be next store to a police station until proven security methods are in place. The more people know they are a target the more it seems they will be. 89 NO Jan 14, 2010 3:28 PM 90 Absolutely have a negative impact on nearby neighborhoods because of the Jan 14, 2010 3:29 PM character of many of the clientele. They are too often high and unruly. 91 must be away from schools - similar to liquor stores Jan 14, 2010 3:32 PM 92 nothing negative or positive Jan 14, 2010 3:33 PM 93 Negative! Jan 14, 2010 3:37 PM 94 Marijuana is pretty common in Boulder anyway so I see minimal impact. Yes, Jan 14, 2010 3:44 PM there have been burglaries in the news lately but the media can be inflamatory. 95 I think that the dispensaries will have a positive impact by filling empty commercial Jan 14, 2010 3:44 PM spaces. 96 Yes. Two dispensaries have opened up within about 500 feet of my condo. I am Jan 14, 2010 3:47 PM concerned about the effect they will have on my ability to sell my condo. I am also concerned about the potential crime they will bring to the neighborhood in light of recent reports of people breaking into dispensaries with the intent to steal. 5 of 30 Response Text 97 I believe that some guidelines are appropriate, but the least confusing version. Jan 14, 2010 3:48 PM Please treat it as alchohol is treated. 98 none Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM 99 Positive if regulated appropriately Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM 100 They will certainly have an impact which has yet to be determined. Any new Jan 14, 2010 3:52 PM business of any type will have an impact even a bookstore or coffee shop or kite store. We just don't know what type or impact. I would suggest looking to other communities with a longer track record in this area to see what can be expected. 101 I don't see any issue with having a dispensary near other businesses. Same thing Jan 14, 2010 3:52 PM as having a bar, liquor store or pharmacy. 102 Liquor stores and pharmacies are everywhere in Boulder. I see dispensaries as Jan 14, 2010 3:55 PM the same type of business. 103 I do not believe that any negative impact will be realised in the neighborhoods in Jan 14, 2010 4:00 PM close proximity to the business 104 it should have no more impact than being near a pharmacy Jan 14, 2010 4:08 PM 105 The medical marijuana businesses will have no impact on neighborhoods. Jan 14, 2010 4:09 PM 106 Until you flat out legalize it, and of course tax it, like alcohol, these dispensaries Jan 14, 2010 4:12 PM better have good security, i.e. bars on the doors and windows, alarms, security cameras, etc. 107 If these businesses are regulated by the health industry (hence "medical") and Jan 14, 2010 4:14 PM various laws controlling safe storage of meds and security issues, there is no reason that this type of business cannot be located anywhere a pharmacy can be. 108 positive Jan 14, 2010 4:15 PM 109 I think they will have no impact on neighborhoods. Certainly they will have a more Jan 14, 2010 4:19 PM positive impact than illegal grow houses. 110 they should stay away from neighborhoods Jan 14, 2010 4:23 PM 111 I don't believe they will have a positive or negative impact. Again, does a Jan 14, 2010 4:34 PM pharmacy have a negative or positive impact on a neighborhood? Dispensaries must be regulated like other pharmacies. The regulations for pharmacies are already established and we should follow similar guidelines. I believe the thinking behind restricting dispensaries by schools is a left over thought from the failed war on drugs and recreational marijuana prohibition. 112 Negative impact .... Jan 14, 2010 4:39 PM 113 No impact Jan 14, 2010 4:41 PM 114 If anything, I think it will be positive. Nothing could have a more negative impact Jan 14, 2010 4:42 PM on a neighborhood than another vacant retail space with a Tebo or WW Reynolds sign in the window. At least with the new dispensaries, people have the opportunity to buy their cannabis from someone who is trying to be professional about it and is bringing foot traffic to the area businesses. 115 No harmful impact at all. I find it a much better way than seeing people sell drugs Jan 14, 2010 4:45 PM on the creek path, the hill, or on the mall. 116 Positive impact with increased sales tax intake in the city. Jan 14, 2010 4:51 PM 117 neutral Jan 14, 2010 4:51 PM 118 The dispensaries near us have not impacted our South Boulder neighborhoods in Jan 14, 2010 4:56 PM a negative way. I have spoken with others throughout Boulder that share the same attitude I do. Nobody has seen any negative impact on it. 119 Not at all. Jan 14, 2010 5:10 PM 120 No, as long as they remain discreet. Jan 14, 2010 5:12 PM 6 of 30 Response Text 121 I again look to how liquor stores impact neighborhoods. In some cases, the liquor Jan 14, 2010 5:14 PM stores have a negative impact, but mainly due to location and the resulting clientele. In other cases, I don't think there is much of an impact at all. 122 No. So far I do not see any negative impact in my neighborhood. I know where Jan 14, 2010 5:23 PM they are, they look like every other retail store and I have no complaints. 123 They won't have an impact positive or negative. Jan 14, 2010 5:25 PM 124 I do not think they will have any impact. Most medical marijuana users are Jan 14, 2010 5:27 PM respectful and contributing members of our society. 125 no Jan 14, 2010 5:31 PM 126 absolutely they will impact negatively the neighborhoods.... we do not need a Jan 14, 2010 5:34 PM number of places in the city. If we must provide them (though I believe a moratorium on all of them should be the ticket, pending further studies and federal law clarification), then ONE might suffice. 127 No, I do not believe there will be any impact as long as each of the businesses is Jan 14, 2010 5:50 PM required to provide a certain level of security. There should be a locked room with a camera where a patient needs to show their card and possibly their state ID card. After the dispensary validates that the info is legit the patient should be able to enter the dispensary. This would stop or slow down robberies while the dispensary is open. They should be required to have a safe, surveillance equipment, and should not be allowed to keep too much product on hand at any given time. All of these security precautions should make the robberies go away, which will keep the neighborhoods safe. 128 It is Boulder, so I am sure our town council will fall all over themselves to get this Jan 14, 2010 5:53 PM passed and approved. That is a shame. Not all of us are hard core left wing. Marijuana is illegal and this is all a shell to allow people to use it. If we want to legalize pot that is fine, but lets go about doing that, not this back door medical excuse. 129 absolutely. Just look at the criminal activity lately around m. dispensaries Jan 14, 2010 5:55 PM 130 no Jan 14, 2010 6:03 PM 131 No Jan 14, 2010 6:03 PM 132 Positive Jan 14, 2010 6:06 PM 133 With low key signage and names, they have very little impact on neighborhoods Jan 14, 2010 6:09 PM 134 No Jan 14, 2010 6:11 PM 135 yes and no. i think we should take each business seperately and decide its Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM proximity. just as liquor stores, we must provide some discretion. but more than one liquor store can operate on the same block. also, its a parents responsibility to teach their children postive and negative aspects of things 136 People in Boulder have been buying pot illegally for many years - mostly from Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM dealers in residential neighborhoods (I'm guessing). I don't expect dispensaries to have much impact on neighborhoods, certainly no more than bars and liquor stores. 137 Potentially. Unless the operations become regulated, then it opens up the door for Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM a lot of illegal grow operations to delve into the world of legal distribution. There needs to be clear definition about who and what is legal for medicinal purposes and where they cross the line into illegal. 138 Next step medical cocaine Jan 14, 2010 6:26 PM 139 No impact Jan 14, 2010 6:27 PM 140 positive. will keep from having more vacant retail space. we need the business Jan 14, 2010 6:47 PM and the tax revenue. 141 No. We are talking about medical patients here, not drug addicts. Jan 14, 2010 6:59 PM 7 of 30 Response Text 142 I don't think they will have any negative impact. The dispensaries are very Jan 14, 2010 7:03 PM discreet, and have very high standards about who is allowed to procure medicine there. I also think that people in need of medication should have a variety of options available to them, and should have access to a dispensary not too far from their residence. 143 I think they will have a positive impact on the surrounding businesses. Jan 14, 2010 7:04 PM 144 Absolutely. They appear to become hangouts for marijauna users. Jan 14, 2010 7:05 PM 145 Yes, there has alreay been robberies, do you want to live next to a business Jan 14, 2010 7:09 PM where this activity is going on? 146 Not any more than a liquor store. Jan 14, 2010 7:13 PM 147 no Jan 14, 2010 7:22 PM 148 Probably both. Jan 14, 2010 7:26 PM 149 Minimal Jan 14, 2010 7:27 PM 150 No. Minimal impact unless they were open 24/7. Jan 14, 2010 7:35 PM 151 I certainly do! I personally believe that the current medical profession can and Jan 14, 2010 7:36 PM should handle medical use...WITHOUT these dispensaries. 152 Yes, very positive impact. The possibility of helping to eliminate or for sure Jan 14, 2010 7:37 PM reduce the debt of the government through increased sales taxes is going to be positive for other businesses and the population altogether. Let's go for it. Boulder is the most inovative state in our nation. 153 I think dispensaries can have a positive impact as long as they support local Jan 14, 2010 7:43 PM product, are a positive member of their community and are open about what they are doing 154 No, dispensaries will have no impact whatsoever on neighborhoods in close Jan 14, 2010 7:48 PM proximity. It will just be like any other store or office. 155 no. They're a qualified business not a crack house Jan 14, 2010 7:50 PM 156 no. They're a qualified business not a crack house Jan 14, 2010 7:50 PM 157 No Jan 14, 2010 7:53 PM 158 No Jan 14, 2010 8:06 PM 159 Positive. Businesses like these most likely would keep a careful eye on the Jan 14, 2010 8:15 PM behavior of their customers and the impression that they leave on their neighborhoods. The tax revenues produced by these businesses would help pay for the many local projects and services that residents in their proximity benefit from. 160 Yes. I think they will have significant negative impacts on neighborhoods and Jan 14, 2010 8:19 PM decrease home/building values. 161 Outside of a minority of people in Boulder being uncomfortable with cannabis, Jan 14, 2010 8:21 PM period, out of sheer misinformation and unwarranted prejudice, in NO WAY will their kids be affected by a dispensary being in concurring locations. No Jr. High kid or younger will have the slightest chance of coming into contact with the workings of the dispensary. The high-schoolers can already get it, and do, whenever they want it at cheaper prices on the street. There is zero effective real-world justification for this zoning requirement, other that to placate the fearful. How about, if a dispensary IS in a school/ day care area, its signage MUST be discreet. No giant neon leaves for example. That is all you even need to do. Simple discretion. 162 There's no evidence to suggest that neighborhoods have been negatively Jan 14, 2010 8:29 PM impacted thus far, but it's prudent that the interim law prohibits these businesses in residential zones. 163 I think they have no more impact than a doctor's office and less impact than a Jan 14, 2010 8:35 PM liquor store. 164 In the long run they will have a minimal impact. Jan 14, 2010 8:38 PM 8 of 30 Response Text 165 Yes. These businesses will inevitably expand beyond their legal business. Jan 14, 2010 8:39 PM 166 I think the net effect will be positive. Two marijuana businesses have recently Jan 14, 2010 8:41 PM opened up in our neighborhood in previously vacant spaces. Having a business there instead of an empty storefront can only be a good thing. 167 Positive Jan 14, 2010 8:42 PM 168 Current state law prohibits on-site consumption. This would seem to prevent any Jan 14, 2010 8:59 PM negative impact on near-by neighborhoods. 169 I think the impact will be positive if the Dispensaries are safe distance from Jan 14, 2010 9:01 PM schools. 170 MM storefronts will have limited impact on their surrounding neighborhoods. If Jan 14, 2010 9:17 PM they are properly run by grown up, professional people, the impact will be mostly positive. Properly run, MM dispensaries provide much needed information and education to the public at large. MM dispensaries will also generate much needed sales tax revenues that will benefit all neighborhoods in the city. 171 Some have already noted the gentrification of neighborhoods around Jan 14, 2010 9:24 PM dispensaries. Is this positive or negative? I think this is positive. 172 I believe they will have almost no impact on the neighborhoods in which they are Jan 14, 2010 9:28 PM located. 173 No need for special marijuana businesses Jan 14, 2010 9:29 PM 174 Positive Jan 14, 2010 9:31 PM 175 I would like to think not, because this is a pharmacutical industry, people need to Jan 14, 2010 9:34 PM realize this is a medicine to help hurting and sick people. Although certain individuals are taking advantage of a beautiful thing does not mean it is going to effect our community, if anything its helping the communtiy and giving more resources for us to come together and help one another. 176 They are for medical purposes. It is not Amsterdam. Jan 14, 2010 9:41 PM 177 minimal impact, slightly positive Jan 14, 2010 9:45 PM 178 Yes, I believe medical marijuana businesses will have a negative impact on the Jan 14, 2010 10:00 PM community. 179 I think they will have little, if no impact on neighborhoods. Jan 14, 2010 10:17 PM 180 If this were a different city, yes. But it's Boulder and everyone smokes marijuana, Jan 14, 2010 10:19 PM not just sketchy thugs. I doubt it will bring any new crime or, really, people to the neighborhoods nearby. Most of the dispensaries that I am aware of are within a few blocks of a head shop, so that population is already around. 181 a negative impact- already some of these businesses have been broken into Jan 14, 2010 10:43 PM 182 I believe that these business can have positive influence if managed properly. Jan 14, 2010 11:10 PM They will allow a safe place for people to go get there medicine, and medicate in a safe place and not in a vehicle or on the street. Many patients cannot even medicate n their own home, due to non-smoking rentals, etc. 183 They will definitely have a NEGATIVE impact. Jan 14, 2010 11:19 PM 184 HUGE NEGATIVE IMPACT in a residential and/or mixed use Jan 14, 2010 11:21 PM residential/commercial neighborhood. My experience is that they are operated as "pot stores" rather than a medical dispensary that dispenses medical marijuana. They create a nuisance in the aforementioned zones with smoking onsite and adjacent to the facility, children are often present in residential properties, hours need to be regulated to be harmonious with neighbors, notice to existing neighbors should be given when a marijuana dispensary plans on opening, they generate quite a bit of traffic, especially later evening. 185 I think the total impact will be relatively minimal. Very comparable to any other Jan 14, 2010 11:36 PM business opening up in a neighborhood, modulo the new revenue that the city gets that was previously on the black market. I don't predict a measurable change in the neighborhood dynamics at all. The *biggest* difference will be less dealers on the Hill, but that isn't in the same neighborhood. 9 of 30 Response Text 186 Absolutely. They lower property values, invite crime, and are no better neighbors Jan 14, 2010 11:42 PM than bars or strip clubs. 187 i do not believe there will be any negative impact. dispensaries will have a Jan 14, 2010 11:43 PM positive impact economically. 188 I think if the business isn't operating along some industry based or city base Jan 14, 2010 11:44 PM guidelines, it could be negative, but any type of business could have the same impact potentially. I would like to see the Dispensaries come up with operating guidelines for themselves i.e. security, operation standards, criminal backround checks etc... and coupled with some commons sense city regulations Boulder could be the model for the right way to proceed 189 I think it's good for Boulder to have these shops available. Few other businesses Jan 14, 2010 11:54 PM are growing like this. Boulder may serve as a tourist destination for people who need this kind of therapy. In addition, I think we are seeing a logical trend towards legalization and taxation. 190 It is going to attract traffic to other businesses close by. Jan 15, 2010 12:07 AM 191 About the same impact as liquor stores, banks, etc. Jan 15, 2010 1:01 AM 192 positive, it creates more foot traffic to an area. It also creates a large amount of Jan 15, 2010 1:03 AM tax dollars that can be used to improve roads, schools, and other "neighborhood" things that are government sponsored. 193 I think they will have a negative impact on neighborhoods. Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM 194 I think the industry has great potential to be a source of income for the city. They Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM legitimize what goes on every day in every neighborhood in Boulder. Wake up to the smell of sweet ganja - the stuff is everywhere here and the community is just fine (in fact, it helps define what makes Boulder). 195 There is a positive impact in jobs, tax revenue and access to medicine. The Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM majority of these businesses want to be a partner with the neighborhood. I do not see actual negative impact, just baseless fear. 196 Dispensaries have the potential to have a positive impact on the close by Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM neighborhoods. I understand the aversion to massive signage with pot leaves, dancing bears or skulls. I understand an aversion to names like, "Dr. Reefer" (sorry Dr. Reefer.) However, other dispensaries are so low key you would never even know what they are unless you were told or walked through the doors. As for the often argued position, "What about the children?" Please document one instance where a minor obtain possession of marijuana from a dispensary. For the argument, "But it causes more crime," Please look at the data to see if there is a rise in crime or just a shift on the targets. As for the argument that dispensaries carry guns to protect themselves. Do a survey of the dispensaries to see if that is true. Almost all the robberies I have read about, the criminal brought the guns into the dispensary. 197 Yes, a negative impact. Jan 15, 2010 1:08 AM 198 I think if anything they will have a positive impact. More people populating a retail Jan 15, 2010 1:41 AM area has been proven to be beneficial to neighboring storefronts, and it is much better then having empty retail fronts. 199 No. Jan 15, 2010 1:45 AM 200 A good thing. Jan 15, 2010 1:57 AM 201 Ideally, they should have the same type of impact as pharmacies. My concern is Jan 15, 2010 2:27 AM that they are too easily misused, especially regarding children. I hope this doesn't provide additional opportunities for children to obtain marijuana. 202 In most cases, little or no impact. I would expect that more establishments would Jan 15, 2010 2:28 AM reduce the impact on any one area. 203 Yes, they will have an impact. How many robberies at the dispensaries so far? Jan 15, 2010 2:34 AM Two? Marijuana should be available through a prescription and a traditional pharmacy. Marajuana dispensaries are NOT mentioned in Amendment 20 10 of 30 Response Text 204 They should have no more negative or positive impact on the neighborhoods if Jan 15, 2010 2:53 AM established as I have stated above, than a pharmacy or gas station. The state needs money and the tax should help contribute to the community. 205 No. Jan 15, 2010 3:14 AM 206 I think they will have a negative impact as far a crime and impact on young adults. Jan 15, 2010 3:21 AM 207 positive impact Jan 15, 2010 3:25 AM 208 Depending upon signage, security of the MMJ business and depending upon Jan 15, 2010 3:53 AM presence of law enforcement in neighborhoods there might be a negative or a positive impact. Presumably the business will be in a neighborhood zoned for other retail establishments, i.e. pharmacies and liquor stores. Liquor stores would probably have a larger negative impact. 209 No. Dozens of them have popped up over the last year in Boulder, many within a Jan 15, 2010 4:40 AM block of one another. Frankly, they're somewhat hard to spot. I would be surprised if they're impacting any neighborhood or business nearby at all. 210 Yes, I think it will have a negative influence and that black-market will develop for Jan 15, 2010 4:50 AM the resale of POT from people who will forge prescriptions. 211 I do not think a dispensary in a neighborhood make a impact at all. I honestly feel Jan 15, 2010 4:54 AM that their are to many liquor stores and bars in Boulder. I feel that the Hill and Pearl street are kind of a negative thing with all the drunken problems that always happen in those areas. 212 Severe negative impacts! We are already seeing the negative impacts these Jan 15, 2010 6:59 AM businesses bring to a neighborhood. The news is filled with burglaries, altercations, and murders on almost a daily basis at these facilities. 213 no. Jan 15, 2010 8:22 AM 214 They will have a NEGATIVE impact anywhere they open. There will be an Jan 15, 2010 1:24 PM increase in crime around the businesses because of the dispensaries being robbed, and clients selling the marijuana in an illegal manner. 215 No impact Jan 15, 2010 1:43 PM 216 The businesses will have a positive impact to the extent that they reduce Jan 15, 2010 3:03 PM restrictions on marijuana use. Laws against marijuana fuel drug abuse, crime, higher public expenditures for law enforcemnt/prisons, and international violence. 217 Negative. Jan 15, 2010 3:44 PM Please have respect for people who do not wish to have dispensaries in their community at all. Existing pharmacies are regulated and accessible, and provide discreet service. They do not impact communities, regardless of what they dispense. 218 Positive impact. This is economic development, and meeting the consumer's Jan 15, 2010 4:02 PM demands, just as a pharmacy or liquor store might. 219 Yes, many of these establishments have been robbed which will bring greater risk Jan 15, 2010 4:10 PM to neighborhoods. 220 These "business despensaries" are there whether or we acknowledge them! I can Jan 15, 2010 4:18 PM walk thru my neighborhood and smell the smoking of this "medicine" - tax it and get on with it! 221 If they are licensed and regulated, I see no reason for these businesses to have Jan 15, 2010 4:38 PM any significant impact on nearby neighborhoods. 222 no Jan 15, 2010 4:55 PM 223 I honestly don't think the medical marijuana business' will have a positive or Jan 15, 2010 5:31 PM negative impact on neighborhoods in the close proximity. I think that you run into the same obstacles as a liquor store but nothing more and nothing less. 224 They will have a negative impact on neighborhoods. Jan 15, 2010 5:42 PM 11 of 30 Response Text 225 I believe the dispensaries will have limited impact on neighborhoods, but the Jan 15, 2010 6:30 PM limited impact will be positive. I was pleased to see that a dispensary opened 3 blocks from my house (I'm a homeowner). The dispensary is very professional looking and seems to do decent business. That is certainly preferable to an empty storefront that gets vandalized! 226 I think these businesses will have a positive effect on the surrounding areas. Jan 15, 2010 6:53 PM 227 Research in CA has shown an increase in the business traffic in neighboring Jan 15, 2010 7:16 PM businesses after MMJ dispensaries have opened. I think the negative impacts come from inappropriate signage, like big neon marijuana leafs. I also think many will not stand the test of time, let the market weed out the slackers, or the businesses not truly caretaking. But there are already laws and regulations in place to deal with people not in compliance. 228 Really depends on the business. If it's run by responsible community-minded Jan 15, 2010 8:28 PM people, could be a positive impact. If there are too many in one area, or a dispensary that "parties" on premises, that could be negative. 229 i belive they provide a positive impact to the communities. they provide jobs, Jan 15, 2010 9:13 PM economic growth, health care, while promoting civil engagement in the citizens. they eliminate black markets that often target children, and better educate people on the going ons in city goverment. the dispensary industry has opens shops on the hill, while reducing the drug trade, which often leads students into harder drugs. further it promotes quality in the marijuana, which betters the well being of over 30000 Colorado citizans 230 No more impact than a pharmacy. Jan 15, 2010 9:30 PM 231 Neutral. Its just like a gas station in my opinion. It should just blend in and not Jan 15, 2010 9:33 PM have any impact on daily routine. 