Dolores is ready to discuss the possibility of allowing retail marijuana stores in town.
The town had banned retail pot sales, citing high costs of regulating and inspecting on-site grow operations.
But changes to Colorado pot laws don't require the product to be cultivated at the store anymore, said town attorney Mike Green.
"That is no longer a concern, so the board may want to revisit the issue," he said. "It's easier now, and could mean more sales tax revenue."
The issue will be discussed at the town workshop on Feb. 23.
Town manager Lana Hancock said there have been inquiries about opening a retail marijuana shop in town.
Mapping out where the shops could go needs to be determined. They can't be within 1,000 feet of a school, public park, a full-time day care center, or another marijuana store.
"Those physical restrictions would limit the number, or the board could decide how many, if any, should be allowed," Green said.
The board felt that Montezuma County sheriff-elect Steve Nowlin should be involved in the discussion. He takes office Jan. 13.
Dolores contracts with the sheriff's office for law-enforcement services in town.
"We would have to find out if a marijuana store would require additional time from the sheriff to monitor," Hancock said.
Under Amendment 64, retail marijuana licenses and permits go through the Colorado Department of Revenue. If approved, the town where it is located is contacted to determine if pot sales are allowed.
Municipalities, county governments, or voters, can prohibit or allow retail sales of recreational or medicinal marijuana.
"I'd like to know how other towns our size have dealt with retail marijuana," said town trustee Santiago Lopez.
Cortez, Mancos, Durango, and Telluride have all passed ordinances allowing for recreational sales of marijuana.
Montezuma County has banned all retail sales of marijuana in unincorporated areas.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com
