HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-21 Public Comment - A. Ryder - Marijuana Dispensary CapFrom:Adam Ryder
To:Agenda
Subject:Ordinance Generally Revising Laws and Regulations Related to Marijuana
Date:Tuesday, November 9, 2021 8:51:25 AM
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To: Members of Bozeman City Commision
I am writing to oppose the proposed action to remove the cap of marijuana dispensaries within
city limits which is currently set at 20. I believe this would be incredibly detrimental to theoverall aesthetic appeal of our city and may also pose financial hardships for property and
business owners located within close proximity to existing and new dispensary locations.Although there are several dispensaries within the city that have done a good job of
maintaining a clean, professional look, the truth is that many do not. After recently visiting thecity of Missoula, I learned of their hardships with regards to the downtown (and other areas of
the city) being overrun by tacky dispensaries and other businesses being "pushed out" becausethe dispensary owners were willing to pay well above market value to lease these locations.
I would suggest that instead of removing the cap on dispensaries entirely, the City
Commission maintains the status quo for the next 18 months. This is the same time period theDepartment of Revenue will not accept cannabis business applications from non residents.
With the legalization of adult use sales going into effect January 1, 2022, this would giveBozeman ample time to collect the data needed to assess and determine which actions to take,
if any, with regards to increasing access to marijuana within city limits. Additionally, thecurrent cap of 20 dispensaries seems more than generous with relation to the population of
Bozeman and if we do away with the cap on marijuana businesses in general, our ability toregulate the industry in the future is diminished.
Sincerely,
Adam Ryder
414 Bonner LNBozeman, MT 59715
406.600.2553