232 Horribly negative. They are popping up everywhere now. 47 permits granted in Jan 15, 2010 10:09 PM 2009. These businesses do not need to be in every shopping mall. 233 Yes, these types of businesses will bring down the community. i.e. increase in Jan 15, 2010 10:46 PM crime.. 234 No impact Jan 16, 2010 12:05 AM 235 I think they have a serious negative impact on neighborhoods in which they are Jan 16, 2010 12:21 AM located, far worse than licensed liquor operations. 236 I am concerned about increased crime activity, and would like to know Chief Jan 16, 2010 2:31 AM Beckner's stance on this specific issue. It does appear that these outlets are attracting people from outside our county. 237 These businesses are a valuable asset to our local economy. What were once Jan 16, 2010 3:31 AM empty store fronts and warehouse spaces are now filling with legitimate and profitable businesses like any other. The regulations in place are reasonable, and provide healthy competition for quality and access. I think these businesses are a welcome and encouraging aspect of Boulder. 238 Negative, negative, negative!! Look at all the crime increase in the Denver metro Jan 16, 2010 3:31 AM area due to break-ins and robberies of these facilities. What about people ingesting and leaving the facility, driving, etc? These businesses must be regulated to the hilt -it only takes common sense to know this! Run the city with some dignity and put regulations on this. This is not fair to parents who care about what their children are exposed to. 239 Yes. We should look to states who have preceded Colorado and learn from their Jan 16, 2010 4:09 AM experience, preserving the character of our neighborhoods, while preserving the right of patients to have access to medical marijuana. 240 I do not believe that the impact on neighborhoods will be different than that of any Jan 16, 2010 4:38 AM retail business opening. (traffic, parking) 241 They will have positive impact. They will bring much needed revenue, and help Jan 16, 2010 2:43 PM the people wh are in need. 12 of 30 Response Text 242 I think marijuana is moving toward becoming decriminalized. That day will remove Jan 16, 2010 4:33 PM any possible "neighborhood threat." For now, some people may be inclined to try robbing businesses. That will decrease over time and as security measures are installed. I think this is a temporary phenomena because of the newness of the business. Then, I see no serious impact on neighborhoods 243 No, especially, as is my understanding, they are not allowed in residential Jan 16, 2010 5:15 PM neighborhoods. 244 Yes, it would not interest me to be shopping close to these dispenaries. Jan 16, 2010 6:16 PM 245 Negative impact. Sense of insecurity with all of the break ins that have followed Jan 16, 2010 6:23 PM on the heels of the opening of these businesses. Too many clustered together. 246 Given the level of use of marijuana within the city, the locations will make it Jan 16, 2010 6:45 PM possible for folks to walk to the nearest dispensary, which is positive. Consider all the crime and auto accidents associated with liquor. Pot will not ever come close to being a problem like that. 247 I think it will help make a positive change. I trust it will generate tax dollars for the Jan 16, 2010 9:24 PM cities important needs. I also am pleased people that need medical marijuna for their health and well being will have it more accessable. I think if more people of legal age drank alcohol less there would be less deaths from drunk driving from alcohol and alcohol poisioning than if people used medical marijuna. 248 I think that if regulated properly- through collaboration between the city and the Jan 16, 2010 9:50 PM medical cannabis community- that medical cannabis businesses could have a neutral to positive impact on neighborhoods. Related to this, I believe that business presentation is key. For example, there are several dispensaries in my neighborhood and since they present themselves professionally, they blend in as just another business in the area. 249 I was in Denver and I felt I was driving down the down side of Colfax. Jan 16, 2010 11:50 PM 250 Yes - negative, my reaction to the map in the Daily Camera today - Saturday, the Jan 17, 2010 12:47 AM 16th - was "oh, look, there must be a lot of people in pain on The Hill, look how many pot shops are on The Hill. NOT!!!!" I think pot dispensaries clustered on The Hill will only drag The Hill down more. Either treat pot as a medicine (pharmacies) or as an intoxicant like alcohol (liquor stores) but not as something in-between sold from establishments that are providing gourmet pot to a lot of people who aren't really sick and who just want to smoke pot "legally". 251 So far there have been four robberies of these businesses in the past month, Jan 17, 2010 4:24 AM which has an impact on neighborhoods. Have liquor stores had the same rates of robbery? I don't think so, which indicates that these types of businesses increase rates of crime and will have a negative impact on neighborhoods. 252 Negative impacts due to demonstrated crime increases. Jan 17, 2010 4:52 AM 253 much less than a liqour store Jan 17, 2010 7:53 AM 254 Positive. They produce revenue, jobs, tax revenue and provide a meaningful Jan 17, 2010 7:35 PM service. 255 Of course. Any time you have a place that is selling drugs, it becomes a huge Jan 17, 2010 7:38 PM negative for any neighborhood. I wouldn't want anyone "legal" or not, buying drugs or selling drugs anywhere even somewhat close to my house or my children. It brings crime into a neighborhood, (as Grand Junction has already had several break-ins at one of their shops not too far from a residential neighborhood) and it brings unsavory people into a neighborhood too. 256 No real impact upon other businesses or neighborhoods. Only patients are Jan 17, 2010 8:09 PM admitted who have valid ids. 257 No, except to create more consumer traffic which may also frequent other types of Jan 17, 2010 8:18 PM nearby businesses. 13 of 30 Response Text 258 Yes, negative impacts already occur. Marijuana should not be dispensed Jan 17, 2010 10:28 PM separately from any other regulated prescription drug. All current marijuana dispensaries send the message to neighborhoods and children that this drug has become acceptable for broad use in the community and that it is safe. By analogy, should we bring back cigarette machines in our stores in Boulder? It seems that marijuana, in the minds of many, is perceived to be less dangerous to ones health than cigarettes. 259 Maybe at first. But the more it becomes accepted it won;t be much different than a Jan 17, 2010 10:43 PM liquor store. 260 No, since they aren't permitted in residential neighborhoods. Jan 18, 2010 1:53 AM 261 Yes - and it won't be good. Jan 18, 2010 4:02 AM 262 positive impact. local sales tax, rental of dispensary property, parking meters, Jan 18, 2010 1:39 PM perhaps an anchor for other shops. 263 They will have a positive impact on the neighborhoods - they are needed medical Jan 18, 2010 3:39 PM services not liquor stores! 264 Negative based on expected clients, robberies, fights, etc Jan 18, 2010 6:09 PM 265 I don't think these businesses will have much impact on surrounding Jan 18, 2010 10:11 PM neigborhoods. 266 They will have a negative impact on neighborhoods. They should be farther from Jan 19, 2010 3:25 AM residential areas and not just farther from schools. 267 I imagine only a positive impact if people are open to it. Fear is a strange thing Jan 19, 2010 4:48 AM though. 268 Definitely would drop property values having one in your neighborhood. The ones Jan 19, 2010 6:27 AM that are open currently always have people hanging around the front door. Plus they are always getting broken into. Let's be real when money and drugs are involved, crime follows and I don't think anyone wants that in their neighborhood! 269 I believe that if the businesses are run by people who really care about patients Jan 19, 2010 3:10 PM and what they need to live better lives, then it will benefit the community. But if we let just anyone open up this type of business then we will see the varied results. 270 I think there is a risk for some folks to hang outside these businesses looking for Jan 19, 2010 4:30 PM drugs. I also think there is a higher (than normal) risk for robbery... since it is a high-priced item. 271 Positive for the city. Tax revenue and safe areas for neighborhoods. Its perfect. Jan 19, 2010 5:10 PM 272 It's hard to generalize every retail dispensary operation into one category. I am a Jan 19, 2010 5:54 PM firm believer that the dispensary businesses will have a positive impact on residential neighborhoods. Dispensary owners seem to be aware of having a positive impact and will work to do so. 273 The main potential neg. impact is noted above. If they're allowed to be located in Jan 19, 2010 6:40 PM residential zones, that will probably create traffic issues. 274 Positive!! Jan 19, 2010 7:14 PM 275 Negative impact on neighborhoods...positive impact on those patients who would Jan 19, 2010 7:46 PM truly benefit from this drug. 276 Negative, increased traffic, people who possibly abuse drugs will frequent, Jan 19, 2010 9:59 PM increased theft and violence. 277 Yes, one about 200 ft from our professional office was robbed during the day. Jan 19, 2010 10:44 PM The many young customers come with their auto boom boxes loud. I've seen a fight and heard much foul language. 278 only if many open in a set area, or an area becomes known for it. as in a little Jan 20, 2010 12:08 AM Amsterdam or something like that. regulation on how many in a given area is needed. If to many open, they will not all be able to pay the bills, in time shops will close and the boom will slow down. 14 of 30 Response Text 279 I dont think they will have any impact on surrounding neighborhoods. These Jan 20, 2010 12:43 AM businesses are fine and dont need to be overly regulated. 280 Yes, I think they will attract some crime at first and should be properly staffed with Jan 20, 2010 12:45 AM security. 281 I think that drunk people driving to and from liquor stores have an immeasuarably Jan 20, 2010 1:20 AM larger negative impact than these types of businesses would have. 282 Not sure, but it might be negative Jan 20, 2010 1:55 AM 283 nol Jan 20, 2010 2:57 AM 284 If they were truly only for medicinal purposes, it would be okay. However, I do not Jan 20, 2010 5:04 AM trust the motives of these businesses, and that they would not illegally sell to others. Thus, a negative element may be introduced into our neighborhoods which is concerning. 285 As they seem to be in commercial areas and keep relatively low profiles regarding Jan 20, 2010 6:10 PM signage, etc. I think they will not have much impact. 286 The positives are: Income from sales tax and a boost in the economy. Jan 21, 2010 1:27 AM The negatives are: It bothers people 287 Take a look at how may burglaries have been committed or attempted since these Jan 21, 2010 3:06 PM places started. What a horable waste of police resources. With 120 dispensaries in town it will be a daily event. 288 some businesses would benefit from close proximity to a medical marijuana Jan 21, 2010 5:49 PM business, while others would not. This issue is not black and white like the question assumes. 289 Positive! Retail sales = $ into the economy and tax $ Jan 21, 2010 6:08 PM 290 I think that there will be little impact to speak of for the surrounding Jan 21, 2010 6:11 PM neighborhoods. There will be additional revenue and jobs provided, and marijuana's negative affects on the human body are dwarfed by those of already available substances. 291 No. Most, if not all (except Dr. Reefer, of course) are run in a responsible and Jan 21, 2010 6:13 PM discreet manner. The MMJ businesses have filled vacant spaces, paid taxes and serve only MMJ patients. It hurts no one and helps many. 292 Current regulations covering signs, zoning, building codes, etc. will keep these Jan 21, 2010 6:14 PM businesses in line with contemporaries. Once the demonization of Marijuana is exposed for the lie it is, most rational people realize that marijuana is a thousand times less dangerous than Alcohol, a legal (tho rightly restricted) drug that kills thousands of innocent people every year. 293 Dispensary will not have a significant negitive impact on surrounding Jan 21, 2010 6:16 PM neighborhoods; no more than less contraversial businesses. 294 No Jan 21, 2010 6:25 PM 295 They will improve. More traffic means more business. MMJ patients, caregivers Jan 21, 2010 6:26 PM and dispensary owners are VERY respectful, in my experience. 296 No, as long as the signage is not displaying Marijuana Leaves. Jan 21, 2010 6:55 PM 297 hells no! Jan 21, 2010 6:58 PM 298 They will become a valued part of the business community - that will always have Jan 21, 2010 7:09 PM a positive affect on the neighborhoods. 299 we don't know that yet. Why creat a problem where there is none. Let's watch and Jan 21, 2010 7:19 PM see then adjust accordingly. 300 no Jan 21, 2010 7:20 PM 301 I do not believe there is a negative impact. Legal dispensaries are well informed Jan 21, 2010 7:22 PM of the "negative" conotation their business projects and as such, take great pains to ensure they are not infringing on surrounding neighbors. Also, the money the city/county/state is set to receive from taxing transactions over-run any potential negativity. 15 of 30 Response Text 302 Not if you require enough security be installed to remove them from the easy Jan 21, 2010 7:24 PM target list. 303 none Jan 21, 2010 7:26 PM 304 Marijuana dispensaries need to be looked at like any other medical office. Jan 21, 2010 7:27 PM Unfortunately they are looked at negatively & that will then in turn have a negative impact on neighbor hoods. We need to teach our children that Marijuana is like any other drug to help people get better. 305 I would say they have little if any impact. Most go undectected, they look like any Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM other busniess. However if they have neon signs and people hanging out in front of the building, I can see how that might have a negative impact on the neighborhood. Let me give you a example; I live close to three dispensaries in north Boulder, (The Bud 2500 Broadway, Mt. Meds, and Vital Herds) all three are located close togeather. When I tell other people in the neighborhood about them, most do not even know they are there. They are professionally ran and have little if any impact on my neighborhood. 306 Proper dispensaries, in my opinion, should be low-key, and should be run to have Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM minimal impact (as should all businesses). 307 Yes, obviously: any business has an impact on its neighborhood. There is little Jan 21, 2010 7:41 PM reason to think it will be any stronger than any other business. 308 I think many of them can have positive impacts on the community. I know of Jan 21, 2010 7:41 PM involved parties doing community work such as community gardens, workshops, mentoring, health outreach, etc. Let the good operations get established before using the negative ones to regulate the industry. 309 Not if every one behaves in a professional yet compassionate manner. Jan 21, 2010 7:48 PM 310 Walgreens, Pharmaca, and Target are all within walking distances of many Jan 21, 2010 7:53 PM Boulder neighborhoods. With a Doctors prescription and an ID you can walk into any of them and walk out with Schedule II drugs like Adderall, Oxycodone, or Morphine. The problem is that Marijuana was improperly categorized as a schedule I drug when the fact is that it is NOT physically addictive and is, as a street drug, far less abused than the above mentioned substances that are classified as schedule II. I believe there is a pressing obligation on the part of Boulder County and the state of Colorado to provide accurate updated information to its citizens regarding the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana, as opposed to allowing continued fear, ignorance, and outdated disproved information to affect the regulation of medical marijuana laws. 311 along with new job opratunities, I believe these establishments can bring a more Jan 21, 2010 8:01 PM healthy attitude in the community. More and more medical marijuana establishments are offering additional services other than just the sale of medical marijuana. Some offer massage, yoga classes, wellness guidance, and more holistic treatments. These establishments can start to offer a healthy, natural way of life. With prescription drug use and abuse in America rising, there are many who are looking for alternative ways to treat their ailments through a natural, more healthy way of living. Not allowing these places to opperate in fears of pot leafs on signs and children obtaining medical marijuana is simply intolerable. The fears of those opposed to these establishments come from over sensationalized media and ignorance. 312 More business to nearby businesses. Jan 21, 2010 8:03 PM 313 No Jan 21, 2010 8:08 PM 314 I do not envision a negative impact on residential neighborhoods with the opening Jan 21, 2010 8:15 PM of dispensaries nearby. I think requiring dispensaries to be in a retail space allows for those who we once selling out of their homes, in residential areas, to relocate their business, and in effect reducing the sale of marijuana in neighborhoods - effectively making them safer. 16 of 30 Response Text 315 Negative. Sorry I just don't think we need children exposed to these bogus Jan 21, 2010 8:29 PM businesses. We don't need drug impaired drivers in our neighborhoods. We don't need the potential for criminal behavior in our neighborhood (e.g., burglaries). We don't need what is essentially illegal behavior near our neighborhoods. 316 Yes. I think the impact will be very good. Taxes will be paid, jobs will open up, and Jan 21, 2010 8:32 PM it will allow legitimate patients to access their medication legally instead of relying on the black market. Therefore, it will reduce the number of illegal drug transactions. 317 No - neighborhoods have always been around marijuana, it's just medical Jan 21, 2010 8:33 PM marijuana now. 318 No Jan 21, 2010 8:46 PM 319 positive-less crime Jan 21, 2010 8:54 PM 320 No. Jan 21, 2010 9:05 PM 321 No real effect, though, I am concerned with these robberies. Jan 21, 2010 9:10 PM I think once it has been established as completely legal and defined as a type of pharmacy, robberies will be less often. 322 I would hope that those patients coming to obtain the marijuana should become Jan 21, 2010 9:12 PM normal like anybody else going to a herbalist or drug store and be accepted as such. 323 Negative if flashy signs and drive-by traffic; positive if discreet. Jan 21, 2010 9:16 PM 324 no Jan 21, 2010 9:50 PM 325 I think the start of all of this will bring alot of ups and downs. But in the end, it will Jan 21, 2010 10:10 PM have no effect on the neighborhoods. Again, bars and liquor stores, do they screw up a neighborhood? Sure, if enough of the neighborhood gets together to put a negative impact on it, then it will. 326 None Jan 21, 2010 10:17 PM 327 Not any more than living near a bank that has a high risk of being robbed. Jan 21, 2010 11:05 PM 328 I'm thrilled to see formerly empty buildings in the neighborhood suddenly filled Jan 21, 2010 11:10 PM with new life. 329 My impression is that they have a very similar impact to other small businesses in Jan 21, 2010 11:15 PM such locations. Most appear to be doing a good job with discretion and professional appearance. The Dr. Reefer sign on Broadway is a little blatant, but a nice piece of neon art none the less ! 330 Both, it's a retail business. It would be positive simply by providing a Jan 21, 2010 11:26 PM service/product to the community, stimulating the economy, providing jobs, tax dollars. Negative, due to the possibility aggressive criminal activity, which can occur at any business (an Auto Zone and Rite-Aid were robbed here last week). 331 positive, as with any other retail business, however I do agree that they should not Jan 22, 2010 12:09 AM be too close to public high schools or below. 332 Only to bring in more money for thier communities. Definently positive. Jan 22, 2010 12:11 AM 333 Its up to us the dispencery owners to make it a positive. For me anyway its not Jan 22, 2010 12:15 AM about geting rich. Its an opertunity for canabis to help the sick and the community. Take my taxes. Let me donate to local schools and other needed survices here in Boulder. 334 No more than liquor stores, pharmacies, banks, any other businesses Jan 22, 2010 1:28 AM 335 No more than any other business that opens up and does well or does bad. Jan 22, 2010 1:50 AM 336 I beleive that there would be minimal impact on neighborhoods. Neighborhoods Jan 22, 2010 2:24 AM are impacted more by a McDonalds opening nearby than by a lawfully run cannabis dispensary! 17 of 30 Response Text 337 I feel positive, it will and does drive traffic to other businesses. And from all the Jan 22, 2010 3:14 AM closings I think some common sense should prevail. On another hot issue, I don't feel safe at the Boulder Library or trails on Boulder Creek due to the homeless. As well I avoid Pearl St as much as possible due to the aggressive beggars. I was even assaulted once by one for not having money. THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS ATTENTION! 338 More positive Jan 22, 2010 4:34 AM 339 No. They may need some extra security systems to guard from break-ins and Jan 22, 2010 4:40 AM robbery (like a bank or jewelry store). But the "traditional" way the marijuana business is run (gangs, drug-dealers, etc.) is FAR MORE detrimental. 340 They seem to get robbed a lot. That would be a negative impact. Jan 22, 2010 5:54 AM 341 It's the same as having a liquor store in the area. Jan 22, 2010 7:28 AM 342 I believe interim regulations set forth are reasonable and should similar when Jan 22, 2010 7:50 AM permanent legislation passes. 343 no Jan 22, 2010 10:59 AM 344 negative Jan 22, 2010 2:31 PM 345 Positive Jan 22, 2010 2:33 PM 346 positive for all...economy Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM 347 Yes! A rising tide floats all boats! There is no downside to increased business Jan 22, 2010 2:53 PM activity in a business district. 348 Absolutely not, at least no more than liquor stores do. These businesses are just Jan 22, 2010 3:52 PM that - businesses. They are expected to operate professionally and, when done so, should pose no threat to any community. I do believe in regulations to ensure they operate at a professional standard, i.e. serving only patients with MMJ licenses. 349 Positive, because it is added revenue for our city. Jan 22, 2010 4:20 PM 350 Good tax revenue. Jan 22, 2010 5:36 PM I am not afraid of marijuana. It does not bring communities down. It's legitimate business. BLACK MARKET weed makes communities more dangerous. 351 One negative impact maybe the smell that medicine and edible's give off and Jan 22, 2010 6:18 PM could be smelt by neighbors. another maybe that business maybe to busy for the type of building/area they are in. 352 No Jan 22, 2010 6:32 PM 353 No, simply because the low volume / slow flow of people will not create traffic Jan 22, 2010 8:50 PM problems unless parking is not available. 354 It's up to the business to have secure buildings and their product locked up. Here Jan 22, 2010 9:54 PM in Lyons there was a break in at the dispensary on 430 Main, and that is because they did not even bother to put bars on the windows or any kind of alarm. It makes no sense to penalize other business owners for a crime which is committed due to the lax security of the business. 355 I think they if their business is done indoors and privately it will not affect the Jan 22, 2010 10:09 PM surroundings. Do we have regulations for where pharmacies are??? 356 Possibly - there will be robbery attempts Jan 22, 2010 11:26 PM 357 One must have a MMJ card in order to gain entry into a Dispensary. If a Jan 23, 2010 2:06 AM dispensary is in a building zones "retail" and it is located on the corner block as a "7-11", then I don't see it would cause any more harm than a corner pharmacy or convenient store. 358 No. The economy is down at the moment. All legal retail business is welcomed. Jan 23, 2010 9:48 AM 359 no impact Jan 23, 2010 10:49 AM 18 of 30 Response Text 360 No. It's a store just like any other. Jan 23, 2010 4:41 PM 361 not any more than a liguor store or other retail enterprise Jan 23, 2010 5:36 PM 362 It's hard to say, i haven't done enough research Jan 23, 2010 6:17 PM 363 Minimal impact. Jan 24, 2010 1:17 AM 364 positive due to the fact that sale bring in tax dollars. Most dispensaries currently Jan 24, 2010 1:59 AM operating are very discreet and hidden from the eye of the typical consumer 365 I don't think grow opeartions will have an impact (either positive or negative) on Jan 24, 2010 2:16 AM neighbors; The retail dispensaries should be limited as the interim regulations do-- not too many near each other, etc. 366 according to the news reports, it seems that these types of "business" are Jan 24, 2010 3:23 AM magnets to robberies and negative press for our neighborhoods. 367 One of the main reasons I live in Boulder is the fact that there are so many good Jan 24, 2010 3:29 AM alternative medical choices here. Pot is a medicine and even though it may not be for everybody, it is a real benefit to folks like me who suffer from chronic pain. I feel that having a grow operation or dispensary in my neighborhood would be a positive thing, as long as common-sense rules apply. 