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.