DURANGO, Colo. – Eight La Plata County residents have turned in paperwork to grow medical marijuana plants ahead of a moratorium.

The time-out is intended to give county officials time to assess the impacts of the operations and recommend regulations.

When a previous moratorium was lifted, 30 people requested applications. La Plata County is accepting applications until 5 p.m. Wednesday. Denver is accepting applications until 4 p.m Thursday.

A new law takes effect Thursday that imposes statewide regulations on the industry, including rules for the estimated 1,100 pot dispensaries across Colorado. Regulators expect only about half of the existing dispensaries to be able to continue operating under the rules.

Colorado voters approved medical marijuana in 2000.