368 YES! A POSITIVE one! This is about the only hopeful business at all these days, Jan 24, 2010 9:18 AM and it has far-reaching impacts on the economy and jobs. Realtors, property owners, tradespersons, suppliers of all kinds, newspapers with ads, etc all means more people are employed at a living wage. The only comparison to alcohol or tobacco ought to be that both do need to restrict use to adults, even though mmj is the only one that can be helpful to people of all ages who are in pain or suffer other issues which mmj can help. 369 Negative. How many break-ins per week does it take to recognize a problem Jan 24, 2010 2:56 PM industry? 370 It will have no more impact on residential neighborhoods than other local Jan 24, 2010 5:33 PM businesses. 371 Little impact. Greatest impact will be felt by those not educated about the medical Jan 24, 2010 7:07 PM value and safety of marijuana use. 372 Yes, I think that there is so much money involved, and the regulations are so Jan 24, 2010 8:26 PM loose, and the advertising is so loose, and the crops themselves are so valuable, that we will see increased crime rates in the neighborhoods (not necessarily in homes or other stores, but at the businesses themselves) 19 of 30 Response Text 373 Thus far, the only impact we have seen is positive. Therefore, we can only Jan 24, 2010 9:09 PM assume this trend will continue. Buildings and units that were vacant for upwards of eight years or more now have tenants. Businesses that experienced very little foot traffic now have more due to increased business in their area. Due to the added security measures dispensaries take (which are comparable to a local bank), these shopping areas are actually safer. Additionally, a vacant storefront is more prone to vandalism than an inhabited one. Most importantly however is the increased health and vitality of a community that is responsible for managing their own health and well-being. It is a known fact that Boulder in particular has a natural slant. People here are more inclined to drink a cup of tea to help them sleep than to take an over-counter-sleeping pill. It stands to reason the same community would opt for a natural plant they can grow themselves before turning to synthetic, manufactured drugs that not only cause debilitating side effects but tens of thousands of deaths each year. When people feel free and healthy they are naturally more productive in their communities. It deserves mentioning that with the rise of dispensaries we have also seen an increased preciseness when it comes to individual canna-medicine. For example my step-father who suffers from degenerative disc disease has been on prescription pain medication for decades. Obviously he has incorporated this drug use into his daily life. He is forced to work, operate motor vehicles, etc while on powerful narcotics. With the platform of acceptance and legitimacy however, he is now able to use TOPICAL cannabis salves exclusively in place of prescription narcotics. What I am saying is that in many instances, LESS people are actually getting "stoned" due to the innovative medicine and one-on-one care these dispensaries provide. Of course my step-father is a happier, healthier, more productive member of our community, and he is only one of thousands with a similar story. 374 I fully believe that these types of business will not have a negative impact on Jan 24, 2010 10:02 PM surrounding neighborhoods. As long as it remains illegal to consume medicine on dispensary property I cannot see how the impact of these establishments would differ from that of a pharmacy. 375 Potentially, but it is too early in their history to say. Right now, however, the way Jan 24, 2010 10:04 PM the business's public face is presented and they are marketed, it is likely to be negative. 376 No Jan 24, 2010 10:21 PM 377 Not at all Jan 24, 2010 11:23 PM 378 None, But signage should be clean without promoting info to kids. Jan 25, 2010 12:22 AM 379 I believe the impact on neighborhoods will be minimal. A medical marijuana Jan 25, 2010 2:21 AM dispensary opened directly behind my house about 4 months ago. I haven't had any problems or concerns. 380 Positive. Lots of local income: hydroponic and lighting supplies, security agencies, Jan 25, 2010 3:14 AM and hopefully a delivery industry. 381 yes. Jan 25, 2010 3:15 AM 382 positive--- increased tax revenue Jan 25, 2010 3:30 AM 383 No I don't think they'll have any negative impact on neighborhoods, it would be Jan 25, 2010 4:54 AM like asking if pharmacies would have a negative impact on neighborhoods. 384 No. Only people who are licensed are allowed in these places in any case. Jan 25, 2010 8:19 AM 385 In my opinion, I do not think these types of businesses will have much impact, if Jan 25, 2010 1:41 PM any, on neighborhoods in close proximity to medical marijuana businesses. This is because over the last year three dispensaries have opened within two blocks of my residence and I have seen no impact whatsoever. If anything, it has probably provided heretofore unseen access and options for area patients. 386 I think there will be a positive impact - more jobs,more operational businesses, Jan 25, 2010 4:18 PM more economic impact 20 of 30 Response Text 387 If operated as intended (i.e. for those with legitimate medical needs) I think the Jan 25, 2010 4:25 PM dispensaries would have the same impact as any other legitimate business in a neighborhood. Unfortunately, it appears as if there is widespread abuse of this system by those with, at best, questionable medical conditions, a situation further aggravated by unscrupulous "doctors." 388 I see little downside or negative impact and the potential for positve; increased Jan 25, 2010 4:44 PM revenue, filling open commercial space, bringing people into town, and demonstrating to others that this can work. 389 I think the presence of dispensaries in our community are going to stimulate Jan 25, 2010 5:51 PM everyone to educate themselves on cannabis and a variety of non-pharmaceutical herbs and medicines, and that is a good thing. We have 70+ years of public propaganda to overcome. 390 No. Jan 25, 2010 6:43 PM 391 No Jan 25, 2010 7:15 PM 392 I do not think that medical marijuana businesses will have a negative effect on the Jan 25, 2010 8:17 PM neighborhoods which are in close proximity. Children are not allowed into these businesses, just as they are not allowed into liquor stores. The positive effect will be the tax revenue coming in! 393 Does a therapist/dental or medical office affect a neighborhood? These are Jan 25, 2010 9:04 PM patients obtaining care. I don't believe it will disrupt neighborhoods. 394 I think the impacts will be minimal Jan 25, 2010 11:29 PM 395 Perhaps positive if we can move the production and distribution away from the Jan 26, 2010 12:03 AM criminal population. Seems to be a big revenue source for Mexican druglords. Doesn't make sense. 396 Less impact than a pub or fast food restaurant, which IMO lower values in some Jan 26, 2010 12:27 AM places and are seen as benefits in other neighborhoods. The impact would depend on the architectural style of the business and the amount of traffic, especially car parking etc, that it generated. 397 I don't think they will negatively impact the neighborhoods they are in. I don't Jan 26, 2010 12:55 AM believe the clients or potential clients are dangerous or bad influences, I think they are people with a health condition in need of medicine. 398 Hard to tell- there is a need but I don't know who the clients are and how they Jan 26, 2010 1:27 AM behave coming and going. 399 negative. i dont want to shop anywhere near them. will attract crime and people Jan 26, 2010 2:40 AM with altered mental status who are hazards 400 Very little. Jan 26, 2010 3:33 AM 401 No Jan 26, 2010 3:58 AM 402 Yes. I think that the people in the environments close to it will be tempted to Jan 26, 2010 5:46 AM abuse it and draw people into the areas and create more trafic both pedestrian and car. 403 Yes, it will make medicine more accessible for patients. Having dispensaries Jan 26, 2010 5:49 AM closer to home would make it so you could walk instead of drive to get medicine. 404 I believe dispensaries have a positive impact on neighborhoods by bringing more Jan 26, 2010 8:00 AM traffic to neighboring community businesses and, in some cases, increased security, thereby decreasing crime and vandalism. 405 no Jan 26, 2010 9:57 AM 406 None at all. Jan 26, 2010 10:07 PM 407 negative only. Jan 26, 2010 11:31 PM 21 of 30 Response Text 408 Understanding the fears of a community and how such brazen signage of Jan 27, 2010 6:26 AM marijuana leafs and other affiliated apparels could be perceived as "moral decay" I feel that if businesses were to operate with more discretion that some of these fears would be mitigated. Dispensaries should have security requirements and owner operators should meet similar guidelines as liquor stores. Just because there are bank robberies doesn't mean that neighborhoods are negatively impacted by the location of banks. 409 If on-site consumption is prohibted, that would reduce lingering patients, however, Jan 27, 2010 6:49 AM this would restrict some patients ability to consume (i.e. those living in assisted living facilities, federally funded facilities, etc) 410 no impact... Everyone seems to medicate these days one way or another... Jan 27, 2010 7:06 AM 411 Positive- A well run business will bring income into the local area and if they are Jan 27, 2010 12:02 PM not well run they will seise to exist. 412 No, and I do think they will provide additional sales tax revenue. Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM 413 with proper parenting, these businesses should have little ill effect on surrounding Jan 27, 2010 7:07 PM neighborhoods. 414 Of course they will.All of it negative. The patrons will create an atmosphere not Jan 27, 2010 7:17 PM unlike a skid Row, and as already seen in the recent workplace accident in Denver, the patients of these so called needs providers will show a total lack of regard for the safety of their coworkers and the public at large. 415 Positive. These businesses are very popular, and the only negative I can think of Jan 27, 2010 7:18 PM are increased parking issues. But for the surrounding businesses, I believe this would be a positive draw and they can expect increased business as well, just by proximity. 416 Positive Jan 27, 2010 7:18 PM 417 At the moment, most look like tattoo parlors but I guess there's no law requiring Jan 27, 2010 7:30 PM more sophisticated signage and business names. 418 Negative Jan 27, 2010 7:35 PM 419 No. Jan 27, 2010 7:39 PM 420 similar to issues regarding liquor stores.....increase revenue. Jan 27, 2010 7:48 PM 421 The main impact I see would be on parking, in areas that are already tight, Jan 27, 2010 7:55 PM particularly if they fit into a 'professional office' zoned area, because they're likely to generate significantly more transient auto traffic than, say, a law office or ad agency. I'm not sure that should require changes to regulations, except perhaps to the number of off-street parking spots in areas where there's little or no on-street parking nearby, however crowded; but the question asked about impact, not whether it should lead to different regulations to manage that impact. To some extent, this will be self-regulating, as people who repeatedly have difficulty parking at one medical marijuana dispensary, and aren't inclined to walk or cycle instead, will switch to a different one. I assume that the Boulder PD will be keeping an eye on street muggings of people walking or cycling away from these businesses, presumably with marijuana, as they'd be tempting targets. I'm not sure that that would be a net negative, however, because this would be a slick way to put a mugger away for a longer sentence, or at least have more plea bargaining power, as the prosecutor would have drug possession charges to add to robbery, and they'd be concentrated in easy to patrol areas, ready to be apprehended. 422 no Jan 27, 2010 8:29 PM 423 As long as the laws make marijuana illegal and profitable, then the locations could Jan 27, 2010 9:02 PM have a negative effect if it brings in crime 424 Yes, negative. Jan 27, 2010 9:09 PM 22 of 30 Response Text 425 Positive impact Jan 27, 2010 9:15 PM 426 I feel that they have a negative impact. I have noticed a number of people Jan 27, 2010 9:25 PM arguing and hanging out near the store and in the alley behind it. These are not people who live in the neighborhood. I'm worried because the one near me is a block and a half from two schools and a public pool. I feel that lax zoning will invite trouble and endanger our children. 427 negative impact. they bring out a seedy element of the population. Jan 27, 2010 9:34 PM 428 None. I have several located near my neighborhood, they are no more obtrusive Jan 27, 2010 9:35 PM than the liquor or grocery stores, or loud outdoor restaurant they're near. 429 Depends on whether or not the regs get tightened up vis-a-vis growing operations Jan 27, 2010 9:46 PM and dispensary operation. 430 Of course! Do bars and liquor stores have an impact on their neighbors? Same Jan 27, 2010 9:49 PM goes here. 431 Yes.. Negative because they will draw more drug related crime into the area as Jan 27, 2010 9:51 PM seen by the recent break-ins at current medical marijuana businesses. 432 I think that these businesses will have a negative impact, especially in more Jan 27, 2010 10:05 PM residential areas. It is beneficial, however, for the city to have these additional property leesees. Empty buildings also have a negative impact on the city. If these locations have some class, they can function in places like near the Pearl St. Mall. 433 It's my opinion that marijuana should be legalized period. The upside to this Jan 27, 2010 10:43 PM would be less criminal activity and more money in the city and state coffers. If that were the case, I would think that the impacts of these businesses would be positive for any neighborhood. As it is now, I still see positive impacts to neighborhoods if there is more traffic. There is much available office/retail space in Boulder and filling it will help everyone in town. 434 no Jan 27, 2010 11:01 PM 435 very negative Jan 27, 2010 11:03 PM 436 This question needs to be restated. This question is not clear... Are "these types Jan 27, 2010 11:09 PM of businesses" you are referring to medical marijuana dispensary's, greenhouses or just other business in general? If an existing MM retail location is in close proximity to another MM, eventually the weaker one of them will probably go out of business- just like any other competitive industry or vertical! 437 Positive, people in Boulder smoke a whole lot of grass. People who can buy Jan 27, 2010 11:35 PM medical marijuana legally will not buy from criminal drug dealers and it will reduce the criminal element operating in the city. 438 Business activity from these operations will have a positive impact on the Jan 27, 2010 11:40 PM neighborhood. For one it will provide at least a few jobs. 439 Not really. I think that people who are afraid of these businesses are fooling Jan 28, 2010 12:15 AM themselves by thinking that pot use is not as widespread as it really is. 440 In my opinion these types of businesses have no negative impact on Jan 28, 2010 12:18 AM neighborhoods. 441 negative Jan 28, 2010 12:22 AM 442 No. Jan 28, 2010 12:50 AM 443 Negative impact- increased auto traffic. Jan 28, 2010 12:51 AM Positive- tax revanue 23 of 30 Response Text 444 Addendum to previous submission: From a recent Daily Camera article on Jan 28, 2010 1:02 AM improving the Hill area, a comment was made by Council woman Becker: "She said the city should work on cleaning up the Hill before a conference center is built, because to do it the other way around would still leave visitors facing "a tattoo parlor and a bunch of medical-marijuana facilities" nearby." If these marijuana facilities are viewed as "blight" to the eye, why would we allow them in the city at all – besides all the other negatives. 445 This is a very difficult question that depends on many factors. Most important, just Jan 28, 2010 1:17 AM like any businesses impact on a neighborhood, it depends on the owner. Meaning whether the owner and operator cares for his community, the quality of his operation and the quality of the product being sold. I think it is inappropriate to assume that these businesses will be operated by a certain type of individual. 446 Positive. They bring people in to business areas, which is a valuable process in Jan 28, 2010 1:44 AM this economy. Also, this takes money out of the hand of illicit drug dealers, and makes it harder for children to obtain illegal drugs. 447 I think they will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods. Examples already Jan 28, 2010 1:58 AM exist for lawlessness. 448 No, it won't have any impact as long as it is really medical marijuana. People who Jan 28, 2010 1:59 AM use this medically are the same type of people who use Yoga, acupuncture and even regular doctors. So they will have no impact. The governments are treating dispensaries as though they are just randomly going to sell pot to anyone, which is not the idea (at least for now). 449 Negative Jan 28, 2010 2:23 AM 450 No Jan 28, 2010 2:30 AM 451 No. I think that they will coexist without any issues. Jan 28, 2010 2:41 AM 452 It just teaches are childern it is alright to smoke pot if you are in pain and to cop- Jan 28, 2010 3:22 AM out on life.I think if we are going to have people sell and dispense it tax them and tax the people who by it.and make them have some medical training on the ones who need it and opt out the ones who are just using it for the fun of getting high, I would not like to have one in my neighbor hood but there again eveyone in this neighbor hood is all ready using it. 453 Difficult to say Jan 28, 2010 3:25 AM 454 yes. Jan 28, 2010 3:39 AM 455 I think some are already having negative impacts as abuse is allowed to continue. Jan 28, 2010 3:44 AM 456 I think that these types of businesses will have a positive impact on the Jan 28, 2010 4:09 AM neighborhoods. Lafayette could use a dispensary to give the old town section some much needed pedestrian traffic and an economic boost. 457 I feel that these businesses are popping up too quickly and cannot be properly Jan 28, 2010 4:15 AM policed. I think that people are getting their MMC just to be able to smoke pot legally, not necesarily for medical issues. These businesses need to be tightly regulated and watched. They will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods around it. I feel that the pharmacies should be dispensing the "drug" if it truly is a medical need. 458 Like any business, the impact on the neighborhood will be greatly determined by Jan 28, 2010 4:16 AM the acts or failures of the business owner, rather than the type of business. Dispensaries should be encouraged to be subtle in their signage. 459 No negative impact Jan 28, 2010 5:42 AM 460 no. Jan 28, 2010 6:02 AM 461 I think the positive impacts of economic rejuvenation outweigh any negative Jan 28, 2010 6:37 AM impacts such as theft. 24 of 30 Response Text 462 Negative impact. I don't believe most of the medical marijuana dealing is Jan 28, 2010 6:50 AM legitimate. Medical marijuana stores are frequently robbed. I think they attract a bad element-both by way of sellers and buyers. Most of the people I know who are going into selling are definitely in a grey area as far as being legitimate business people-mortgage brokers or real estate agents that ripped people off (case in point-Laura Alterman and her husband). Tracy and Zach Borrow (lost his license as a builder) etc. They are just looking for the next wave of easy money and are being encouraged by that banal show Weeds. 463 are you kidding me, every way you spin it it's going to hurt the community. look at Jan 28, 2010 6:59 AM it already, crimes have already spiked considerably. 464 Not really other than enabling society that it is alright to sedate yourself rather Jan 28, 2010 7:34 AM than find happiness in a run or ride. This doesn't apply to those who truly truly have a medical need for a cost effective pain killer ie 10% of current license holders. 465 Yes & no just like any other businesses. Jan 28, 2010 7:44 AM 466 As long as they are in business zones, they should be OK. Jan 28, 2010 9:01 AM 467 as long as the retail operations are of high quality, it will have an exceptionally Jan 28, 2010 11:08 AM positive benefit on communities. 468 Initially a negative impact (perception); over time, the impact will be minimal Jan 28, 2010 12:04 PM 469 My business is better because of the dispensary that opened next door. More foot Jan 28, 2010 12:24 PM traffic, more folks looking in my window. 470 no Jan 28, 2010 1:47 PM 471 Some possibly Jan 28, 2010 1:50 PM 472 negative Jan 28, 2010 2:02 PM 473 Negative Jan 28, 2010 2:03 PM 474 no - just on those of us trying to raise kids and teenagers. Also, those in their 20s Jan 28, 2010 2:27 PM are partaking more than they should as it is 475 NO Jan 28, 2010 2:35 PM 476 The positive - increased tax base and employment opportunities for Boulder. Jan 28, 2010 2:45 PM 477 Far less of an impact than the overly restrictive compatible development Jan 28, 2010 2:46 PM ordinance recently passed. 478 I am sure they will have both a positive and negative impact. In some areas, they Jan 28, 2010 2:50 PM may have no impact. It will be an adjustment, as with all change. However, I do believe this is in the future, and needs to be addressed in a manner that includes and embraces medical marijuana dispensaries. 479 I think the impact will be zero. niether pos or neg. Jan 28, 2010 3:02 PM 480 If they can follow strict rules, subtle sigage, and 'adult-like' business practices, Jan 28, 2010 3:15 PM sure we could use more businesses and people who need the Rx can get it. 481 I believe the over all impact will be positive on neighborhoods that have mm Jan 28, 2010 3:30 PM businesses. 482 no Jan 28, 2010 3:44 PM 483 Positive! Creates Jobs, generates income and tax. Allows folks to use a Jan 28, 2010 3:46 PM beneficial herb instead of toxic medications that damage their livers. 484 No. Once again, they are a business no different than a pharmacy or liquor store. Jan 28, 2010 3:58 PM Why should they be treated differently? 485 I don't believe the dispensaries will have a negative impact on neighborhoods as Jan 28, 2010 4:08 PM long as the rules dictated in the CO constitution are upheld. I think this surge we've seen will die down and many dispensaries will slowly go out of business. I don't think a city like Boulder requires 80 dispensaries, that is crazy. I remember just 12-15 months ago, there was only 1. I do think there needs to be some control factor with these operations, but it needs to be well thought out. I do not know how you will decipher one dispensary from the other... 25 of 30 Response Text 486 Negative. Dispensaries are the perfect target for crime - substantial sums of Jan 28, 2010 4:09 PM money and drugs are there for the taking. 487 I think they will have a positive effect for the state. As far as neighborhoods go it Jan 28, 2010 4:18 PM should not have a negative impact. 488 Not any more than a drug store or liquor store Jan 28, 2010 4:20 PM 489 No. I'd much, much, much rather have an excess of MM dispensaries than I would Jan 28, 2010 4:33 PM the strip joint hidden on the mall. As a downtown resident, I fear who comes out of this place--drunk and "lookin' for love" in the late night hours--much more than I ever could those seeking Med. Marijuana. I believe MM is a legitimate medication. 490 Yes! Positive impact for everyone. Dispensaries are leasing sites that have sat Jan 28, 2010 4:38 PM for many months, hiring employees and paying taxes. It is the only growth industry for small business and jobs in Colorado that I know of. 491 With the spate of break ins to existing dispensaries, it's rediculous to not use more Jan 28, 2010 4:42 PM traditional distribution channels. I wouldn't care about patients coming and going during business hours - so that much is a "no impact" vote. It's after hours that presents a problem. 492 I believe that these business are a good source of tax revenue and a future Jan 28, 2010 4:43 PM source of growth. We should be encouraging any type of business in this town, especially one that has the potential to bring lots of new jobs and sources of tax revenue. 493 I believe dispensaries will be a boost to local foot traffic thus boosting nearby Jan 28, 2010 4:56 PM sales. As for nurseries, there will likely be no affect on surounding areas. 494 No; I think of dispensaries as pharmacies. I don't think pharmacies have any Jan 28, 2010 4:59 PM impact (+ or -) on neighbors. 495 positive impact. Jan 28, 2010 5:03 PM 496 If they are regulated like liquor stores, their impact should be no greater than Jan 28, 2010 5:10 PM alcohol sales. 497 yes, do you want one in your neighborhood ? Jan 28, 2010 5:16 PM 498 Depends on where they are, I don't believe they will bring in more "bad" people to Jan 28, 2010 5:19 PM the neighborhood or market area. 499 No more positive or negative than liquor stores. Jan 28, 2010 5:28 PM 500 None that I can see, unless they put up a huge neon sign. Jan 28, 2010 5:43 PM 501 Not sure. I think quite a few of them will go out of business (seems we're pretty Jan 28, 2010 5:54 PM saturated as it is). The remaining ones might decide that it's in their interest to behave a little less flamboyantly and a little more professionally. Time will tell. 502 Maybe they will increase foot traffic to the neighboring business but that will be Jan 28, 2010 6:02 PM the only impact. Security/theft is way overblown. Don't liquor stores and banks get robbed? 