A 5-2 vote from the Longmont city council on Tuesday, Sept. 26, is the first step to establishing and opening up pot shops within the city of Longmont.
A measure that will eventually allow up to four businesses to sell marijuana within the Longmont city limits was approved on Tuesday evening by Longmont's city council. Up until now, though marijuana shops have been legal in the state of Colorado, the city of Longmont would have none of it, holding firm to its long-held ban on dispensaries. The council was split, in a 5-2 vote. Council members Brian Bagley, Polly Christensen, Bonnie Finley, and Joan Peck voted to approve the ordinance, along with Longmont Mayor Dennis Coombs. Council members Jeff Moore and Gabe Santos voted against it. Before the council's final vote on the issue takes place (currently scheduled for October 10), the ordinance will get a formal public hearing during which it's expected several amendments to the ordinance will be suggested, especially from marijuana industry representatives. Publicly expressed concerns currently include the restrictions on locations of potential marijuana shops (none allowed in the city's central business district or less than 250 feet from a school or residential area), as well as the number of shops permitted, since there is a large demand for marijuana in the greater Longmont area. There are two dispensaries just outside the city limits that are currently hopping with business and often very crowded. It's expected that there will be a number of amendment proposals and enough discussion on the ordinance that the final vote may be delayed until later in October. To view the current marijuana regulations in place, view the City of Longmont's website.
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