IGNACIO – Marijuana merchants were dealt another blow in La Plata County on Tuesday night, with the town of Ignacio instating a permanent ban on retail marijuana.
After a public forum that drew one resident, the Town Board voted 6-1 to enact a permanent ban. Town Trustee Thomas Atencio was the only holdout.
Atencio said he favored continuing the town’s temporary ban until the election, and allowing the people of Ignacio to vote on it.
“If we put a permanent ban, we’re putting in our own feelings here, and that’s a group of seven. We have no representation here except for one member of the community,” Atencio said.
Trustee Lawrence Bartley said federal laws criminalizing the possession and sale of marijuana were still in effect despite the passage of Amendment 64 last election, when a majority of Coloradans voted to relax the laws surrounding marijuana.
“I think it would be beneficial for us to make a statement,” said Bartley.
Some trustees doubted that a vote to prohibit marijuana commerce would incur the townspeople’s wrath.
Alison deKay said Ignacio voters didn’t go for Amendment 64.
Ignacio Mayor Stella Cox agreed it was appropriate for the Town Board to act, saying “I’m willing to put my neck on the line and say I’m speaking for the people.”
At one point, Cox asked Ignacio Police Chief Kirk Phillips whether he favored a permanent ban.
Phillips said that on Southern Ute tribal lands, which intertwine with Ignacio and are subject to federal law, it remains illegal to possess an ounce of marijuana.
Phillips said he was disappointed with the turnout.
“This was the opportunity for the community to tell you their opinion of it. Numerous people have called me to say they want it banned in our community, but no one is here to tell you that,” he said.
Dirk Nelson, Ignacio town attorney, said the ban could be reversed at any time by another Town Board vote.
cmcallister@durangoherald.com
