Medical Marijuana Business Zoning

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By Lindsey Scheetz

Story Published: Aug 10, 2010 at 9:36 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2010 at 2:18 PM MST

BILLINGS - Changes could soon be in store for medical marijuana sellers in Billings. The city council approved a proposal Monday night on rezoning.

Although the council came to an agreement Tuesday night, it was clear it was a difficult decision for them to make. In a unanimous vote the council has decided to move forward with plans that would require all medical marijuana businesses to re-locate to the industrial section of the city.
"This was not a knee jerk decision. This was a decision that was carefully made with a lot of thought put into it," Billings Mayor Tom Hanel said.

Dozens of Billings residents lined up to give their opinions on the proposed ordinance.
"I'm not even kidding you, if you have a stomach ache, smoke a joint and its gone, I’m not kidding you it works that fast," said caregiver Mark Higgins. Higgins explained to the council why medical marijuana was so important. He said the real problem was with the caregivers.

Dr. Barry Smith also spoke. "It's offensive to me that we keep calling this medical marijuana there’s very little med to do with it. It’s about growing, distribution and profiteering from recreational pot."

It took nearly an hour for the council to come to a decision. At one point during the night they considered banning medical marijuana shops from the city all together, basing their motion on a federal law that prohibits the selling and distribution of the drug. But council agreed to wait on a city wide ban until the Montana legislative session starts in January. A topic State Representative Ken Peterson is sure to come up. "I'm certain it will be discussed because I think there are some bills that are already in the works, there is a bill to repeal it completely."

Although they approved the motion, it would still be some time before the proposal is finalized. The ordinance will not go into effect until the zoning commission approves it. The city council will then meet for a final vote on the issue. Council members said it could be several months before a final ordinance is in place.

Under the zoning proposal the council approved all medical marijuana shops would have to be at least 1,000 feet away from any school, daycare, church, park or any residential neighborhoods.

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casper valentino said on Sunday, Sep 12 at 2:09 PM

anybody opposed to medical marijuana is an idiot. its beneficial, its natural, unlike pills that have ruined my insides. it cures cancer. fact. rick simspson cured his own cancer with this natural god goven medicine. wake up people. ur arguing about pointless subjects. ull pound alcohol in front of children and promote parties on tv and tha radio but u cry about medicine of marijuana. ur all a joke.

cbc said on Thursday, Aug 12 at 7:20 AM

we need to vote the mair n council out n put someone the will help the city grow.Not shut down new job forming biz.we need the jobs we can.n just and a smll tax that gos to the city n they will c how it can help everyone not just users.

cc inc. said on Thursday, Aug 12 at 7:15 AM

guess u didnt know there r two council members with medical marijuana cards.this will just open doors for the black market.i think this city has to many casinos n bar get real people thats the real prob. in billings not mm.

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Aug 11 at 12:18 PM

Gosh, I'm thinking why someone wouldn't look at history? I mean there is no value in the dollar of an insolvent country. And the billions America would save to just legalize it are insane to spend. Beating my head with a history book, just accept there is nothing else That will work.

urdumb said on Wednesday, Aug 11 at 11:33 AM

I can't believe how stupid the council is. And the rest of you non mm people. YOu think all we do is sit and smoke? There are many other ways to medicate with mm - try education instead of ignorance. There should be NO HOME BUSINESS of anykind if you are going to do this to legitimate mm growers/users.

yahoooooo said on Wednesday, Aug 11 at 8:46 AM

well finally the council stopped smoking the mm themselves and came to an agreement that will make sense.Now we just wait till they all go uot of business and maybee one or two will survive.

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