Rangely council adopts emergency rules for 'natural medicine' businesses amid local concern

The Rangely Town Council voted to adopt Emergency Ordinance 7032025, which amends the Rangely Municipal Code to add regulations governing natural medicine businesses.

Council members framed the ordinance as a narrowly targeted measure to regulate where and when such businesses may operate. Staff said state law largely preempts local authority but allows towns to regulate “place, time and manner,” and recommended the emergency ordinance to establish local limits quickly. A council member summarized the town’s approach: the ordinance restricts operations to industrial zones and includes hours of operation constrained by statute (example discussed: 8 a.m.–noon on weekdays).

Residents and council members raised safety and infrastructure concerns. One council member relayed hospital staff worries that weekend operations could increase emergency-room visits, saying: “If we have citizens that are on psychedelic mushrooms, that they are doing other things besides that, in combination with those.” Another member asked whether the town could require specialized sewer and drainage systems; staff said operators would be responsible for required infrastructure improvements.

At the public hearing a resident voiced strong frustration with state lawmakers for limiting local decision‑making, calling the law “almost a power grab” that leaves towns with little option to dissent. Council members responded that the ordinance simply applies the regulatory options the state grants and can be revised later if needed.

The ordinance was moved, seconded and carried following the hearing. Council members said they preferred to pass the emergency measure and refine placement or buffer distances later rather than leave the town without local rules.