503 no Jan 28, 2010 6:24 PM 504 The are just another business and should have no impact on the neighborhoods Jan 28, 2010 6:26 PM 505 They will have an absolute negative impact on the overall quality of life for citizens Jan 28, 2010 6:55 PM of Boulder. 506 I think the impact could be negative, depending on the owner/operator. Currently, Jan 28, 2010 6:58 PM there seems to be too much potential for businesses that aren't selling responsibly, doctors who aren't prescribing responsibly, and "patients" who aren't seeking it responsibly. 507 I do not think it will effect neighborhoods at all. Jan 28, 2010 7:02 PM 508 negative Jan 28, 2010 7:03 PM 509 Yes it will create a positive impact on neighborhood like any other legitimate Jan 28, 2010 7:06 PM business, will help real estate lease's 26 of 30 Response Text 510 I think that these businesses will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods. Jan 28, 2010 7:37 PM As long as these dispensaries have no regulations i.e. security, etc., then the will be negative impacts on the nieghborhoods and businesses. 511 negative Jan 28, 2010 7:38 PM 512 I believe that they will not provide any positive impact whatsoever. As long as they Jan 28, 2010 7:45 PM don't get robbed, they would only tarnish clean streets, but not purposely generate a negative impact. 513 negative Jan 28, 2010 7:46 PM 514 Liquors stores, pawn shops, and sex stores impact neighborhoods negatively. Jan 28, 2010 8:17 PM Medical institutions, in my opinion, impact neighborhoods in a positive manner. 515 None Jan 28, 2010 8:18 PM 516 No Jan 28, 2010 8:19 PM 517 negative Jan 28, 2010 8:20 PM 518 That depends on the neighbourhoods and the people living there. If people are Jan 28, 2010 8:51 PM willing to work WITH the businesses rather than against them without due consideration and adopt a narrow-minded attitude from the start, then the impact is likely to be negative because they made it so. 519 Positive as an otherwise empty commercial space will be filled and will increase Jan 28, 2010 9:09 PM foot traffic in the area. 520 No impact Jan 28, 2010 9:14 PM 521 No, but they should be in a retail or non-residential zoning area. Jan 28, 2010 9:33 PM 522 Yes, as much negative potential impact as a neighborhood bar. Jan 28, 2010 9:41 PM 523 negative. industry should be gov't regulated Jan 28, 2010 9:57 PM 524 No impact. Jan 28, 2010 10:05 PM 525 If they're close enough to smell the marijuana - plants or smoke - it will have a Jan 28, 2010 10:13 PM negative impact. 526 I think their neighborhood impacts will be minimal. Jan 28, 2010 10:25 PM 527 Negative. Jan 28, 2010 10:29 PM 528 Yes. in case you havn't noticed, it's not doctors or pharamcies dispensing. it's Jan 28, 2010 10:45 PM bunch of burn outs! and look where they advertise to college and HS students! I don't think they are the ones with cancer and other sickness those are the people that need the maijuana. 529 negative 100% Jan 28, 2010 10:53 PM 530 No impact Jan 28, 2010 11:02 PM 531 MM dispensaries are popping up all around the Front Range and turning into the Jan 28, 2010 11:23 PM new Star Bucks. I never liked Star Bucks so I don't think a Pot dealer on every corner will be that great either. 532 I don't believe there will be any impact. Jan 28, 2010 11:39 PM 533 Negative impact. Jan 28, 2010 11:42 PM 534 Probably no impact as most patrons won't advertise themselves. Jan 29, 2010 12:24 AM 535 It might. Short term, there will be many new businesses opening up, possibly Jan 29, 2010 12:24 AM rejuvenating some areas. Over time the customers of these operations will weed (bad pun) out bad ones by not supporting them. And you may end up with a lot of loitering. Long term, I think you end up with more businesses around these dispensaries and that could be a good thing. 536 These businesses are going to poorly impact the quality of life in Boulder and Jan 29, 2010 1:17 AM already have. Shut them down! 537 Yes! These businesses are a real blight. There are so many! Jan 29, 2010 1:17 AM 538 Negative, see above. Jan 29, 2010 1:38 AM 27 of 30 Response Text 539 They will be good neigbors who will help eliminate the stigma associated with Jan 29, 2010 1:51 AM Medical Marijuana. 540 The largest positive impact is the increased tax revenue for a product that should Jan 29, 2010 2:25 AM have been legalized 40 years ago. 541 no Jan 29, 2010 2:36 AM 542 Should not have any impact if opererated per regulations. Jan 29, 2010 3:00 AM 543 positive -- filling up empty store fronts, creating activity -- people who consume the Jan 29, 2010 3:06 AM product tend to also eat out, so it helps the restaurants -- what more could anyone ask for? 544 I think they will have little impact. Do neighborhoods with liquor stores seriously Jan 29, 2010 3:16 AM impact the neighborhood? 545 Positive impacts: bring/encourage business, increase tax revenue, decrease the Jan 29, 2010 4:02 AM number of vacant properties, providing local access to medicine/relief for those in need 546 Generally, no impact. Jan 29, 2010 8:30 PM 547 yes. Any time storefronts and commercial space is empty, it is a negative for the Jan 30, 2010 12:30 AM entire community. That rent is not recirculated, empty leads to more empty, nobody is employed there, no sales taxes are collected. 548 positive Jan 30, 2010 2:10 AM 549 At least they are paying rent and taxes during this recession. Jan 30, 2010 4:16 AM 550 We are trying to keep kids off drugs and having these "businesses" out there for Jan 30, 2010 5:10 AM everyone to go to is just wrong - I understand if actually need it but as a shop in the mall - NO! 551 I think it's wise and fair to keep these businesses in our city so that those that Jan 30, 2010 7:49 AM suffer and use MM can have access to a dispensary. I think certain areas might have more of an issue than others, but as with anything there will be a time where things have settled in and it's an accepted part of our town's fabric. 552 Negative impact. They have less regulation than liquor stores, but winos hanging Jan 30, 2010 9:42 AM around the liquor store don't have a downwind effect. You can't even smell the flowers or the coffee brewing in your kitchen over the smell of ganga. They smell and they make no effort to filter their exhaust fans, if they even have them. 553 No. The BAC testing lab doesn't negatively impact the neighborhood nearby. In Jan 30, 2010 1:10 PM addition, Boulder Police are always ready to respond to any disturbances. 554 I don't think there will be much of an impact at all. I have 3 liquor stores within Jan 30, 2010 1:57 PM walking distance from my apartment and a Montessori school and everyone seems to get by just fine. Marijuana will have less of an impact then liquor stores. 555 I think that overall, the presence of the medical marijuana business is a positive Jan 30, 2010 2:09 PM for Boulder. It brings in taxes, fills vacant commercial space, and brings out into the open an industry that has always existed in the city. There will always be exceptions; just as a badly-run bar or liquor store can cause problems for the neighbors, so can a dispensary. (So can any badly-run business, for that matter.) We have long-established patterns and regulations on how to deal with these situations; and the medical marijuana business should be treated no differently. 556 None - if they are throughout the city, there will be no impact. Jan 30, 2010 2:22 PM 557 It'll be a positive impact. Dispensaries are there to help people, not harm them. A Jan 30, 2010 2:22 PM city tax on sales will benefit the city directly. State sales taxes will benefit the whole state. Federal income tax will benefit the nation. The impact, all across the board, will benefit everyone. 558 Negative in all aspects to every facet of a neighborhood. Jan 30, 2010 3:21 PM 559 No. This is a very benign operation. Jan 30, 2010 3:43 PM 28 of 30 Response Text 560 Yes. A positive one. They will bring jobs, growth and opportunity. They will Jan 30, 2010 3:50 PM provide much needed businesses, as are already evident by the amazing growth already experienced. By letting go of stereotypes and stigmas, in time, these businesses will be akin to a neighborhood coffee/tea house. A friendly place to visit when dealing with the pain and suffering of disease and injury. 561 I believe there will be an impact, positive or negative will depend upon where the Jan 30, 2010 4:14 PM business is located. 562 These business are in essence a version of alcohol. The same characteristics will Jan 30, 2010 4:32 PM apply. MM is an addiction. They should not be in residential areas as it would increase exposer to criminal elements to that neighborhood. This is not to suggest all MM users are criminals, however, statistically speaking, a small minority will be. And while they might not normally be drawn to a certain neighborhood, MM dispensaries will change that. 563 Once these settle in to business mode, they should have a positive effect, both iin Jan 30, 2010 4:35 PM terms of the benefit to patients and positive impact on adjoining businesses. 564 No. Jan 30, 2010 5:04 PM 565 Positive effect in neighborhoods promoting new jobs, better health, local medical Jan 30, 2010 5:25 PM knowledge, and successful local business in the community. 566 Positive. Everyone will be happier because they will be able to get marijuana Jan 30, 2010 5:30 PM easily and legally. It will create more jobs. There will hopefully be less alcohol abuse = less violence/crime. The only negative is the chance of dispensaries being robbed. 567 Positive economic growth with minimal safety impact Jan 30, 2010 6:02 PM 568 It's probably too early to tell. But given how widespread marijuana use is, I don't Jan 30, 2010 6:43 PM think it'll have much of an impact at all. 569 They could but don't have to. It will, most likely, depend on the current Jan 30, 2010 6:48 PM neighborhood and the number of dispensaries near-by. To date theft of dispensaries are higher than most other businesses seem to be. However, I don't know whether this increase in crime transfers in other ways to the neighborhoods. 570 negative look already things are out of control because can not stop the evil one Jan 30, 2010 7:01 PM from his control over the minds of those with criminal intent they are being controld and so are you if you let this store in to THE KINGDOM OF GOD ! 571 Positive. Jan 30, 2010 7:32 PM 572 No,No diffrent than a liquer store. Jan 30, 2010 7:45 PM 573 Yes, they will have an impact on nearby neighborhoods, in the same way a Jan 30, 2010 7:48 PM Walgreen's would. They are dispensaries of medicine for sick people, like any other pharmacy and should be treated as such. 574 I doubt it. Frankly, I'm sure marijuana is present in plenty of Boulder homes, legal Jan 30, 2010 8:06 PM or not. I would look to Amsterdam (less the hookers and heroin) or some of the towns in Switzerland to evaluate the impact of marijuana on a community. Business districts on the other hand... 575 No different than liquor stores or restaurants with wine lists. Jan 30, 2010 9:05 PM 576 From initial evidence these locations invite crime: violent burglary, break-ins, Jan 30, 2010 9:06 PM forging of prescriptions. Understandably impact is likely to be negative. As an example, I recently visited a cake supply store in the shopping center just north of Sunrise King Soopers. I felt unsafe taking my two year old son out of the car to enter the cake supply store that has been in Boulder my entire life. I feel sorry for the lady who runs the store -- what an easy target she must be for someone wanting extra cash for their "prescription." 577 yes a positive impact. should bring in more revenue Jan 30, 2010 9:45 PM 578 No. Jan 30, 2010 9:56 PM 579 Very Negative Jan 30, 2010 10:07 PM 580 Not Sure Jan 30, 2010 10:47 PM 29 of 30 Response Text 581 There will be no change socially in the neighborhoods located close to Jan 30, 2010 11:28 PM dispensaries. Fiscally, there will be added tax revenue which is a plus. 582 NO WORSE THAN A STORE THAT SELL BOOZE Jan 30, 2010 11:46 PM 583 "Medical" marijuana is a joke - it should not be legal at all. Jan 31, 2010 12:24 AM 584 with the economy the way it is right now, i say these businesses are having a very Jan 31, 2010 12:34 AM positive effect on the entire community, real estate, provididng jobs, construction, etc 585 Negative. Jan 31, 2010 1:12 AM 586 Yes they'll have a positive impact. This is an industry that is exploding. That's tax Jan 31, 2010 1:20 AM revenue for the city. Safety is hardly a concern. There are far more bank robberies in CO every year then crimes against dispensaries/grow operations. 587 no Jan 31, 2010 1:26 AM 588 None what so ever...except perhaps to fill an empty storefront. Jan 31, 2010 1:59 AM 589 Not completely sure, it seems like they have exploded in their presence, but other Jan 31, 2010 2:45 AM than the amount of advertising that has occurred because of this explosion I have not really seen other detrimental effects. 590 These business help people who suffer, and greatly contribute to the local Jan 31, 2010 3:12 AM economy. Marijuana is obviously much less of a threat everyday safety than alchohol, so it should truly need even less regulations than liquor stores. 591 I don't think there will be any impact. Jan 31, 2010 3:32 AM 592 Positive. They will bring more people into the community to support local Jan 31, 2010 3:43 AM businesses. 593 I believe dispensaries will have a positive impact on local communities. Its my Jan 31, 2010 5:27 PM belief that they will actually lower the crime rate by making the neighborhood more secure. Also, local businesses are in support of dispensaries because they attract customers. All of the restaurants are trying to get dispensaries patients. This is a win-win for the community, the local businesses, and sales tax revenue. 594 No...they regulate themselves fairly well and, contrary to popular belief, the "legal" Jan 31, 2010 5:31 PM users on marijuana are usually on the right side of the law. 595 Extremely negative. Feb 1, 2010 2:09 AM 596 Just like any other liquor store or bar. It is the individuals decision to use pot the Feb 1, 2010 5:04 AM same as it is to drink or smoke. At least pot is not going to kill anyone or cause you to do the same. 597 neither positive or negative, they are just other businesses serving other needs. Feb 1, 2010 5:09 AM people have serious health issues that marijuana has proven to help with, who am i to say they should not have the ability to find comfort with whatever it is. if it were vicodin, they could sure run down to the pharmacy. 598 Absolutely Negative!!!! I was speaking to a friend of mine in Eldorado Springs who Feb 1, 2010 1:15 PM stated that as her young 6 year old son got off the school bus, she couldn't find a place to park in order to get him as the "Dispensary" was so full of cars from pot smokers that it was an actual hazard. She recognized many of the patrons going in and out of the dispensary as local climbers who spend their days rock climbing very difficult routes in Eldorado Springs then end their day at the pot shop for a little relaxation with their friends. You absolutely cannot tell me that men that can climb 5.12 rock climbing routes have chronic pain. The smell of smoked pot just permeates the area. This is so wrong! 599 They have a positive effect. It says, Boulder is does not give in to the hypocrisy Feb 2, 2010 2:45 AM that other cities/counties give into. What does Budweiser's 50 ads during the Super Bowl say? Is it positive or negative. Pllllease tell me! 30 of 30 Medical Marijuana Interim Ordinace Feedback If you have any additional comments, suggestions or thoughts regarding the medical marijuana interim regulations, please explain below: Response Count 387 answered question 387 skipped question 254 Response Text 1 I'm not sure if having a 500 ft buffer (x,y) makes sense when one business could Jan 13, 2010 10:02 PM be in a basement and another on the second floor. Also, I think that city officials should stop using the term "little Amsterdam." I vacationed in Amsterdam in Oct. and never saw the supposed store front after store front of coffee shops I've heard mentioned. I found a clean friendly city with lots and lots of bikes. In some respects a model that more US cities should follow. 2 I think that medical maijuana is very important to the people who need it. Jan 13, 2010 10:06 PM However there are people who missuse these centers and this needs to be addressed. 3 The City of Boulder is well aware of the escalating trend in criminal activity Jan 13, 2010 10:39 PM surrounding medical marijuana facilities, and should take action at the earliest opportunity to ensure that growing and distribution is regulated in the same way as all other prescription medications. Legitimate medical marijuana supplies should be produced, stored, dispensed and overseen as strictly as all other prescription drugs. 4 Dont allow any, ever. Jan 13, 2010 11:37 PM 5 please make sure that when you consider all of the aspects regarding cannabis, Jan 14, 2010 12:48 AM that you keep your previous impressions of it out the door, and that you consider it purely objectively and not subjectively. and feel free to contact me for more input. 6 A grower friendly zone with a thoughtful security plan might be a real positive Jan 14, 2010 12:51 AM fiscal opportunity for the city. 7 Keep all moritoriums in place until after the CO legislature passes some laws. Jan 14, 2010 12:56 AM 8 I applied for my sales tax license after the regulations came into affect. I was Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM pleased that after a short review process, my sales tax license was approved after I specified my home-use was not for retail or storage. Thanks to Jessica Vaughn for that! As a "ganjapreneur" in Boulder, I'd love to sit down and talk with the City Council if they ever plan to solicit deeper opinions on this subject. email@example.com Best, Erin 9 I don't think anyone should just be able to pay for a license just so they could Jan 14, 2010 1:00 AM smoke pot. It seems too easy. I have cancer and I waited a long time to get my license. Either make that more strict or just legalize it and reap the tax benefits. 10 Consumption should not be allowed inside any dispensary. Any food products Jan 14, 2010 1:01 AM should be produced in a commercial kitchen under health department guidelines and regulations like any other small food products. 1 of 30 Response Text 11 1) Eliminate dispensaries Jan 14, 2010 1:04 AM 2) Prosecute and fine dealers and users to the fullest extent. 3) Create new laws to increase fines against marijuana users and dealers. 4) Begin ad campaigns explaining how people who use and sell marijuana are complete, pathetic losers and the scum of the earth. People who need to get high on drugs are a waste and serve no purpose in this world. 12 These regulations seem to be attempting a problem that is anticipated, but doesn't Jan 14, 2010 1:12 AM exist. I don't ever expect to deal with one of these businesses, but the city council seems to be trying to regulate people when there is no need (as with the downtown strip club). 13 It seems like a new MM business pops up every day. Are there regulations to Jan 14, 2010 1:13 AM how many we can have in Boulder? 14 Unfortunately I don't think the real issues can be adequately addressed with Jan 14, 2010 1:35 AM zoning regulations. I think there are only 2 ways to address the issues: 1. make it legal so people can grow their own (like making beer in their house or growing basil) or 2. If it's for medical use, enforce the use in the same way that narcotic use is enforced - you need a real prescription from your real doctor (and a doctor who gives out inappropriate prescriptions goes to jail). 15 this industry will regulate itself. capitalism will weed out many of these shops, and Jan 14, 2010 1:42 AM the strong will survive. left alone, boulder can and will lead the nation in a new direction. a direction of free thinking and responsible application of common sense. 16 I would much rather see our city officials, working on ways to improve cycling Jan 14, 2010 2:04 AM infrastructure and keeping fast food restaurants to a minimum. 17 Again:If these dispensary's are designed to sell medication to the ill don't you think Jan 14, 2010 2:07 AM they should be required to be handicap assessable? 18 Judge Cross in Arapahoe County said you cannot consider the status under Jan 14, 2010 2:21 AM Federal law. (case 2009CV001456) I am told he also said you can't really regulate them any harder than pharmacies. Find his (oral) ruling from the Dec 30 or 31, the Centennial City Attorney should have it by now. Please provide some justification for the home use ban, I can't quite figure out why so many municipalities/counties are going with this one. 19 We just need to track who is selling and how much is going out the door and to Jan 14, 2010 2:56 AM who?? As being a person who has a card. If you are getting this for pain or what ever your doc or someone should be looking at how much is being sold to one person. 20 For 70 years people have bought marijuana, making it illegal didn't stop any one Jan 14, 2010 3:01 AM from using it. Keep the dispensaries the way they are and then legalize the dang flower. 21 we can always outlaw later. lets see if this can be a big plus for Boulder. There Jan 14, 2010 3:02 AM are many associated businesses that could also win. 2 of 30 Response Text 22 Treat dispensaries as one would any business. Do pharmacy owners submit to Jan 14, 2010 3:09 AM background checks? Do owners of greeting card stores? Particularly galling to me is the prospect of taxing marijuana more than other items. Mmj is a drug prescribed to people for medical maladies. Does it not seem cruel to tax such remedies more so than a greeting card? While I appreciate than there will inevitably be abuse of the system, that some people will feign injury in order to be allowed to smoke or eat marijuana, does this risk inspire people to dramatically limit the availability of narcotics, which are addictive (marijuana is not addictive)? When I appealed to a doctor to be permitted to possess and use marijuana, my doctor first suggested that I consider narcotics to treat my post- traumatic arthritis. Specifically, he suggested percocet, which we all know is very, very addictive. Maybe when I am very old I would consider taking narcotics, but the notion that I should risk a terrible addiction to such drugs before the age of 40 is absurd. 23 I've noticed one dispensary too close to a licensed pre-school (16th and Spruce); Jan 14, 2010 3:12 AM 500 ft isn't enough if you actually go check it out... it feels too close. My residence is very close (100 ft) to a business district which permits very close proximity of a dispensary to a residential zone. I'd like to see a buffer (500ft???) between business zoning and residential zoning to prevent "too close" proximity while still being within the rules. I have no problem with pot being legal (I'd prefer it frankly), but the current model promotes rif-raf wandering around the dispensaries. as a result, I'd like to see more rules around where dispensaries can setup shop. 24 This limited regulation is sufficinet - the City should wait to see what the State Jan 14, 2010 3:17 AM does before any further action. 25 Can someone explain to us why we need separate dispenceries? Why can't Jan 14, 2010 3:20 AM pharmacies act as the source for patients to get their prescriptions filled? 26 This is a young business. Do not stifle it with arbitrary restrictions such as the 500 Jan 14, 2010 3:21 AM ft rules. Allow free enterprise, competition and the patients will benefit. The community will also benefit from the revenue and jobs. 27 The people of the State of Colorado have legalized this medical service business. Jan 14, 2010 3:28 AM Outside of restricting business operations in areas not zoned business and requiring an operating permit like other business', leave these legal business' to sort out how they conduct business to themselves. 28 Regulate, legalize and collect taxes to help the economy. Jan 14, 2010 3:34 AM 29 Although not a user, I am in favor in addressing these issues in a balanced and Jan 14, 2010 3:39 AM fair approach. 30 As I am sure you are getting enormous numbers of responses from "stoner" types, Jan 14, 2010 3:39 AM I want to ensure my demographic is understood -- I am a female, who has not smoked marijuana in about 15 years. I am a middle aged executive at a fortune 500 company with net income > $250K. I have lived, with my family, in Boulder for 15 years and fully support the medicinal marijuana regulations and the way Boulder is handling them. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this issue. 31 I think that in a time of economic downturn, we should rationally look at our Jan 14, 2010 4:06 AM society to find inefficiencies and waste and look for realistic revenue streams. Currently, spending money on anything other than the taxation and regulation of medical marijuana would be counterproductive. In my experience alcohol is much worse and still an option, lets just regulate medical marijuana in a similar way. 32 We feel that the entire supply chain and all individuals and all businesses involved Jan 14, 2010 4:11 AM must be included in all marijuana business licenses in order to have some accountability for the actions of these highly charged social and economical business centers. 