Pubdate: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 Source: Montana Standard (Butte, MT) Copyright: 2010 Montana Standard Contact: http://www.mtstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/609 Author: Tim Trainor BUTTE POT SHOP BAN FAILS For the second time in a week, Butte-Silver Bow commissioners failed to pass a moratorium on medical marijuana business licenses in the county. At a special meeting Wednesday, this time around commissioners did not discuss and debate the issue at length. They got right to a vote that ended in a 6-6 tie. With all 12 in attendance, the moratorium needed eight commissioners to vote in favor, or a two-thirds majority, for the motion to pass. Voting in favor of the moratorium were commissioners Wally Frasz, Ristene Hall, Joe Lee, Charlie O'Leary, Dave Palmer and Cindi Shaw. Voting against were Dan Foley, Glen Granger, Mark Moodry, John Morgan, Terri Schultz and Mike Sheehy. Council Chairman Dave Palmer requested the special meeting to reconsider the marijuana moratorium after the issue failed by a 6-4 vote last week. The council could still look at instituting an ordinance against more medical marijuana providers, but that would have to move through the council's committees and hear public comment. More than 20 medical marijuana distributors are licensed to operate in Butte-Silver Bow. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D