The Clark County Council voted 3-2 to lift its ban on recreational cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas of the county at its Tuesday evening meeting. Recreational sales can begin in unincorporated areas of Clark County as early as Jan. 1, 2020.

The vote came after a roughly 1 1/2 -hour hearing where the council heard primarily from proponents of the ban who argued that the adverse social effects of making the drug easier to access would outstrip any revenue generated from its sale. They also heard from critics of the ban who said that prohibition has failed and the legal cannabis industry provides jobs and opportunity.

“Clearly, there is division in the county,” said Council Chair Eileen Quiring, who also noted that there was division on the council.

Councilors Temple Lentz, Julie Olson and John Blom voted in favor of lifting the ban. Quiring and Councilor Gary Medvigy voted against it.

Bans give way to buffers

The ban has been in place since 2014, two years after Washington voters approved a ballot initiative legalizing the drug for recreational use. Both Vancouver and Battle Ground allow recreational marijuana businesses.