Nearly 75% say city should have recreational pot dispensary

Last Monday, InMaricopa published an unofficial poll ahead of the next day’s consideration by city council of an ordinance on recreational marijuana.

We asked, “Should Maricopa have a recreational marijuana dispensary?”

Through 6 p.m. Sunday, 657 people voted. The total vote ran nearly 3-1 in support of a dispensary here for recreational marijuana, with 484 yes (73.7%) vs. 173 no (26.3%).

Before council’s meeting started Tuesday night, 190 people had voted, with 161 yes (84.7%) and 29 no (15.3%) votes.

On Tuesday night, the council voted, 6-1, to approve an ordinance requiring that any operator of a recreational marijuana dispensary must also be licensed for a medical marijuana dispensary, and both dispensaries must be operated in the city.

Councilmember Vincent Manfredi was the lone vote against the ordinance.

In the days since council’s action, 467 people voted in the poll, with 324 yes (69.4%) and 143 no (30.6%)

The poll stimulated much discussion with more than 300 comments on two posts on the InMaricopa Facebook page – one before the city council meeting and the other after.

“No dispensary in Maricopa,” wrote Barbara Orrico, before councilmembers considered the ordinance.

“No,” agreed Anthony Archuleta.

But many disagreed.

“Yes 100%,” Jeremy Rigby offered.

“100% we should allow any LEGAL business that wants to move to city to be allowed to open. Isn’t that what is always said?” agreed Lee Morano. “If a legal business wants to move here, we welcome them?”

“Yes. It is needed in town, missing out on tax dollars,” Lori Hogden commented. “Not to mention adding traffic to 347 [to] drive to go to another dispensary. Really frustrating that our city council is working to restrict it.”

“Yes. The people have spoken,” Josh Lillie wrote. “Why do they need to pass emergency ordinances in response to legislation that was passed months ago?”

“Ok. But the pot use is already here,” Melissa Corral commented. “Bringing in a business that sells, 20 miles closer then the next dispensary, is not going to make more people smoke weed, making it easier for kids to get a hold of it. Weed has already been in these homes for YEARS.”

“There sure is a lot of passion on this topic, of frying brain cells,” Salty Mike added.

Nearly 50 comments came after the ordinance was passed. Again, most were in favor of a recreational marijuana dispensary in town.

“Yes keep them separate,” Katie Clark commented. “That way medical patients don’t have to deal with the cluster of recreational users.”

“You have it backwards,” Brady Root responded.

“I don’t think city council should stand in the way of demand for retail space in the town,” Christopher Brennan wrote. “Council members who supported this delay obviously don’t see the bigger picture and our town should consider removing them at next opportunity.

The statewide legalization became final months ago, other cities and towns took decisive action one way or another. This “delay” looks like politics and greed interfering with the market.”

“It’s awesome when voters approve something and elected people decide to change it,” Gavin Muggy commented. “They can’t see what’s really happening in Maricopa, by not allowing dispensaries in Maricopa you’re allowing illegal sales. Wanna decrease crime and keep this small city safe? Listen to your city.”

Sue Dickens had a similar thought.

“The people voted! Council needs to listen!” she wrote.

“Yes the city overwhelmingly voted in favor,” added Jeremy Rigby. “We will remember this come election time.”

Vincent Manfredi is minority owner of InMaricopa.