Wellington marijuana initiative officially passes by a single vote

After a recount found no change in the vote totals, Wellington's marijuana ballot measure has officially passed.

The town will repeal its ban on marijuana dispensaries, effective in February. Voters favored ballot measure 2B by a one-vote margin, with 1,678 voting "yes" to dispensaries and 1,677 voting no in Larimer County's final official election results.

The vote totals also stayed the same for the other two ballot items that got recounts: In Loveland City Council's Ward 4 race, Jon Mallo retained a one-vote lead over candidate Caitlin Wyrick, and the Larimer County Harvest Heights Public Improvement District No. 72 Ballot Issue 6B remained tied 15 to 15, meaning the measure to create a special taxing district for road maintenance failed.

Wellington will allow retail and medical marijuana sales only in licensed marijuana stores in a specific type of commercial zoning district at least 2,000 feet from schools, 500 feet from areas zoned as "public," 500 feet from other marijuana stores and 200 feet from residential areas. The item was referred to the ballot by citizen initiative. 

Wellington Ballot Issue 300, a measure to tax marijuana sales, passed 1,820 to 1,447. The town will impose a 3.5% tax on recreational marijuana sales that can be increased up to 5% without voter approval. The taxes will fund construction of a recreation center or other general operating expenses for the town.