33 Prohibit on-site use/consumption of marijuana under existing No Smoking Jan 14, 2010 4:14 AM regulations. 3 of 30 Response Text 34 I trust that this 'Mother' plant can find her place in our healing and in our decision Jan 14, 2010 4:20 AM to take responsibility to accelerate our evolution of consciousness. And So It Is. 35 If the city makes can embrace MMJ and make it a positive impact, I will be a Jan 14, 2010 4:51 AM proud Boulder citizen. 36 I believe these regulations will help Boulder from furthering the type of drug-using Jan 14, 2010 4:51 AM haven its national reputation already carries. 37 Please close these down, and have them regulated by the state Jan 14, 2010 4:56 AM 38 Cannabis is safer than alcohol. The only restrictions you should impose for Jan 14, 2010 5:06 AM cannabis are the regulations that you have in place for current alcohol establishments. Very simple here, guys.......again, Cannabis is safer than Alcohol. 39 Close them all, if possible. Jan 14, 2010 5:07 AM 40 Council may wish to be careful about regulating a "fad" industry like MMJ. Too Jan 14, 2010 5:17 AM little and the thefts will continue; while too many regs will drive up fixed cost and limit competition. 41 I see that Growers do not have protections unless they are primary caregivers. Jan 14, 2010 5:34 AM Growers should be able to grow and use bar codes to track the product and not tie the growing to being a primary caregiver. 42 see question 5 Jan 14, 2010 6:33 AM 43 Encourage the business. It is tax money for the city. Jan 14, 2010 6:41 AM 44 THE VOTERS INTENDED TO HELP TRULY SICK PEOPLE; THEY DID NOT Jan 14, 2010 7:05 AM INTEND TO PROMOTE THE CREATION OF A NEW INDUSTRY BASED UPON LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL DRUG USE. I AM A LEFT LEANING DEMOCRAT, I VOTED FOR THIS AMENDMENT, AND I REGRET IT TERRIBLY. AS A PARENT, I AM APPALLED BY THIS TRAVESTY. 45 If medical marijuana actually has real medical benefits, why not just offer it in pill Jan 14, 2010 7:08 AM form from any pharmacy with a prescription? 46 The marijuana industry will need regulation. There are are number of pitfalls that Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM haven't even been addressed. But the emphasis should be on self-regulation. We want to very careful that we don't recreate anything that would be similar to the "reefer madness" lies of the previous generations. 47 It's just a plant. We should all be thankful for the millions of people this medicinal Jan 14, 2010 7:14 AM herb helps and ignore all the noicse surrounding a mute issue. 48 legalize it completely Jan 14, 2010 1:02 PM 49 The dispensaries are a great source of revenue for the City of Boulder and we Jan 14, 2010 1:56 PM should look to make it easier for these businesses to operate within the City boundaries. We should also look to decriminalize marijuana to help open up the market in Boulder which will help provide even more revenue in the City. 50 I do suggest that when making these regulations, you not take a lot of time Jan 14, 2010 2:01 PM debating strictness - lean toward less rather than more regulation. There is a trend toward "total" deregulation of marijuana in general, so it would be a waste of time to heavily regulate when in 10 years marijuana may be completely legal anyway. 51 I firmly believe that dispensaries will be good for the Boulder economy. Jan 14, 2010 2:12 PM 52 Medical marijuana was approved by the voters. It appears that the exemption is Jan 14, 2010 2:16 PM being used as a loophole for defacto legalization. If we are going to have de facto legalization, we should have the same regulations and benefits to society that we get from other substances like liquor. This includes tax revenues, zoning restrictions, etc. The interim regs are on the right track but should go further. 53 What a waste of time and money. Leave the pot heads alone. Jan 14, 2010 2:26 PM 54 If Boulder wants to pave the way her and deviate from federal law, we should do Jan 14, 2010 2:49 PM so in comprehensive and well enforced manner. 55 less is more. Jan 14, 2010 2:59 PM 4 of 30 Response Text 56 I just feel that the whole thing is a thinly veiled drug dealing operation. And not Jan 14, 2010 3:02 PM even very thinly. 57 I believe Boulder could benefit from the taxes on this business, however their Jan 14, 2010 3:10 PM must also be a way for the City and the businesses to have a model as to provide a clear understanding for operations and not just a way to handle their addiction. Being honest and forthright is always the best policy. Good luck with this. I sincerely hope that through education and proper management those individuals whom really need this can be served, not just a way for individuals to be stoned all day everyday. 58 Develop a taxing system. Jan 14, 2010 3:13 PM 59 Please remember that we are dealing with a medical issue, not 1960s hippies Jan 14, 2010 3:20 PM smoking on "The Hill". Regulations should be in alignment with other controlled substances. Even though the interim restrictions do not contemplate a return to the dark ages, the state legislature is considering measures that effectively gut the intent of the medical marijuana amendment. Specifically, care-givers dealing with patients' personal hygiene should not have to learn how to farm marijuana, which would be needed if the "5 patients" rule is re-applied. It is most efficient that patients can visit a store-front or professional office to obtain marijuana. 60 From what point to what point is the 500 feet measured to a school? Jan 14, 2010 3:25 PM 61 Anything the city has the power to do to restrict the dispensing of MJ should be Jan 14, 2010 3:29 PM done. Smoking has been severly restricted and now we are legalizing MJ? What a joke. 62 To do something like Denver did and make it illegal for a felon to own a Jan 14, 2010 3:32 PM dispensary is insane. There are many people who have been growing this medicine since before it was "legal" and, therefore have a felony. There are also plenty of people who are disreputable, but have never been caught doing anything felonious. 63 The dispenceries with a long track record are doing things right -let them help you Jan 14, 2010 3:32 PM as they know what needs done. and yea for all this sales tax coming to our city 64 My main problem with this is that. although there are certainly many worthy Jan 14, 2010 3:37 PM recipients who get help from pain, chemotherapy, etc--the medical part is oftentimes, perhaps a majority of times--a complete farce. Just look at the ads in the Boulder Weekly--are these CU students being targeted suffering from cancer? I don't think so. I know a handful of individuals who have no medical issue at all, and yet they are supplied with an abundant addictive substance. These are former and current pot addicts, people who tend toward depression and a lack of motivation, and suddenly getting a total license to smoke pot whenever they want, travel with it, carry it on their person at all times, ends up having a very negative effect on their own lives and that of their families. Alcohol is certainly dangerous and unhealthy, but it is regulated and there are more social strictures around it. No one but a serious alcoholic would get up in the morning and drink, or drink throughout the day. Yet this is exactly the pattern for casual pot smokers; it seems perfectly acceptable to them. And what about driving? There are rules about driving drunk, but are they enforcing them for stoned drivers, and how would they do so? I am certain driving stoned is much less safe than driving sober. 65 I believe that the whole issue is obsurd. We are 50 years behind reality and the Jan 14, 2010 3:48 PM whole industry should be allowed to perform under the same guidelines as alchohol. Creating tax revenue and reducing an unneccassarily large prison population. Thank you for addressing the issue. And, no, I have no investment in the industry 66 any extra taxes on the product for our city would be a bonus Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM 67 Make marijuana use legal, treat it like liquor, tax it, and get over it. Jan 14, 2010 3:49 PM 68 Please don't over-regulate this industry. Sick people need their meds and don't Jan 14, 2010 3:55 PM want to pay an arm and a leg for them. 69 Medical marijuana businesses should be allowed in any area that allows retail Jan 14, 2010 4:09 PM businesses or commercial offices. 5 of 30 Response Text 70 Like I said, just legalize it. The 1930's movie Reefer Madness is a fictional joke, Jan 14, 2010 4:12 PM and it's well past time that marijuana is made legal, and for us to move on to more realistic, important issues. 71 A dispensary for Medical Marijuana is similar to a pharmacy. Please read above Jan 14, 2010 4:14 PM comments. The business should fall under the same zoning constraints as a pharmacy. 72 Medical marijuana is a great addition to Boulder's business community and a Jan 14, 2010 4:15 PM welcome part of our community. 73 Do not limit the number of patients a dispensary can have. Also, I have no Jan 14, 2010 4:19 PM problem with signage limitations on the businesses. As long as the business is relatively discreet and does not constitute a nuisance, then the regulations should be liberal or relatively unrestrictive. 74 this is good for our local economy and state..alcohol is worse.. legalize it!!! Jan 14, 2010 4:23 PM 75 I agree that dispensaries should not be in residential neighbors and should be Jan 14, 2010 4:34 PM restricted to zone districts that have already been established in the interim regulations. ("retail," "professional office," or a greenhouse/nursery.") 76 Life would be much easier, and governments would be under less pressure if Jan 14, 2010 4:41 PM marijuana was available to everyone, and taxed just as alcohol is. 77 -They need some kind of safety system in place. Jan 14, 2010 4:45 PM -I don't agree with the fact that no new ones should be allowed. Just because a business was established before a certain date doesn't mean they are operating correctly. It should be about their practices, not a window of time. I'm sure some newer businesses would operate at a higher standard with the time to go through a business plan as opposed to someone who just threw something together to beat a deadline imposed by the city. 78 No other comments. Jan 14, 2010 4:51 PM 79 I know there are concerns about criminal activity concerning dispensaries and Jan 14, 2010 4:56 PM grow operations. Criminals sell on the black market. Legit growers sell to dispensaries. The rash of break-ins are attempts to steal MMJ and sell it on the black market. The only way to end criminal activity surrounding Marajuana is to end this useless war on drugs. Legalize marajuana use for adults, change the laws at the federal level and remove all marajuana users from prisons, tax it accordingly and move on. 80 If anything needs to be done, it's on the business license side. Specifically, Jan 14, 2010 5:14 PM security is clearly an issue, given the recent number of break-ins. Part of obtaining a license should be a requirement of a security person on duty during business hours and a monitored security system in place for after-hours. 81 I live in downtown Boulder and see these dispensaires around me, and they have Jan 14, 2010 5:23 PM not affected me one bit. I have small children and it does not worry me. Seeing local transient drinking and high school kids smoking cigarettes in the parks near my house are more disturbing than retail stores selling pot legally to licensed patients. 82 Please just let us get our medicine without having to jump through hoops and Jan 14, 2010 5:27 PM possibly seek out street dealers to provide our meds. 83 PLEASE clearly define dispensary and grower/care-giver rights and how the Jan 14, 2010 5:50 PM interaction between the two should happen. This would include the sale of mmj from dispensary to patient, grower to dispensary and possibly grower to patient. Having clearly defined rules will allow people to follow the rules. Right now there are too many people operating outside of the law and it makes it more dangerous and unregulated. 6 of 30 Response Text 84 The real problem is how much of a joke it is to get certified for a medical Jan 14, 2010 5:53 PM mariguana card. I would be OK with this if it was actually a strict standard and an indepedant/OBJECTIVE Dr. had to approve it. As it stands now I woudl think 99% of the population can get a card with normal every day things. That is too bad. I support medical marijuana for those who really needed it. However I would guess they make up less that 40% of the people buying medical pot. 85 is there any chance to avoid allowing these businesses into Boulder? Jan 14, 2010 5:55 PM I didn't vote for this law and still don't agree with it. 86 I think they are fair and balanced Jan 14, 2010 6:03 PM 87 Marijuana should be available to all Adults similar to alcohol. Jan 14, 2010 6:06 PM 88 Just restrict odor emitting from grower and dispensary buildings.( Could smell one Jan 14, 2010 6:09 PM dispensary in Longmont from a block away.) 89 Let's just get over this already and legalize pot or criminalize booze. Jan 14, 2010 6:11 PM 90 please do not let law enforcements bill go through. patients and caregivers should Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM have their choice of helping others, not the state. 91 I applaud Boulder for continuing to allow dispensaries. I agree some level of Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM regulation makes sense. I would like to see a steep sales tax applied. Boulder finally has a chance to gain some benefit from all of the pot sales that go on in this town. Also, anyone who thinks that dispensaries are not a step towards inevitable legalization are smoking something. 92 See comments above. That explains it all Jan 14, 2010 6:22 PM 93 You have already let the cat out of the box. It is clear that the ones that exist are Jan 14, 2010 6:26 PM selling drugs. I don't see this stopping without strong action. How do they get their supplies? Do you regulate the growth of product? TAX 94 i would suggest welcoming this new industry with open arms. we need the Jan 14, 2010 6:47 PM business, tax income and being a progressive community, we should be in the forefront of adopting and embracing this new business. 95 I believe that these regulations sound fair. Jan 14, 2010 7:03 PM 96 I think that marijuana is safer than alcohol. Jan 14, 2010 7:04 PM 97 I think that MM can be a good thing for those who truly need it for medical uses. I Jan 14, 2010 7:05 PM think that it is too easy and will become even easier to obtain a prescription without stricter regulation. 98 Open the permits, tax it. Jan 14, 2010 7:13 PM 99 I think it be legalized, regulated like alcohol, and taxed heavily. Jan 14, 2010 7:26 PM 100 I believe the City of Boulder should legalize the possession and consumption of Jan 14, 2010 7:27 PM amounts under one ounce. 101 legalize it completely and tax it. Jan 14, 2010 7:35 PM 102 This new activity does NOT make me proud to like in BOULDER. I moved here in Jan 14, 2010 7:36 PM '54. Boulder city was DRY! Going to "wet" hasn't improved boulder any. I'm afraid that going hemp wont make us any better. 103 Let's be the first to show the country how to do it right. It seems like a waste of Jan 14, 2010 7:37 PM time to create these regulations, when the State of Colorado is going to create our rules very soon. Let's let the dispensaries/growers/caregivers/patients do what happens organically, including paying sales tax, then the State can have a better idea of what rules are needed. Fewer rules might work best, who knows. 104 If a dispensary is well maintained (comfortable atmosphere, welcoming & Jan 14, 2010 7:43 PM informative staff, local medicine, involved in the community...) then I think the existing dispensaries should keep on operating. Although, I think that 80 dispensaries in plenty for Boulder...I don't think any more licenses should be issued. Thank you for your time! 105 DO NOT make regulations more strict. Jan 14, 2010 7:48 PM 106 keep it legal Jan 14, 2010 7:50 PM 7 of 30 Response Text 107 keep it legal Jan 14, 2010 7:50 PM 108 We need to treat this issue the same way we treat the issues of pharmaceuticals Jan 14, 2010 8:06 PM and alcohol and not get carried away with puritanical or fearful concerns about a substance less harmful than alcohol or may controlled medications. 109 This is a particular topic where ignorance, prejudice, hype and misinformation get Jan 14, 2010 8:21 PM tossed around in lieu of science, forward thinking, calm rational thought and open- mindedness. Please take rational steps that have a basis in reality, despite all the 'sky-is-falling' rhetoric of the prohibitionists. DO NOT create unnecessary or unwarranted regulations or city will be bleeding money in legal challenges like Denver soon will be. 110 It's wonderful that medical cannabis shops have been created to assist those in Jan 14, 2010 8:29 PM need, and the interim laws seem fair. The next step should be complete legalization of cannabis. 111 I've long felt that the best way to fight the "war on drugs", especially pot, was to Jan 14, 2010 8:41 PM treat drugs the same way we treat alcohol - legalize, license and tax. To that end, I think the rules for operating marijuana businesses should be as close as possible to the rules for running liquor stores. 112 I think the City of Boulder has been very prudent in addressing this new industry. I Jan 14, 2010 8:42 PM encourage the City's leaders to remain objective and consider facts as well as the desires of Boulder's residents. 113 Be careful not to treat MM dispensaries and their proprietors as de-criminalized Jan 14, 2010 9:17 PM criminals. 114 Is a dispenasry more like a pharmacy or more like a liquor store? Are pharmacies Jan 14, 2010 9:24 PM regulated distances from schools and daycares? If its more like pharmacy, then its business as usual like any doctor/client/phamicutical relationship. If it is more like a liqour store, then I feel a three tier system may be apporpriate as in the liqour business for taxation and control. As far as these interim regulations are concerned, you haven't defined the roles of the various arms of the medical marijuana business in our society, yet. Does the dispensary do it all, ie. have a grow room for on-site cultivation; have a Dr. and clinic for on-site evaluations and care-giving; have a retail counter for dispensing of the medicine? Is this the way the medical profession works? Or the liqour indusrty? I don't think so. Think a new box. 115 Use the local pharmacies Jan 14, 2010 9:29 PM 116 Granted, the green-rush has begun and in light of this Country's Jan 14, 2010 9:31 PM recession/depression, people are trying to take advantage of making some money. Growing cannabis is not at all so easy. I believe that once our legislators actually educate themselves on cannabis, then regulation can begin. Ultimately, patients...the consumer...will benefit most by being sure the dispensaries, at a minimum, are:1. Colorado citizen owned; 2. Cannabis sold in the dispensaries has been Co. grow. 3. Quality of cannabis should always be organic. Boulder would benefit by having a stockholder, or study group, provide some guidelines. Let's not make this harder for patients to have access. 117 Economic crisis? Maybe we've found our solution, hopefully not just temporary. Jan 14, 2010 9:34 PM 118 Marijuana should be legalized. We as a city should look at this issue. An ounce of Jan 14, 2010 9:41 PM pot and the right to grow a certain amount for personal use. 119 As a Boulder resident who initially voted for the legalization of medical marijuana I Jan 14, 2010 10:00 PM was completely shocked when two dispensaries opened across the street from each other, in close proximity to my neighborhood, and in close proximity to a school. If I had known how relaxed the regulations would be for these businesses I would never have voted for the legalization. 120 As a CU student, having multiple dispensaries on the Hill seems sketchy. College Jan 14, 2010 10:19 PM populations are generally healthy, so having one or more in an area that is primarily students just makes them seem less reputable. 8 of 30 Response Text 121 I do not feel this type of businesses would have a positive impact on the Jan 14, 2010 10:43 PM community. perhaps pharmacies should be able to dispense marijuana and therefore it could be more regulated. 122 Policy suggestion one: Marijuana facilities cannot operate adjacent to existing Jan 14, 2010 11:21 PM residences, regardless of whether they are in a commercial or residential zone. Policy suggestion two: Marijuana facilities cannot offer free samples to be consumed on-site. Policy suggestion three: Marijuana facilities must give written and oral instructions to each client, each time to use the marijuana in the privacy of their own home. Policy suggestion four: Marijuana facilities in a commercial zone, not next to a residence, must close by 9:00 p.m. Marijuana facilities located in a commercial zone, adjacent to an existing residence, must close by 6 p.m. Policy suggestion five: Marijuana facilities cannot open within direct line of sight and within 1000 ft (or more) of school, child orientated recreation facility, or day care. Policy suggest six: Marijuana facilities planning to open, must give all neighbors within 1000 ft written notice with proof of receipt, 30 days before they can gain lease approval. 123 I just want to say that I appreciate Boulder's cognitive approach to the entire Jan 14, 2010 11:36 PM process, and can't wait to set an example for other cities, like we do so many other ways! 124 This whole mess is what it looks like and has nothing to do with quality care for Jan 14, 2010 11:42 PM the ill members of society. 125 Boulder should lead on this issue, it has been illegal since 1937 and that hasn't Jan 14, 2010 11:44 PM stopped anyone, take the criminal element out and legalize it and regulate it, it will create tax revenue and if done the right way could be an industry that really has value to communites and the patients they serve. 126 I'm glad to see Boulder has not tried to ban such businesses. Obviously people Jan 14, 2010 11:54 PM are still testing the waters in this realm, but I think we are at the forefront of decriminalization. 127 The problem is one created by current federal laws. It would be sensible to Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM recognize that we have lost the war on drugs, legalize them and find a way to dispense them legally. 128 Keep in mind that extensive, restrictive, and onerous regulations do nothing to Jan 15, 2010 1:05 AM help people who need medicine, legitimate business people who want to enter the market, and restrict a taxable industry. Pot is already de facto legal in Boulder. Trying to over-regulate it will just drive it back to the underground, where you cant make money from it. If you want to enact sensible regulations: (1) protect patients from discrimination at work, school, or otherwise; (2) require testing of products for chemicals and other contaminants; (3) legalize small scale (home) grow operations; and (4) just decriminalize it already in the city. 129 There should be protection from federal property seizure for landlords or property Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM owners of these businesses. Many fear renting to these businesses because of the fear of property seizure. 9 of 30 Response Text 130 Underlying all my points is a desire for this council to get out into the public and Jan 15, 2010 1:07 AM talk to the dispensaries. Put together statistics. Understand what is actually going on out there rather than buying into the media sensation. Jessica Corry's article raised a good point. In one week a robbery dispensary made front page headlines, but 14 bank robberies that same week were buried in the back. Talk to Sensible Colorado, talk to Cannabis Therapy Institute, talk to Rob Corry and Warren Edson (two prominent leaders and attorneys on the issue.) Of course, I am always available to discuss the issues. 131 People are over-reacting to the growth of medical marijuana dispensaries. The Jan 15, 2010 1:45 AM more logical approach to regulation would be to establish strict monitoring/enforcement of the already-established regulations. For example, treat dispensaries the same way we treat liquor stores. Monitor to ensure they are only selling to licensed patients. The reaction to a large number of dispensaries is completely unfounded. Over time, market forces will take over and many of the "unsavory" dispensaries will go out of business because patients will not want to do business with them. If they are "unsavory" because they are doing business illegally, the monitoring/enforcement approach mentioned above will take care of them. 132 So far the regulations are pretty civilized and compassionate. Jan 15, 2010 1:57 AM 133 If certain businesses (of whatever ilk) create problems with their neighbors, those Jan 15, 2010 2:28 AM problems should be dealt with according to circumstances. Creating overreaching regulation for the eventuality of problems that don't exist is a waste of money and time ove everyone involved. 