El Paso County commissioners voted 4-1 to impose a ban on recreational marijuana businesses for unincorporated parts of the county during Tuesday’s regular meeting at Centennial Hall.

Attorneys and citizens from both sides of the issue offered arguments but the board’s vote did not change from last month’s first reading of the ordinance.

Commissioner Peggy Littleton was the lone dissenting vote. She preferred to wait until a governor-appointed task force reveals its recommendations, expected in late February.

The ban is on marijuana retail stores, growing operations, manufacturing operations and testing facilities.

“Nothing this board does is set in stone,” said commissioner Amy Lathen. “We can change or amend what we do today.”

The state has not set regulations for the new industry and won’t accept applications for recreational marijuana business licenses until October.

“I think the commissioners acted a little prematurely,” said attorney Josh Kappel. “I do take commissioners at their word that they’ll take this up again when the state acts. I, and the public, and businesses, expect them to.”

Photo by AP FILE