Valdez votes overwhelmingly against banning commercial marijuana

Valdez voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a ban on commercial marijuana.

Proposition One, which would have banned all marijuana businesses within the city, was voted down 835-268, according to preliminary results. The remaining 171 absentee and 64 questioned ballots were to be counted Wednesday afternoon.

Valdez's only marijuana shop, Herbal Outfitters, was the first to open in Alaska, on Oct. 29. There are now more than 20 shops operating across the state.

"I am the most honored guy in the whole world," said shop owner Richard Ballow, responding to the election results Wednesday. 

On the day of the vote, members of the Alaska Marijuana Industry Association were in Valdez waving signs urging people to vote against the ban.

The City Council was to certify the results Wednesday evening.

In addition to its one retail shop, Valdez has one grower operating and a second grower awaiting the state Marijuana Control Board's approval.