134 I am nearly 80 years old, have an advanced college degree, know perfectly well Jan 15, 2010 2:53 AM what I need. Marijuana is not entertainment for me, it almost stops my severe pain without any side effects (being stoned or silly included). Last year at this time I did not want to continuing living with such pain, now I have hope. My family is grateful to see me being an almost normal old person. As I said before Marijuana is not a shameful substance, it is a natural plant given to us by God so why do we have to connect such stigma to it? My Kaiser doctor agreed with my decision, main stream medical people at Kaiser sign the form for medical marijuana, rightly the pharmacy should be supplying it and my insurance would pay for it. The cost for me is very dear indeed. 135 Lift the moratorium. Jan 15, 2010 3:53 AM 136 I would be interested to know if there has been any negative effect in the Jan 15, 2010 4:40 AM community due to the growth of the medical marijuana facilities. Surprisingly, I have not heard a single negative comment about it. 137 Please remove these stores from our community as soon as possible. It was a Jan 15, 2010 4:50 AM grave mistake. 138 Medical marijuana should be subject to the same federal regulations as all other Jan 15, 2010 6:59 AM prescription drugs. 139 The people who want to smoke marijuana, for whatever reason, will continue to Jan 15, 2010 1:24 PM do so if it is legal or not. If marijuana is to become a medical product, it needs to be under control of legitimate medical professionals. Prescriptions need to be given out by doctors, and the marijuana needs to be dispensed by pharmacies. In my honest opinion, the only way to allow marijuana AND protect public safety would be to simply allow people to grow their own marijuana in their own homes. I understand this had become a large tax revenue, so I purpose taxing the sale of seeds and dropping the entire medical license process. Honestly, medical marijuana is currently a joke. I voted for medical marijuana, but if I knew that it would be this out of control, I would NOT have voted for it. 10 of 30 Response Text 140 I would recommend the city have a panel, round table with medical marijuana Jan 15, 2010 1:43 PM business owners. Communication between gov and owners is the beginning for Boulder becoming a blue print or model for this industry nation wide. I would enjoy being a part of this process. 141 Please respect the fact that there are people in the Boulder community who do Jan 15, 2010 3:44 PM not wish to have dispensaries at all. If someone genuinely needs to use med marijuana and has a legal prescription, then make it legal for it to be dispensed though an existing pharmacy. The regulating and policing of the situation will be costly. It will have a negative impact on Boulder's public image. Personally, I wouldn't want my children attending CU knowing that the city has a policy that essentially condones the broader use of marijuana. Thank you. 142 Boulder might do well to be a leader in MMJ development and regulation, and it Jan 15, 2010 4:02 PM might do well to stay MMJ friendly. 143 Please lobby the state legislature to tighten up requirements for these Jan 15, 2010 4:10 PM establishments! 144 Tax it, use it as a revenue rather than something to be eliminated, which is Jan 15, 2010 4:18 PM impossible anyway! 145 see item # 5 Jan 15, 2010 4:55 PM 146 I believe that the patients should have the right to try their medicine before they Jan 15, 2010 5:31 PM purchase it. I also think that the dispensaries should provide a safe place for their patients to medicate, instead of being forced to medicate in their cars, or on the street, or even at home around children. 147 As an administrative lawyer, I think the regulations are reasonable and should Jan 15, 2010 6:30 PM become permanent. There is no need for a "red light district" of dispensaries but, at the same time, I would oppose regulations that make it unreasonably difficult to open and operate a legitimate dispensary business. I do believe the regulations should exempt from the 500 foot limit any dispensary that was in existence prior to a daycare opening up nearby because it would be unfair to make a dispensary owner move a pre-existing business simply because a daycare operator decides to enter the vicinity. 148 Although I support the use and sale of medical marijuana, I do believe there Jan 15, 2010 6:53 PM should be a limit to how many dispensary are allowed to operate within the city limits. Perhaps there should be a limit of a 100 or so dispensaries allowed. I think there should also be a prevision addressing pre-existing businesses that want to sale medical marijuana as a means to generate extra revenue to stay in business. For example a local book store on the verge of closing the business should be allowed to sell medical marijuana to patients in order to stay in business. Perhaps business like this should be granted the ability to sale the medicine. 149 I think it was a mistake passing them, before the State took some action. a Jan 15, 2010 7:16 PM majority of the commercial property is owned by very few people and they have been saying no since mid Aug. There are very few places to even open a dispensary in Boulder, not acknowledging that is a bit disingenuous in my mind. This issue relates to approx 2,200 patients registered in Boulder County, of the 300,000 that live here, all this wasted time and energy is shameful. The patient is lost in all this, and it was for the privacy, convenience and needs of the patients, that this constitutional amendment was passed by the people. The other option is completely legalize it and then regulate it like alcohol. 150 the city needs to set up regulations that protect, not prohibit the growth of any Jan 15, 2010 9:13 PM industry. in these times of economic downturn, we can revitalize the economy by supporting the sale of marijuana, rather than prohibiting it which takes away from tax income, driving the production underground into the hands of people that are forced to regulate by often illegal means. thank you for your support, we need it and will support you. 11 of 30 Response Text 151 It's a federal and state crime to posess, grow and distrubute marijuana, even for Jan 15, 2010 10:09 PM medical purposes. Boulder is participating in breaking federal law. The quack doctors that are authorized to issue cards are NOT diagnosing patients that have ailments. They ARE taking fees from white males in their early to mid 20's and issuing MM cards to them on a verbal indication that the patient has chronic pain or restless leg syndrome, etc. 99.9% of these patients are ONLY obtaining cards to legally posess and use marijuana, not to mention grow up to 6 plants themselves or through their caregivers. what a shame Boulder is becoming the dumbest town in the USA from the smartest. 152 Marijuana should be regulated and taxed much the same way as tobacco and Jan 16, 2010 12:05 AM alcohol. 153 I would recommend that you make it as difficult as possible for licenses to be Jan 16, 2010 12:21 AM obtained, that you restrict the location to those zoned retail only and that you regulate them at least as the Beverages Licensing Authority regulates liquor licenses. 154 It is unjust that these MANY facilities were allowed to pop up everywhere without Jan 16, 2010 3:31 AM public input. Either tax them at exorbidant rates and give the money to the poor or education, or put some REAL regulations on them so they are not everywhere. Better yet, do BOTH! They pose a threat to the wellbeing of our community, the future of our community and children, the safety of our community. Please, pleas, please make regulations that put REAL boundaries on these facilities and reduce the runaway number of these facilities in what is quickly becoming a little Amsterdam. I do not want my children or anyone else's exposed to this. 155 I support medical marijuana and believe that is is a positive addition to and for the Jan 16, 2010 4:38 AM people of Boulder. 156 I applaud our having medical marijuana outlets and look forward to the total Jan 16, 2010 4:33 PM decriminalization of marijuana. We have many more serious problems to turn our attention to. 157 I believe there are a ridiculous amount of these things popping up. However, I Jan 16, 2010 5:15 PM cannot believe that there is that kind of medical demand (legitimate or not) in this community. I also believe that as this industry matures beyond the first year or two, we will see many go out of business. In the meantime, tax them and enjoy the added retail revenue that this city needs. 158 Please do not be "a stand alone" community, see what other communities are Jan 16, 2010 6:16 PM doing. 159 The City of Boulder should join forces with Denver and other cities that have Jan 16, 2010 6:45 PM introduced regulations that are effective and allow the city to benefit from the positive effects of medical marijuana (tax revenues, real estate market recovery, etc.) and lobby the state legislature on the pending (and ill-conceived) legislation they are now considering. 160 The business is here and positive in almost all ways. Especially for people in pain Jan 16, 2010 9:24 PM and with other health challenges. We need to keep it available and safe to all qualified people. The only thing I can think of is that is possibly negitive is robery but I think there has been more crime with other busineses like banks and convience stores. I wonder about that but I don't think that presents a significant problem. Lastly, I am a senior pofessional that has been helped tremendously with my pain from using medical marijuana from an accident and 6 surgeries by using medical marijuna. It has allowed me to stop taking heavy pain medication that makes mw feel worse in many ways and is also bad for me in other ways. Let's all benefit from this unique medicine and have Boulder be a good model and beneficiary of a safe and beneficial product. 161 I hope that the city will continue to remain open to the medical cannabis Jan 16, 2010 9:50 PM community and will value their input. While there may be some who have a "wild west" attitude about this industry, there are others who want to create standards and regulations that have the patients' and community's best interests at heart. 12 of 30 Response Text 162 If the marijuana is truly for medical reasons, should they not be in medical centers Jan 16, 2010 11:50 PM then. Are there audits on the "prescriptions" and "doctors"? Follow the federal...this is a federal issue. 163 Either marijuana needs to be legalized so the federal, state and local laws come Jan 17, 2010 4:24 AM into compliance with each other (I'm not advocating for this necessarily), or there needs to be stricter regulations to avoid the laughable situation we are in now. I agree with Stan Garnett that the state law is too vague. 164 If people didnt make such a big deal about it, most people wouldn't realy notice it Jan 17, 2010 7:53 AM 165 I do not understand the continued harrassment of these businesses and their Jan 17, 2010 7:35 PM patients. THe constitution, and common sense, mean that people should have rady access to medical marijuana. Let the econmoy decide how many dispensaries can survive not victotian sensibilities. 166 I think it is good that Boulder is making it harder for these shops to open. I only Jan 17, 2010 7:38 PM wish we didn't have this medical marijuana problem in the first place. It's ridiculous. 167 It is past time we support legalization of marijuana. I do not use marijuana, except Jan 17, 2010 8:18 PM for fiber / hemp products. 168 The City Council needs to delve deeply into this entire issue of medical marijuana Jan 17, 2010 10:28 PM before the March 31, 2010 interim regulations expire. As stated in my comments, I believe that separate marijuana dispensaries invite abuse of the drug, send the wrong message to children and the citizens of Boulder about its potential damage to ones health, and will cost the City far too much to enforce its lawful distribution and its "attractive nuisance" security issues. 169 I say go for the tax revenue--we need it! Jan 18, 2010 1:53 AM 170 It is getting to legalization, so license and tax it similarly as with alcohol sales and Jan 18, 2010 4:02 AM distribution. 171 This is Boulder. Let's stay on the progressive forefront of marijuana policy. Let us Jan 18, 2010 1:39 PM stand up and not be cowed by archaic mentalities. Let's enjoy the new businesses, the new sales tax added, the new economic boost. Why not try it? If not Boulder, who else? This is the dawning of a new age. 172 I have met a few people investing in these businesses and find them sane and Jan 18, 2010 3:39 PM responsible entrepreneurs, good for Boulder. 173 I think every part of these businesses - licensing, sales, wholesale and retail, - Jan 18, 2010 10:11 PM should be taxed, thus providing a new stream of revenue which could be helpful in these short budget times. 174 I think the council should not pay attention to complaints about regulations. Jan 19, 2010 3:25 AM Established pharmacies are heavily regulated and need to have real pharmacists. I think these marijuana sales locations should have the same level of scrutiny. 175 I'd like to see the policy makers better informed, especially the fearful ones. I'd Jan 19, 2010 4:48 AM also like to see the MM industry subject to taxes. It's here and let's all benefit from an industry that seems to be really important to a lot of people. 176 Please protect families and children by strictly regulating and limiting the number Jan 19, 2010 6:27 AM of these businesses that are popping up all over our town. Thanks. 177 I'm okay with the concept of med. marijuana. I think it is the city's responsibility to Jan 19, 2010 4:30 PM keep a close eye on the pros and cons and create a safe environment for all. (which what I suspect the purpose of this survey) Thank you. 178 Existing dispensaries should be allowed to operate. Jan 19, 2010 5:54 PM 179 Philosophically I'm OK w/MM, decriminalization and legalization or marijuana, so Jan 19, 2010 6:40 PM I'm not opposed to dispensaries and grow operations and think the sales tax will be a big help to the city, but would ask that Council be prepared to adjust the rules moving forward to account for unintended consequences. 13 of 30 Response Text 180 I believe medical marijuana has a place in the treatment of some patients. With Jan 19, 2010 7:46 PM that said, I believe the medical marijuana advocates have become greedy with their interpretation of the law. Furthermore, I believe that there are some people who are receiving permission for using this drug who perhaps should not have been given this permission in the first place. More study needs to be done to understand this medication. 181 It distracts from the professionalism we try to present to our clients. Jan 19, 2010 10:44 PM 182 I don't think the grow operations have been regulated enough. Jan 20, 2010 12:45 AM 183 I'd like to see regulations with strong logical reasoning and evidence based Jan 20, 2010 1:20 AM intentions behind them put in place. Otherwise, it seems like emotional pandering. Thanks for the chance to provide a response. 184 Medical marijuana should be dispensed like any other drug through pharmacies, Jan 20, 2010 5:04 AM with the same federal regulations that opioid pain medications have. It should be limited to people who really need this medication, such as cancer patients and HIV patients. 185 While I do not think marijuana is a particularly good thing, I think it is much safer Jan 20, 2010 6:10 PM overall than alcohol, cigarettes and many prescription drugs that are legally abused. Many believe the laws were originally written to discriminate against minorities. They have been kept that way because politicians hoping to be re- elcted are afraid to take a stance because of it being viewed as soft on drugs/crime. It should be leagalized, regulated and taxed. Medical marijuana is the 1st step. 186 We need less greedy pharmacists trying to capitalize on alot of peoples hard Jan 21, 2010 1:27 AM work, ingenuity and courage. I also believe dipensaries should lower they're prices, it has gotten out of hand. Moving towards therapuetic means to relieve pain ,such as:Chiro. and Massage is a good idea. All dispensaries should put more than an attempt, into doing this. 187 Although I only work in Boulder I'm apalled at how the city has allowed this. Now Jan 21, 2010 3:06 PM Boulder will be known as the Pot Capital of the US along with all of the other weird titles we have. 188 Let the market (not government) regulate how many medical marijuana Jan 21, 2010 5:49 PM businesses open and where. 189 Forget about the stigma. Look at the facts. Be fair. The possibility of de facto Jan 21, 2010 6:11 PM legalization shouldn't sway the decision of any forward thinking intelligent person. 190 Yes, you should clarify that dispensaries can provide MMJ to any licensed patient Jan 21, 2010 6:13 PM and clarify that MMJ growers can sell their medicine to any licensed dispensary. You should tax both activities, so that the City benefits from both the retail and wholesale sales of medicine. 191 Amsterdam, Ann Arbor, Brekenridge, Nederland.....the list of places where people Jan 21, 2010 6:14 PM realize the folly of demonizing an ancient herbal medicine gets bigger every month. Practically all the problems associated with marijuana (and for that matter all illegal drugs) stems from the simple fact they're illegal. If they were NOT illegal...would there be so many people charging such outrageous prices (an artificially limited supply makes fertile ground for the black market) and killing each other over it? Did anybody have shootouts over vats of alcohol once Prohibition ended? 192 Why does the govt feel like it needs to regulate Jan 21, 2010 6:25 PM 193 just legalize it already, will ya? we are past the tipping point and the genie is out of Jan 21, 2010 6:58 PM the bottle. 14 of 30 Response Text 194 There is nothing "wrong" with medical marijuana, yet it's users and dispensers Jan 21, 2010 7:09 PM have HUGE prejudices against them that I do not agree with, not do I wish for my community to agree with. Boulder knows better than to support ignorant prejudices. I know it feels risky and scary to be lenient with marijuana, but if you do a little research you will discover that the opponants of marijuana long ago resorted to bigoted, racist, and outright untrue statements to turn public opinion against the product. "Negros and Musicians use marajuana" declares one poster! Before we shame our mm patiens with making them hide from our kids, we must question why we despise marijuana in the first place. Could it be that our opinions were formed by racist, bigoted and false statements that we never questioned? Go online for 5 minutes before deciding and ask yourself what is so very wrong with pot. http://www.illuminati-news.com/marijuana-conspiracy.htm. Here - I'll paste in some thoughts... * George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers GREW HEMP; Washington and Jefferson Diaries. Jefferson smuggled hemp seeds from China to France then to America. * Benjamin Franklin owned one of the first paper mills in America and it processed hemp. Also, the War of 1812 was fought over hemp. Napoleon wanted to cut off Moscow's export to England; Emperor Wears No Clothes, Jack Herer. * For thousands of years, 90% of all ships' sails and rope were made from hemp. The word 'canvas' is Dutch for cannabis; Webster's New World Dictionary. * 80% of all textiles, fabrics, clothes, linen, drapes, bed sheets, etc. were made from hemp until the 1820s with the introduction of the cotton gin. * The first Bibles, maps, charts, Betsy Ross's flag, the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were made from hemp; U.S. Government Archives. * The first crop grown in many states was hemp. 1850 was a peak year for Kentucky producing 40,000 tons. Hemp was the largest cash crop until the 20th Century; State Archives. * Oldest known records of hemp farming go back 5000 years in China, although hemp industrialization probably goes back to ancient Egypt. * Rembrants, Gainsboroughs, Van Goghs as well as most early canvas paintings were principally painted on hemp linen. * In 1916, the U.S. Government predicted that by the 1940s all paper would come from hemp and that no more trees need to be cut down. Government studies report that 1 acre of hemp equals 4.1 acres of trees. Plans were in the works to implement such programs; Department of Agriculture * Quality paints and varnishes were made from hemp seed oil until 1937. 58,000 tons of hemp seeds were used in America for paint products in 1935; Sherman Williams Paint Co. testimony before Congress against the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act. * Henry Ford's first Model-T was built to run on hemp gasoline and the CAR ITSELF WAS CONTRUCTED FROM HEMP! On his large estate, Ford was photographed among his hemp fields. The car, 'grown from the soil,' had hemp plastic panels whose impact strength was 10 times stronger than steel; Popular Mechanics, 1941. * Hemp called 'Billion Dollar Crop.' It was the first time a cash crop had a business potential to exceed a billion dollars; Popular Mechanics, Feb., 1938. * Mechanical Engineering Magazine (Feb. 1938) published an article entitled 'The 15 of 30 Most Profitable and Desirable Crop that Can be Grown.' It stated that if hemp was cultivated using 20th Century technology, it would be the single largest agricultural Response Text 195 less regulation, the better - don't regulate our state constitutional rights. Jan 21, 2010 7:24 PM 196 Require hardening of the site and close to bank level security Jan 21, 2010 7:24 PM 197 I see nothing wrong with having more than one business of the same type in the Jan 21, 2010 7:27 PM same office building. There is also nothing wrong with having more than 3 dispensaries in one city if it is needed. Marijuana is not a negative drug like Heroin. This actually helps people not kill people. 198 There are a lot of clinic in Boulder at this time, but as time goes on, many will go Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM out of business. The ones in high traffic areas will probably be more sucessful than ones in low traffic areas. One thing that worries me is large businesses from out of state coming into Boulder and running out the local small businesses, both local dispensary owners and small growing businesses. This is probably something the state will have to deal with. These people will obtain enought medical cards to set up very large growing operations, growing 1000's of plants and underselling all the small businesses. 199 Boulder should maintain the status quo with dispensaries pending state Jan 21, 2010 7:39 PM legislation. 200 Please consider those of us who are most sick and disabled before you decide on Jan 21, 2010 7:48 PM anything that may affect the continuance of our very lives. If someone's health takes a nose dive because of a bad choice, it may be too late to turn back the clock for them. 201 thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion on this issue. I plead that whatever Jan 21, 2010 8:01 PM decisions are made that they are completely thought through. 202 This a withchunt and extremely misguided. The entire system is about oppressing Jan 21, 2010 8:03 PM and profiting off of patients. That is disgusting. 203 As stated, mj use is illegal. Period. The fact that the Attorney General of the US Jan 21, 2010 8:29 PM has decided to announce that the Feds aren't going to go after pot users doesn't make mj any more legal than it was before he said it. Although medical mj in and of itself appears to be a legitimate medical tool for certain people with certain medical conditions, the fact of the matter is that is technically illegal. Statistics reported in the Denver Post stating that the largest percentage of medical mj users are twenty-something males demonstrates that present and interim medical mj regulations here and elsewhere are completely ludicrous and most certainly NOT restricting medical mj to those who truly need it. Things have gotten completely out of hand. 204 Stop trying to regulate the law breakers at the peril of legitimate patients. There Jan 21, 2010 8:32 PM will always be people who illegally seek medications and all of the regulations in the world will not stop that. It will simply make it more difficult for patients to obtain their medication, thereby increasing the black marekt business. 205 Boulder should simply legalize an ounce. Jan 21, 2010 9:10 PM They have the power to do so. 206 The bottom line is that it is counter to society and economic needs of people Jan 21, 2010 9:12 PM needing relief to have it be illegal to begin with. 207 These proposals unfairly force the the trade into the hands of bigger more Jan 21, 2010 9:16 PM mercenary players through zoning classifications and restrictions; and exclude the smaller, most genuine personal caregivers who grow at home discreetly. 208 Educate the public. That is the bottom line. I bet if educated Boulderites would Jan 21, 2010 10:10 PM read The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer they would understand that medical marijuana was sold in stores in the USA prior to 1937, and that hemp could save the planet. Boulder should be the forefront of this, taking a step in the right direction. This will help tax revenue, it will open up businesses, it will make people want to know about it, so in summary, EDUCATE THE PUBLIC. Thanks for taking the time to read my comments. 209 Regulate and tax, tax and tax. Legalize it and tax it. Additional taxes would be Jan 21, 2010 11:05 PM good for the city. 16 of 30 Response Text 210 Please don't attempt to over regulate the medical marijuana market. My Jan 21, 2010 11:10 PM grandparents and great grandparents lived through both (alcohol) prohibition and its repeal. I never heard it from them but it must have been an exciting time to live through, equally thrilling and fretful. Cool pragmatism will serve Boulder better than knee-jerk fearfulness. History is keenly watching us right now. Let us resolve to bravely walk into the future! 