A majority of Colorado’s cities, towns and counties have opted out of allowing recreational marijuana commercial grow operations and dispensaries in their jurisdictions. Seventy-percent of local governments in the state have banned recreational businesses, according to Smart Colorado, a youth health nonprofit organization. However, cash-strapped towns could be revisiting the issue.Many counties are watching as marijuana tax revenues fill the coffers of the municipalities that do allow commercial growing and sales.The Calhan Board of Trustees voted to impose a moratorium in February 2013 against recreational marijuana businesses within town boundaries. The town board of trustees held a public forum in July to discuss allowing medical and recreational marijuana businesses. About 75 people attended. The board stuck with their original decision; and, in August, unanimously voted to continue the ban.Only one municipality in El Paso County allows recreational sales. Manitou Springs has licensed two recreational marijuana stores since 2014. Manitou Springs charges a 5 percent special sales tax, in addition to the normal sales taxes on products sold. The town also receives a share of the 10 percent state marijuana excise tax. The town’s 62 percent increase in total sales tax revenue has paid for flood mitigation projects.Simla could become the second town in the county to allow recreational sales if a November ballot measure passes. Like Calhan, the town passed a measure in 2013 to ìprohibit operation of marijuana cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, testing facilities and retail stores within incorporated boundaries,î according to the Colorado Municipal League.Fast forward to present day, and Simlaís November ballot question 2A states that ìthe ordinance in compliance with state law will be permitting a person 21 years of age or older to consume or possess limited amounts of cannabis. It will be providing for the licensing of cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, testing facilities and retail stores within the Town of Simla’s jurisdiction, and permitting the establishment of a Simla Cannabis Control Board to regulate or prohibit such facilities.î Question 2A is the only town measure on the ballot, said Jackie Zion, Simla clerk and treasurer.The ballot question does not set a sales tax rate for future cannabis sales. ìThey were going to see if it passed first, then they’ll go forward,î Zion said. The town held a question and answer session for residents Sept. 28.ìIt’s been the talk of the town, and of other places, too,î Zion said.
