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Last week, the medical marijuana subcommittee of the Montana legislature said local governments should not be able to prohibit medical marijuana shops in the state. The committee is also proposing that medical marijuana shops be licensed by the state.

In Anaconda, where there is a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana businesses, Deer Lodge County Commissioner Pete Lorello says some state guidance is preferred, but he still wants local communities to be able to decide what's best for them.

"We don't want to have any shops or growers set up in residential areas, because we have it classified as a H-3 hazardous material with the pesticides and the fertilizers. We don't really want to see it in our business districts where children and other people will be because our number one concern is public health and safety," Lorello said.

Lorello says Anaconda could extend its moratorium if it looks like the legislature might act soon after the current moratorium ends, but he says that's a decision for the full council.