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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 3/21/2013 - Memorandum From Wanda Nelson Re: Update On Medical Marijuana BusinessesCity Clerk 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6515 970.221-6295 - fax fcgov.com/cityclerk MEMORANDUM DATE: March 20, 2013 TO: Darin Atteberry, City Manager FROM: Wanda Nelson, City Clerk RE: Update on Medical Marijuana Businesses At the March 11 Leadership Planning Team meeting, staff was asked to provide City Council with a brief update on medical marijuana businesses, such as how many have applied for a license, the status of the Medical Marijuana Authority, etc. Staff was also asked to include information on Amendment 64 that relates to marijuana retail stores. MEDICAL MARIJUANA CENTERS (Measure #301) During the November 2012 election, Fort Collins voters passed Initiative 301 allowing medical marijuana centers and dispensaries. Staff is working quickly to ensure that the measure can be implemented in a timely manner. This includes developing an application, fee structure, and appointing an Authority. Number of Applications Received Medical Marijuana Center Optional Premises Center Marijuana Infused Product Center 9 9 2 For purposes of determining the allowable number of medical marijuana centers in the city, the number of patients in Larimer County will be based upon the medical marijuana statistics displayed on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) website. Patient statistics will be rounded down to the nearest increment of 500. According to CDPHE’s website, data as of January 31, 2013 reflects that there are 4,914 patients, which means there can only be nine medical marijuana centers in Fort Collins at this time. As noted in the chart above, nine previous licenses have submitted applications. The cap can be exceeded only by former medical marijuana businesses; therefore, no new medical marijuana centers can apply at this time. It is anticipated that at least one more of the original licensees will be applying before the deadline of April 2, 2013. Since the application process began in January, $43,500 in application, licensing, background, and inspection fees have been collected. Update on Medical Marijuana Businesses March 18, 2013 Page 2 of 2 All fingerprint cards submitted by the applicants have been transmitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) for processing and background investigations have been underway. It is anticipated that medical marijuana business licenses will be issued in the next 30-60 days to those applicants who pass the background check. Medical Marijuana Authority The City is establishing a Medical Marijuana Authority (MMA) similar to the City Liquor Licensing Authority. Staff in the City Clerk’s office will assist applicants to complete the application and work through the licensing procedures (as we do now with liquor licenses). The MMA issues, renews, suspends, and revokes medical marijuana licenses. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent out for contractual services related to the Medical Marijuana Authority (MMA). One response was received, and staff is negotiating terms with the vendor. MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL USE (Colorado Amendment #64) The City Attorney’s Office will be providing this information in a separate memorandum.