211 The current interim regulations seem very reasonable from my perspective. They Jan 21, 2010 11:15 PM appear to manage this new type of trade without being overly restrictive to the industry. I would support continuing these regulations. 212 I feel that most people's "fears" of the unknown have no validity. These business Jan 21, 2010 11:26 PM owners are finally willing to come out of the black market and provide a product which has and always will be in high demand. I guarantee many of those who get denied a legal business due to these proposed regulations will still sell their product as before, you just won't know where at....... 213 I believe the interim regulations are asking for a lawsuit and are not appropriate. Jan 22, 2010 12:09 AM 500 ft radius is not fair, retail locations only is fair. 214 Boulder use to always be the progressive city. I have seen Boulder turn into a mini Jan 22, 2010 12:11 AM Denver in the last 5 years or so. Why not be the one that steps out?? that shows the state how it is done? I know if it keeps tightening the belt on everything I will move. I own and operate 2 very succesful businesses and don't have to stay here. Let Boulder be Boulder!!! 215 I beg of you...please try to meet with the patients,caregivers & dispensary owners Jan 22, 2010 1:50 AM because we are here to stay and we need to learn how to come to a common ground and stop the fighting. We are not hostile people we just want to be able to have reasonable uninfluenced access to cannabis that helps us. When was the last time you tried to stop a Walgreens from opening. The sell items that kill over the counter, were are there regulations. 216 like I have stated, this is a wast of our elected officials time and money! Jan 22, 2010 2:24 AM 217 It would be very nice if you could get Boulder County to have the same rules. I Jan 22, 2010 3:14 AM could be off of unemployment and have a business if they would grant commercial and business zoning grows like I know the City is doing. There is really nothing left in the city and all the AG/LI/GI is gone from my searches. Quite a few warehouses zoned B/C they won't approve. 218 It doesn't apply to land use regulations, but I think that unless/until marijuana is Jan 22, 2010 5:54 AM decriminalized, it should be prescribed by physicians with whom the patient has a pre-existing relationship - oncologists, ophthalmologists, etc. Therefore, at the moment, the fewer dispensaries the better. 219 Given the time frame they have had to put these policies and regulations in place, Jan 22, 2010 7:28 AM I think Boulder has done a great job. Now it's time to to clerify and initiate proper and fair regulations so we can all get a clear understanding of what dispensary owners and growers can and can't do. 220 I believe the Colorado state senate bill put together by Senator Romer is a good Jan 22, 2010 7:50 AM guide for Boulder medical marjuana regulations in the future. Let's move forward with caution, but allow those legally allowed to possess medical marijuana obtain it in a safe and regulated environment. A liquor board type of agency that approves dispensories would be a good thing. Dispensories should be allowed to offer samplings on site, in other words, legal medical marijuana patients should be able to 'preview' what they are purchasing. I believe medical marijuana is here to stay in CO, let's just do it right! 221 Allow growers to be different than dispensaries Jan 22, 2010 2:33 PM 222 There definitely needs to be regulations, but keep it smart and be mindful about Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM the economy that this industry can improve. Those that are local understand the need to keep it local!!! 17 of 30 Response Text 223 Prohibition is the illness we are fighting here. This is just the first dose of badly Jan 22, 2010 2:53 PM needed social medicine long overdue. What we need is support to increase the availability,variety and quality of medical cannabis for everyone, and end the black market. The way it used to be before 1937 (Marijuana Tax Stamp Act). 224 there should be cafe operations allowed as well. it doesn't make sense that we Jan 22, 2010 3:52 PM allow bars, but not med marijuana cafes. 225 Let the free market regulate the businesses. The best will survive. Jan 22, 2010 4:20 PM 226 Distance from schools is reasonable. Jan 22, 2010 5:36 PM I am not worried about kids. MJ is about adults. If we can't have a dispensary, then I suggest immediately shutting down all liquor stores and bars. Hypocrisy should be shunned from policy. Hypocrisy should highlight bad policy. Inglorious sellouts are ruining the mmj program in Colorado. Folks need an ID and a Card to get MMJ. So how will kids get mj from a dispensary? Adults should have full access. Kids are kids and they're not allowed to have it. Incidentally, kids can by cigarettes across the street from school. Isn't that a problem? I figured. 227 Medical Marijuana is an asset to any community. A city should not be allowed to Jan 22, 2010 9:54 PM ban them. Any kind of negative reaction is due to lack of education. Yes, there are some dispensaries breaking the rules, but it does not mean that all dispensaries are bad or should be kept away. EDUCATION IS THE ONLY WAY TO PROGRESS. Allow economy to work the way it should. I work in the same building as the first dispensary in Lyons and it's obvious that the reason they're losing business is because the owners don't run a good business, not because there's any lack of demand for the product. Allow people to do their businesses the way they wish: as long as they pay taxes and make sure they are certified, then it's legal, and there's no problem. THis is only one step towards legalization of marijuana, which should have happened decades ago. Fighting this trend is a losing battle. 228 Just plain legalize marijuana Then medical m.j. could be dispensed through a Jan 22, 2010 11:26 PM pharmacy - which is where they belong. 229 Panic never accomplishes anything. Decriminalize cannabis for Boulder. Current Jan 23, 2010 2:06 AM research shows much information that debunks the myths surrounding this medicine. For 100 years this plant has been the brunt of the "war on drugs". Alcohol, on the other hand, is far worse yet is viewed as something as innoculate as a soda. (ex: recent fanfare about the American Beer Fest.) The people of this State have voted in favor of MMJ. I would propose that a study group help define regulations. The regulations are not beneficial if the patients are the brunt end of them. I would suggest that when regulations are being proposed, insert another term...such as "hotel" or "liquor store" or "clothing store" or "bank" and see if the regulation looks fair. Thanks for the survey! 230 legalize marijuana to all and then make the distinction between truly medical Jan 23, 2010 9:48 AM marijuana and recreational use. Tax the recreational use, but never tax medicine! 231 medical cannabis will save this country and human civilization on this planet. Jan 23, 2010 10:49 AM 18 of 30 Response Text 232 Medical cannabis has a far less impact on society than does alcohol but you hand Jan 23, 2010 5:36 PM out licenses for for this drug with less restrictions. Take a walk down Walnut street between Broadway and 9th street and you will see what I mean. 233 just keep in mind that the smallest voice is the the consumers. We are well Jan 24, 2010 1:59 AM adjusted, affluent, conservative people. Personally, its a godsend, i do not have to take any pain medication for my back and neck condition and marijuana is the only substance I have ever found to immediately address my debilitating pain problems. 234 the addition of these "medical" dispensaries into our neighborhoods is a disgrace Jan 24, 2010 3:23 AM to people who do not do drugs! the majority of the "patients" who acquire the prescription to access this drug legally are people with no medical issues and just want to "get high." i personally know several people that have these prescriptions and most of them are drug addicts and alcoholics that pursued the prescription for legal drugs from a single doctor that holds no regard for human health or respect to the medical field. marijuana is an illegal drug... period. the people who operate a dispensary should be subjected to background checks and receive a pharmaceutical license and regulations should reflect the same regulations as any other medical facility in the community. treat these places as medical facilities and not a "pot shop" where drug users can get legal dope. 235 I think we can lead by example with a careful, balanced approach to this issue - Jan 24, 2010 3:29 AM strict age limits would be vital to making this work - education and public outreach must have a central focus to help overcome old negative attitudes toward pot - this is most definitely not the "devil weed" - it is a gift to mankind. 236 i think the distance requirements are somewhat reasonable, but not completely as Jan 24, 2010 9:18 AM i can think of and example of having say 5 grows in an industrial building or area, and to add a dispensary would still seem quite reasonable to me. A more important issue would be a burglar alarm service requirement, definitely a criminal background exclusion, and I would also add a CO resident status for at least a year or more, and no silly or suggestive names or signs. 237 Prescriptions should only be acceptable from licensed, practicing, medical Jan 24, 2010 2:56 PM doctors. Dispensaries should require state licensing and over sight and be severely limited in quantity. 238 While reasonable regulations are needed for the MMJ industry, all other Nazi- Jan 24, 2010 5:33 PM esque restrictions are coming from a place of general fear and loathing. And no good can ever come from that. These regulations are going to force the MMJ to become a sleazy, underhanded type business, rather than the legitimate, respected industry that it could and rightfully, should become - one that will contribute billions of dollars in tax revenues to an ailing econony. Get a clue! 239 It is time for the negative propaganda, that has been so rampant in our society for Jan 24, 2010 7:07 PM so very long, to be shelved along with the racist ideas that were used to create it. 240 I am in favor of making medical marijuana available to those who need it. I am Jan 24, 2010 8:26 PM tired of the ads I see that seem to show it as a "candy" and make clinics look like "bars" or "lounges". I am sick of all the ads on Craigslist. It is like this town is being taken over by the marijuana issue, and there is so much more to boulder than that. I am afraid that the greed and laxidaizical approach to this issue might eventually lead to it either being make illegal again, and/or cause the increased enforcement of federal regulation and arrests. This would be a real loss for those who truly need it to get by in their day to day lives. 241 I strongly encourage the formation of a panel of experts, patients, and industry Jan 24, 2010 9:09 PM professionals in the writing of permanent regulations. So many things depend on another. Miss one important step and the breakdown can be disastrous. I am available for further information as well as a contact for the Boulder-based cannabis trade association, Growing Colorado. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. 19 of 30 Response Text 242 I am a start up grower. As stated, I've run into some zoning problems in starting Jan 24, 2010 10:02 PM my business. I fully support clear regulation regarding medical marijuana growing and dispensing. I also believe that medical marijuana can obviously help people. Outside of it's ability to help the sick, the medical marijuana industry also has the potential to offset recession related financial woes by generating very significant tax revenue. I'm all for being as clear and proactive as possible in relation to all the issues before the governing bodies of Boulder County and fully support the creation of effective medical marijuana regulation. As Ever, judson webb 243 Land use regulations may be the most expedient tool currently available to the Jan 24, 2010 10:04 PM City for regulation of these businesses. However, they need to be treated under other business licensing practices, to either be like legitimate drug stores and pharmacies or like liquor or tobacco stores. 244 I think limiting distances from schools / childcare is ok but let the free market work Jan 24, 2010 11:23 PM itself out - perhaphs set guidlines on signage would be another solution 245 I think there should be a seperation of grow opperations and retail opperations Jan 25, 2010 12:22 AM with different rules for each type of buisness 246 Boulder is a unique place. I think the dispensaries add to the uniqueness of the Jan 25, 2010 2:21 AM city. The City of Boulder should embrace these businesses and pass regulations that allow for the free market forces to smooth out any wrinkles in this budding industry. 247 I am all for getting rid of the pot leaf and stoner slang/references. This is to be ran Jan 25, 2010 3:15 AM as a professional, wellness option only for those who are truly in need. Whether marijuana is used to treat diseases or to be enjoyed responsibly, I fully support healthy, natural alternatives to any type of human-invented drug that over time alters and potentially weakens the body. 248 500 feet from schools is a good idea and the same as liquor establishments. Any Jan 25, 2010 8:19 AM distance longer would be unreasonable due to the size of the city. 249 Thank you for the consideration of these issues. Jan 25, 2010 1:41 PM 250 being a CPA, I am always looking at things from a business standpoint. The Jan 25, 2010 4:18 PM current regulations will create monopolies for the exisiting businesses - I feel more competition will weed out the bad businesses and reduce the cost to those who need it. 251 1) If it's retail, tax it. Jan 25, 2010 4:25 PM 2) I don't know if this can be addressed at the local level, but I would like to think there is some way for it to become known which doctors are writing these referrals. Find the ones giving referrals to anyone with a heartbeat (tongue in cheek, of course) and you'll get a legitmate industry. 252 Some sensible regulations, as outlined above, are needed. As the industry Jan 25, 2010 4:44 PM matures, additional measures can be reviewed. It may be time to consider outright legalization. 253 I hope to see Boulder and Colorado become a pioneering leader in the good use Jan 25, 2010 5:51 PM of marijuana as food and medicine, including the beneficial use of industrial hemp. We need to be educated and empowered to grow our own food and medicine, and to feed and medicate ourselves. 20 of 30 Response Text 254 The temporary regulations are, for the most part, sensible. The 500 foot Jan 25, 2010 6:43 PM restrictions from schools make sense. Banning a residential MMJ business is also reasonable. However, the 500 foot distance between businesses doesn't make allot of sense. MMJ, unlike liquor, is only allowed as a medicine in this state. As far as I know, there is no such requirement for a pharmacy operation. As for kids getting the wrong message - the message is that MMJ is only available to persons who qualify as patients under the constitution. Don't understand what other message people want - unless they want to deny constitutional rights passed by the voters. 255 The market will weed out the establishments that have a bad business model, Jan 25, 2010 8:17 PM versus the ones that are there providing well-rounded services to patients in need. 256 Please keep patients access as a TOP priority. Jan 25, 2010 9:04 PM You cannot regulate the bad apples out of any industry... so don't try! Thank you for allowing input. 257 I think the city should limit the number of permits for such retail outlets in the city Jan 25, 2010 11:29 PM to a reasonable number, say 50. Wholesale operations should not be limited, this will happen naturally through business competition. 258 I think its ok to keep the regulations somewhat simple to start with and add Jan 26, 2010 12:27 AM specificity as issues arise. It seems to be what you've already done, so just a vote of support for that approach. 259 I do not think we should discourage these businesses. From what I have read, Jan 26, 2010 12:55 AM marijuana is a low-risk, low-side-effect treatment for many conditions that are rampant in today's society (PTSD, chronic pain, just to name a couple). Potential marijuana users are figuring out right now in the heat of this boom period whether it will work for them. I think the fury to open these profitable businesses will die down as the demand/need for their products becomes clear. It wouldn't surprise me if many close due to lack of business, eventually. We don't need to discourage them, it's crazy to discourage the opening of businesses in these economic times. 260 I think there is a lot of confusion as to how the system works and state laws vs. Jan 26, 2010 1:27 AM federal vs. local. Good luck! 261 Medical marijuana dispensaries should receive the same land use regulation as Jan 26, 2010 3:58 AM liquor stores. 262 I think we need to be careful to restrict sales and growth so this can not be Jan 26, 2010 5:46 AM abused in the ways that it already is! I feel strongly about this and feel it already has gotten out of hand and the message to young people is to smoke pot cause it's condoned. 263 I believe that dispensaries should be regulated like any other pharmacy or Jan 26, 2010 8:00 AM business that provides medication. 264 I think we need to be less paranoid about medical marijuana. It is an important Jan 26, 2010 9:57 AM tool for many people with pain and not a serious drug that threatens our neighborhoods. 265 we need to get distribution under control. we need someone to be strong and Jan 26, 2010 11:31 PM create strong regulations. And we need planning and Council to understand most of us who oppose the MMDs are also VERY afraid to stand up in public. The MMD owners are often times criminals with guns. All we're doing with allowing MMDs is to provide the criminal element with more money. 266 Boulder county should impose guidelines on signage for MM related businesses Jan 27, 2010 6:26 AM and grow operators should not be subjected to the same restrictions as the 500 foot regulations as dispensaries. Eventually the number of these business will level out and proliferation will subside due to natural business acumens. 267 There should be regulations surrounding the multiples dispensaries operating Jan 27, 2010 6:49 AM under the same building 268 it is not the lover, it is the love Jan 27, 2010 7:06 AM 21 of 30 Response Text 269 I do not think that medical marijuana selling needs heavy regulation, but enough Jan 27, 2010 4:50 PM to make sure the businesses are not nuisances via bad parking planning, chemical usage, or selling to organized criminal drug rings. 270 As with any new, innovative business there will be hiccups, but i believe the City Jan 27, 2010 7:07 PM of Boulder is going to be a forerunner in the decriminalization of marijuana, and medical marijuana seems to be a great way to learn of the future issues facing legalized marijuana 271 Tear it down and start over. The abuses of the current program will do nothing in Jan 27, 2010 7:17 PM the long run but self destruct.In my opinion the entire system lacks credibility. 272 Please keep foremost in your mind the issue of patient access. Don't make it Jan 27, 2010 7:18 PM difficult for patients to get their medicine. Don't put unnecessary regulations on one of the few businesses that are doing well in this economic downturn. Their success will buoy the local economy. Let's do everything we can to help them succeed. 273 It'd be great if Boulder County could have its own inspectors to ensure the safety Jan 27, 2010 7:30 PM and environmental process of the drug, particularly with growers. I'm hoping the drug will be more pure rather than the pesticides, etc. that is currently being used on much of the drugs out there. 274 Seems about right to me, overall. Jan 27, 2010 7:55 PM You might have additional video surveillance of both the interior of the store and of areas nearby visible from the storefront, at the store's expense, to make catching and convicting muggers preying on their customers easier without direct cost to taxpayers. I assume it's routine for businesses to turn over such video surveillance data to the police, without needing a warrant. 275 Please levy a 20% municipal tax. Jan 27, 2010 9:09 PM 276 All government agency's need to keep their opinions to them selves and let the Jan 27, 2010 9:15 PM law work the way it was meant to. It was voted on by the people of Colorado 277 Please review the distance that storefronts and growing facilities can be from Jan 27, 2010 9:25 PM schools, libraries, pools, etc. that families and children frequent. I'd also like currently licensed facilities to be held accountable to the new standards rather than being grandfathered-in. 278 this is an industry that legalizes drug use. it is a joke, an easy way to get drugs. Jan 27, 2010 9:34 PM at least tax the sales! 279 The way Boulder has thus far found a good working compromise for the Jan 27, 2010 9:35 PM dispensaries and the safety and happiness of the community is commendable. It's part of the reason why I live here--it's a city that listens to its citizen's wishes. Clearly, the city of Boulder's citizens are heavily on the side of marijuana legalization and legal dispensaries, and the fact that both the planning committee as well as the council are hearing that and going forward positively, and cautiously since these are unknown waters, provides an excellent blueprint for the rest of the state. I am proud to live in such a tolerant and thoughtful city, who gives more backing to its citizens who need marijuana to be well, as opposed to big pharma which will argue to its death how evil the "weed" is simply because one can't get a patent on it. I believe Boulder is showing not only the rest of the country, but the entire world, a way to do this and have it win the support of the entire community because it has been implemented so well. 280 There needs to be an attempt to be consistent with these regulations between the Jan 27, 2010 9:51 PM greater foothill communities from Denver to Ft. Collins. This is a greater commerce area and the rules governing these establishments in the different cities should not be in conflict with one another if you want to maintain a balance between the locations of these establishments. Aligning out regulations with Denver's would go a long way in accomplishing this end goal. 22 of 30 Response Text 281 I am not sure if medical marijuana is a good or bad thing, but I think that we Jan 27, 2010 10:05 PM cannot let the fact that it is meant to help people limit how we regulate these businesses. Taxes, safety, and a high quality neighborhood need to be our primary focus. 282 i think they should be allowed with minimal restrictions. Let the free market Jan 27, 2010 11:01 PM determine which businesses survive. 283 I am 100% opposed to medical marijuana dispensaries. This is illegal at the Jan 27, 2010 11:03 PM federal level and so it should be illegal in our state 284 These seem like good, common sense regulations. The important thing to keep in Jan 27, 2010 11:35 PM mind is that marijuana is widely available and easily obtainable on the black market, any regulations which inhibit peoples access to legal medical marijuana will simply cause people to revert back to the old norm, buying their medicine from unscrupulous criminal dealers who are neither taxed nor regulated. 285 The market will determine how many of these shops are actually needed. Jan 27, 2010 11:40 PM 286 I think these businesses offer a safe way for people to obtain pot legally. The Jan 28, 2010 12:15 AM people who are making the laws need to take a close look at all the concerned parties and make decisions based on the best possible outcomes for everyone. Pot isn't going away. Let's find a way for it to work. 287 Beyond the above regulations, dispensary operations should be free to operate as Jan 28, 2010 12:18 AM any other business. 288 Don' do this. It is a sham. Jan 28, 2010 12:22 AM 289 Seems to be the only business making money today. Allow businesses to thrive, Jan 28, 2010 12:50 AM legalize. It's ridiculous to tie up courts, jails, etc. for small amounts of pot. We are way to up tight about this. 290 If people need medicinal marijuana, why can't they go through the normal Jan 28, 2010 1:02 AM channels for all other medicinal products. Also, if these facilities are approved, I suggest, there be a separation of growers and sellers (not being the same individual / entity), for better accountability and taxation. 291 I believe to much energy and money is being spent to worry about this issue. Jan 28, 2010 1:17 AM I have been unable to obtain a 'career' type job after graduating last May. I have earned a masters and received high honors in both of my degrees. More effort should be spent on the economy! Also, I am unable to get affordable health insurance because of a heart condition that I was born with that is a non-issue. But I now have a "pre-existing" condition and cannot get health insurance since graduating. Fix that! Also what about the fact that schools are getting less and less money. Higher education only gets %5 of its operating budget from the state. Fix that! Come on guys. This is an issue that will resolve itself with this generation. Your work is pointless. Do something that will actually effect us all. Please 292 This shouldn't be an issue, people are free to anything they want. All laws are Jan 28, 2010 1:44 AM synthetic. 