Pubdate: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 Source: Montana Standard (Butte, MT) Copyright: 2011 Montana Standard Contact: http://www.mtstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/609 Author: Justin Post, The Montana Standard POT SHOP OWNER WEIGHS ORDER A Butte medical marijuana caregiver says she hasn't decided whether she'll comply with a cease and desist order issued by the local government. On one hand, Tawnya LaFond says the idea of facing fines or possibly even jail time is discouraging. But the Butte native says she's received numerous calls from supporters encouraging her to fight against a system she believes is biased against medical marijuana caregivers. "I'm just out here trying to provide a service and do what I've been doing, and I'm getting slapped in the face every place I turn," LaFond said. Butte-Silver Bow on Wednesday issued a zoning violation against LaFond, and said she must stop operating her business located in a residentially zoned area at 672 S. Montana St. The notice was sent to LaFond via certified mail, said Lori Casey, senior Butte-Silver Bow planner. LaFond told The Montana Standard Thursday that the letter hadn't yet arrived and that she's open for business while weighing her options. Casey contends any new business operating in a residential area needs a variance from the zoning board of adjustment. She added that LaFond doesn't have a business license to operate at 672 S. Montana. But LaFond argues she's seeking nonprofit status and is not required to purchase a business license from the city-county. Still, Casey says even nonprofits must be approved by the zoning board before opening for business. LaFond says city-county zoning laws permit the conditional use of a number of medical facilities such as hers in residential zones and that she plans to meet with the zoning board during its April 21 meeting. LaFond plans to ask the zoning board for the green light to continue operating from the South Montana Street location as a nonprofit organization, The Patch, with five to seven employees. "We will keep our doors open until we receive the cease and desist and then we will decide from there what we're doing," she said. "We'll deal with it day to day." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.