293 Regulate them right out of business. Jan 28, 2010 1:58 AM 294 Please keep in mind the medical aspects of this rather than assuming that its a Jan 28, 2010 1:59 AM bunch of potheads. These are regular people getting a medical treatment. Of course the reality is that this should be treated as a regular drug for pain mitigation and dispensed through pharmacies, you know, like all the other pain medications. That would have solved the whole problem. 23 of 30 Response Text 295 I think that the regulations should promote these businesses rather than unfairly Jan 28, 2010 2:41 AM punish them. These regulations seem very arbitrary. Why 3 in 500 feet and 2 or 5? It seems as though the regulations were written very quickly and without much consideration for existing conditions. 296 I wish Nederland had some regulation. It seems as though we now have more Jan 28, 2010 3:39 AM dispensaries than we do restaurants....mmm Maybe one less. 297 I hope Boulder is working on these issues as many other communities are as well Jan 28, 2010 3:44 AM as he state and comes up with some regulations sooner than later. It seems like the city is just ignoring the issues with their interim rules and moratorium 298 I think the interim regulations make sense. I think if people can see that the Jan 28, 2010 4:09 AM medical marijuana business do not pose a threat and will bring much needed taxes and revenue to the areas, they will be ok with having them in or near their neighborhoods. 299 pot is medicine debate is hypocrisy. legalize it all, like booze and cigarettes. Jan 28, 2010 6:02 AM 300 I think dispensaries should obviously be allowed to operate in "medical" zoned Jan 28, 2010 6:37 AM areas if they aren't already. They should be treated like pharmacies. Also, the free market should operate "freely," in that the number of dispensaries be governed by the amount of demand. 301 Please regulate this, it's only going to hurt our beautiful city if it isn't regulated. Jan 28, 2010 6:59 AM 302 Treat marijauna like any other regulated pharmaceutical and let's get these meth Jan 28, 2010 7:34 AM labs turned marijauna dispensaries under some standard regulation. Caregiver status is just a legal way for growers to grow and smoke their product. 303 I'm not a regular marijuana smoker, but I am all for regulating and taxing this drug. Jan 28, 2010 12:04 PM Good move to Boulder, to all of us. 304 Boulder should try to invite these businesses to town. Everything else is in the Jan 28, 2010 12:24 PM shitter; medical marijuana is providing jobs and tax revenue, and I think that the city council should be finding ways to cultivate and grow the medical marijuana industry in an intelligent way. Better than a toxic pharmaceutical company like Roche. 305 the market will sort it out and there will not be an over supply or under supply of Jan 28, 2010 1:47 PM MMJ suppliers. 306 Clearly, more people are getting these prescriptions than are necessary. Jan 28, 2010 2:02 PM Tightening the laws allowing these prescriptions would be a start. 307 Support legalization and taxing of marijuana. Keep the grow operation Jan 28, 2010 2:46 PM industrial/light industrial, keep dispensaries away from schools and leave it that. 308 I believe it is a good idea for medical marijuana dispensaries to be "confined" to Jan 28, 2010 2:50 PM retail locations. I also think the City needs to help Boulder landlords with regulations regarding residents who wish to grow their own plants inside their apartments/houses. 309 I really think that government needs to play a big role in this. Look to Canada in Jan 28, 2010 3:15 PM its liquor sales, and what they are doing with canibis. 310 Too much time is being spent on this. We need to discuss real issues like jobs, Jan 28, 2010 3:58 PM violent crime and education. 24 of 30 Response Text 311 I am a patients rights advocate. I have worked directly with patients who have Jan 28, 2010 4:08 PM been given a terminal cancer diagnosis and seen how cannabis has changed their lives in almost unbelievably POSITIVE ways. This effects not just the patient, but their family and loved ones as well. I'm a little put off by the gross number of dispensaries that have opened on every street corner, but i don't know what to do about that. I think medical marijuana could help the state of CO with much needed tax revenue. Otherwise, my concerns and my associations with this debate lie solely with the patients who are finding that medical cannabis has the power to change their lives in an incredibly strong way. Not every patient is going to grow their own, so the role of the dispensary I believe is necessary. I just don't want to see the patients turn into victims when and if draconian laws are passed that forbid these sick people from gaining access to their much needed medication. Yes, keep the dispensaries away from schools and yes, I think we need to reduce the overall # of dispensaries that are in operation (if possible) but, that does not directly address the 'grow operations' whether they are giant warehouses or tiny closets. Unless the herb itself is legalized I believe the law enforcement is going to have a very difficult time handling these cases - of who is right and who is wrong and what they can prosecute and what they need to leave alone. Lastly, I believe open discussion is the only way to come to a comprehensive conclusion and I applaud your efforts to gather information from the people of the city. Thank you for your efforts. 312 Impose a substantial tax on these businesses to "weed out" the illegitimate ones. Jan 28, 2010 4:09 PM 313 I am in strong agreement that the patient and caregiver relationship should be Jan 28, 2010 4:18 PM more than a store that sells marijuana. I think Caregivers and dispensaries should be limited to 25 patients. 314 legalize it will ya and cut out all this waste of time and money regulating it. Jan 28, 2010 4:20 PM 315 Sure, some individuals might abuse the system. That concern is not great enough Jan 28, 2010 4:33 PM for me to support limiting access to those who need it. My 65 year old mother called me from Maryland this week because she heard about Colorado's changing MM laws on the news. She suffers several chronic, painful conditions. This is a woman who grew up in the '60s-70s, yet has never tried any illegal drugs (and who's never even been slightly tipsy off of alcohol). She called to say that she hopes they protect the rights of patients who would benefit from Med. Marijuana. She also called to say that she wishes MM was available to this extent in Maryland because she'd go to her doctor to investigate whether or not this would help her. I know too many law-abiding, law-conscious folks like my mother who see this solely as one possible, additional resource in their search for pain- management. 316 Please figure out a way for nurseries to legally provide locally grown, quality, and Jan 28, 2010 4:56 PM controlled MM. 317 I think local, state, and federal governments stand to gain a substantial amount of Jan 28, 2010 4:59 PM tax revenue should the marijuana industry become legitimized. Local, state, and federal governments also stand to save a lot of money wasted on the current illegality of the plant. Especially in these ostensibly difficult economic times, this seems like one part of the solution. I don't believe there is a compelling reason why marijuana should be illegal if alcohol, which seems to have many more negative impacts on society, is legal. But recreational-use considerations aside, medical users should not be hindered in their procurement of this medicinal plant which has so many therapeutic uses for a number of ailments. 318 It's not a big problem. Just regulate it, like booze. Simple as that. Jan 28, 2010 5:03 PM 319 Figure out a taxation method that is the equivilant to alcohol taxes. Jan 28, 2010 5:10 PM 320 how can some one use pot during working hours Jan 28, 2010 5:16 PM and expect to hold down a job. 25 of 30 Response Text 321 There are way too many dispensaries in Boulder. I think the people launching Jan 28, 2010 5:28 PM these dispensaries are either idiots or the new entrepreneurs. The customers are just idiots. Why would they want their names on "lists" of marijuana users? Do they not see the ramifications? What if these lists become public? Insurers. Credit agencies. Employers. They will all use these lists. It's not like you can't buy marijuana where and when you want to in Boulder. I've even heard of people buying medical marijuana with their MasterCards. A new level of moronic behaviour in Boulder. Not surprising, I guess. 322 This survey isn't comprehensive enough. Jan 28, 2010 5:43 PM 323 you give no idea as to who is conducting this survey and for what purpose Jan 28, 2010 5:59 PM 324 This is way overblown. Eventually there will be a shakeout in the market and the Jan 28, 2010 6:02 PM number of dispensaries will diminish. Right now a gold rush is occurring with everyone leaping in. Once the market settles down, the number of business will adjust to the market. 325 Dispensaries throughout the State have made a joke out of what was once a Jan 28, 2010 6:04 PM legitimate effort by the voters to allow people with debilitating pain and illness legal access to an alternative medicine. Boulder is the heart of that joke. Unless, that is, there really are a ton of very sick 19 year old students living on the Hill with AIDS, chronic pain, and cancer. 326 The right to use medical marijuana is attached only to those who need help with Jan 28, 2010 6:55 PM chronic and debilitating pain. The proliferation of MMDs is completely out of sync with what the voters approved in respect of medical uses of this drug. 327 Why do we continue to endorse perscription pain killers when MM is an option. Jan 28, 2010 7:06 PM These pain pills ruin lives through addiction and are extremely detremental to mental health. 328 There need to be regulations as to how many can be within a district according to Jan 28, 2010 7:45 PM how many people actually have prescriptions...if that's possible. If Boulder has twenty people with Rx's there is no need to have twenty shops to sell it to them. There is just an overflow of these shops selling to who knows how many people with counterfeit Rxs... The regulations just need to be more rigid. They seem awfully loose as they stand. 329 Legalize it! Jan 28, 2010 8:17 PM 330 Would be nice to see money from sales tax of medical marijuana be used for Jan 28, 2010 8:18 PM community budget short-falls. 331 See item 3 Jan 28, 2010 8:20 PM 332 industry should be gov't regulated Jan 28, 2010 9:57 PM 333 Is there a legitimate explanation as to why marijuana is even illegal? Jan 28, 2010 10:05 PM 334 How about adding a local tax? Jan 28, 2010 10:13 PM 335 I believe in the use of Marijuans for people who are ill, I am totaly not for Jan 28, 2010 10:45 PM leagalizing pot and I don't need it sold on every street corner. my 4 and 8 year olds are already going whats that leaf? Let's be honest who is buying this! 336 It is stupid to legalize it, - there are people getting a fake diagnoses just to "legally Jan 28, 2010 10:53 PM use it" 337 I don't believe MMJ businesses such as a caregiver that grows mmj should be Jan 28, 2010 11:39 PM prohibited from a residential zone district. 338 My feelings go beyond the local level regulation. I would like to see "medical" Jan 28, 2010 11:42 PM marijuana treated and regulated like other medical products - tested, regulated, professionally dispensed with a prescription, etc. My understanding of the ballot initiative was to supply marijuana like prescription tylenol or other pain killers, not like liquor in a liquor store. 339 This seems balanced. Trying to hide it away and make it hard for people to Jan 29, 2010 12:24 AM access or benefit from should not be a hidden goal. No more repeats of the Nitro Club redux as medical marijuana, please. 340 Does Boulder really need 42 potential shops? How many stoners live here? Jan 29, 2010 12:24 AM 26 of 30 Response Text 341 Do a better job of taxing and regulating marijuana dispensaries -- or get rid of Jan 29, 2010 1:17 AM them all together. I vote for the latter option. There is no reason to have head shops on practically every corner in downtown Boulder which was once a highly desirable place to do business. Boulder is becoming a ghetto and these head shops are becoming the only businesses opening up here in our city. 342 I'm worried about how the growth of these businesses are being perceived by our Jan 29, 2010 1:38 AM youth and teens. Just check the Youth Risk Behavior Survey results to understand how confused youth are about conflicting messages re: drug use. 343 Be smart and open minded!!! Jan 29, 2010 3:00 AM 344 yeah...this is a stop on the way to something else, but let's not harm anyone who Jan 29, 2010 3:06 AM patronizes these shops, whether we think they deserve the marijuana or we have some other opinion about it -- there's no hard evidence of harm to neighborhoods -- so let's not conflate some small set of unpleasant incidents -- where people commit the type of crime that's committed all the time in many cities under all types of circumstances -- let's take a deep breath and drop the stigmatization 345 Pretending marijuana is not part of our culture is an illusion. It needs to be Jan 29, 2010 3:16 AM normalized as alcohol is. 346 Delivery regulations should follow other prescription medication delivery Jan 29, 2010 4:02 AM regulations. 347 It's good we've taken a mostly hands off approach. Let's lift the proximity limits as Jan 30, 2010 12:30 AM that pretty much freezes us where we are now. Let the patients decide which will remain open - this way we'll end up with the best of the best, and in the mean time, we don't have the vacancies that more restrictive policy would cause. 348 its good your regulating dispensaries, but don't lump grow operations in with them Jan 30, 2010 2:10 AM without acknowledging they are separate activities and need different rules. 349 I know this is a state issue, but limiting caregivers to five patients seems Jan 30, 2010 4:16 AM unnecessarily restrictive. 350 I think your interim regulations are fair and clearly communicated. Jan 30, 2010 7:49 AM 351 Make marijuana legal. End the silliness where people with no medical condition Jan 30, 2010 9:42 AM whatsoever buy pot from other people with no medical need. It is a scam for big bucks. Legalize and let anyone who wants to grow follow truck farm and ag rules. 352 Medical marijuana is a backdoor to complete regulated legalization. This is Jan 30, 2010 1:10 PM another step in the cultural development of acceptance of marijuana use by the mainstream non-users. The Planning Board should look to Denmark's and Holland's coffeeshop regulations so that the eventual transition from medical to commercial recreational marijuana use goes more smoothly. 353 I think it's important to acknowledge that many of the issues will work themselves Jan 30, 2010 2:09 PM out over time. Given the basic economics of running a retail business, it's likely that we'll end up with only a dozen or so significant dispensaries down the road. The number of grow ops may increase, to the extent that Boulder gains a reputation for high-quality product, but this would have a minimal impact on the community, particularly given the proposed zoning framework. Finally, allowance needs to be made for ancillary businesses without retail clientele, such as 'edibles' production facilities and R&D labs, so that such businesses can operate in Boulder in the same manner as their counterparts outside the medical marijuana business. 354 Be slow to regulate overmuch. If there were not a demand for what a dispensary Jan 30, 2010 2:22 PM offers, there would be no business. Make it easy to become legal, as the buying and selling of cannabis is already well established in the black market due to the high demand for the product. Let honest competition evolve the industry, not a string of rules pushing it back to black market transactions. People disobey unrealistic and unfair rules that create criminals out of otherwise law-abiding citizens. Do we really want to become a country whose most prolific industry is the prison industry? There is something terribly wrong with that picture.... 355 Ban all medical marijuana dispensaries. Jan 30, 2010 3:21 PM 27 of 30 Response Text 356 Prohibition did not work in the 1920's and it's not working now. It's not the proper Jan 30, 2010 3:43 PM role of the government to tell people what they can put in their bodies- whether it's alcohol, pot or something stronger. 357 Continue towards resolving the big lie. That marijuana is dangerous. Move Jan 30, 2010 3:50 PM legalization forward in your legislative process. We can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans by doing so and at the same time, bring in the tax revenues that up to now, only exist on the black market...which isn't good for anyone. 358 There needs to be a LOT better control and regulation on the "doctors" that sign Jan 30, 2010 4:14 PM off on people getting medical pot. A guy who has been banned from writing normal prescriptions should NOT be allow to write a recommendation for someone to get legal pot. 359 There needs to be harsher control over the doctors who prescribe MM. I have a Jan 30, 2010 4:32 PM severe chronic back problem, but I don't believe that staying stoned will make it better. In effect, MM patients, growers, and others are asking that people stay drunk the entire rest of their life as pain relief. I rather be clear headed. However, this mentality is leading to over prescribing to people who do not legitimately need MM. And with the increase in demand across the state, where is the supply coming from? When the local/state government can't answer that, then there is issues. In no circumstance, should it be legal to fun Mexican Cartels and Drug Lords. Thank you for your time. 360 The concern over the growing number of marijuana dispensaries and growers Jan 30, 2010 5:04 PM seems like an overreaction. In time, many of them will go out of business and the stronger businesses will remain. Let capitalism do its job, rather than extra regulations. 361 It is about time....I'm moving back to Boulder or Gilpin County! Jan 30, 2010 6:02 PM 362 I think it's ridiculous how much money and effort goes into criminalizing, regulating Jan 30, 2010 6:43 PM and fretting about a plant. 363 Align more permanent legislation with end of state legislative action. Jan 30, 2010 6:48 PM Define problem to be solved and gear legislation in that direction rather than guessing. 364 READ THE WORD OF THE LORD THE HOLY BIBLE AND GET YOURSELF Jan 30, 2010 7:01 PM READY FOR HIS RETURN !!! 365 Do not overcomplicate legislation on this issue. This can be a great industry in Jan 30, 2010 7:32 PM Boulder, and as in many other areas we can set progressive precedent, especially if in addition to the regular economic activity this will provide we can also use taxation as a tool to further increase the general standard of living in this great city. 366 I think marijuana should be legalized and heavily regulated in the way that Jan 30, 2010 7:48 PM alcohold and cigarettes are. 367 It may be better to regulate it like a liquor store - the business models for the med Jan 30, 2010 8:06 PM marijuana have them generating a significant amount of $$$, so they can afford the rent anywhere in Boulder. I don 't think it would be appropriate to have med marijuana on the Pearl St. mall or in the vicinity of One Boulder Plaza, etc... 368 Tax it! Jan 30, 2010 9:05 PM 369 I don't think that legalized medical marijuana per se is a bad idea; I am however Jan 30, 2010 9:06 PM surprised at the lack of regulation and the ease with which these dispensaries are popping up. The popularity of the dispensaries is surely an indicator that "prescriptions" are being dispensed at a much higher rate than actual medical need. 370 I think this whole thing is a thinly veiled attempt to get marijuana legalized which, Jan 30, 2010 9:56 PM actually, is fine with me. If it is really being sold as medicine why not in pharmacies? 28 of 30 Response Text 371 I would like to know if a Boulder City license to grow Medical Marijuana? If so, Jan 30, 2010 10:47 PM how do I apply etc. Dan Pringle 372 "Medical" marijuana is a joke - it should not be legal at all. Jan 31, 2010 12:24 AM 373 some regulation seems necessary, but the model seems to be working out alright Jan 31, 2010 12:34 AM 374 Already my young children have a different view of marijuana. As if suddenly it is Jan 31, 2010 1:12 AM safer than previously believed. 375 I think it's fair and presents a good framework to base future regulation off of. Jan 31, 2010 1:20 AM 376 Regulation of the operation of the dispensaries should be addressed most Jan 31, 2010 1:59 AM importantly as advocating for the medically impared citzens needing these services and to insure that the services are reliable and easly accessable - for instance, I question how a dispensary can serve its intended population if it is only accessible by a flight of stairs!!! And I don't believe a doctor should work in or for a dispensary-conflict of interest. 377 keep it interim until you can make fully informed, good decisions. Jan 31, 2010 2:45 AM 378 Just go ahead and legalize it, tax it, put the money towards schools. Jan 31, 2010 3:12 AM 379 I strongly support access to medical marijuana. I hope that Boulder continues to Jan 31, 2010 3:32 AM take a progressive approach to this issue. 380 Marijuana is safer than alcohol. I think it is ridiculous how out of control this whole Jan 31, 2010 3:43 AM situation has gotten. Would a new liquor store opening up in Boulder cause this much non-sense??? 381 If there is a real issue with the MMJ discussion, it is that it is entirely too easy for Jan 31, 2010 4:29 AM those who are not intended by the spirit of the amendment to acquire a license. I feel the regulations presented do a fair job providing for the industry to achieve what it is intended to do, but if the customer base continues to exponentially grow and become broader than those truly suffering or needing medicinal help, then the public will continue to be at odds with the regulations. 382 My recommendation would be to let dispensaries be open 24 hours a day 365 Jan 31, 2010 5:27 PM days a year. Pierre Werner DrReefer.com 383 It's my sincere belief that these regulations will open the door to drug-related Feb 1, 2010 2:09 AM crime at a level that Boulder has never experienced, including robbery, theft, and other illegal drug use. The resulting loss of societal regard for government, police, and the law will have consequences no one is considering. It seems surreal that these actions are being taken, given the fact that marijuana sale and consumption are against federal law. The fiction that this is about medical treatment will assure that any argument against the production and retailing of other illegal drugs will be unsustainable in the future. City leaders have the responsibility to resist the anarchist attitude of the minority pressing this issue, because many individual citizens simply feel afraid to speak out. The cost of the City's acquiescence to this social experiment will be measured in crime, personal injury, medical crisis, increasing drug use, further loss of the family demographic, and the continuing debasement of Boulder's national reputation. Please consider our children and your role as stewards of Boulder's 150-year heritage as you approach this issue. It's not too late to imagine a great city. 384 I think the laws are just fine, and our family is fine with the dispensaries being in Feb 1, 2010 5:04 AM the same centers as other stores. They are just another business. We are responsible for teaching our kids not to use pot, and we will. The same way we will teach them not to drink and drive, or abuse women. Doesent matter that the store is near a neighborhood. 385 I feel that boulder is just fine with the amount of dispensaries around, just not too Feb 1, 2010 5:09 AM many more. maybe limit it at 100 29 of 30 Response Text 386 I am apalled by the lack of planning on this issue. It just makes me sick. I know Feb 1, 2010 1:15 PM first hand that marijuana smoking will lead to more dangerous and addictive drugs like Meth and LSD. By giving our young people permission to abuse these drugs, we are making our society a very sad and dangerous place. Please rethink what has happened in Colorado and provide those with real illnesses a safe, affordable, and non-smokable form of THC. This will help our young people and also law enforcement officials who have no idea how to enforce the drug laws. Thanks. 387 These are smart business folks moving prohibition to a good direction. The people Feb 2, 2010 2:45 AM who want restrictions know nothing about it and will probably be drunk this weekend at the Super Bowl with their kids running around. It makes no sense. If pot was considered in the same class at alcohol and not crack and coccaine, it would not be so taboo. It is very silly. Legalize, educate, treat it like alcohol 21 and up, cripple drug cartels, and let adults who prefer to a herb to alcohol to not feel like criminals. What a weird world............. 30 of 30
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