It was just a first step, but it was significant, especially for a small Southwest Colorado town well known for its traditional attitudes. And for its view on the sale of pot.

At a Bayfield town board meeting earlier this month, five people voiced their support for overturning the community’s ban on the sale and cultivation of marijuana. No one spoke in opposition. That was significant, too. In previous meetings when the subject came up, residents faithfully turned out to speak against it.

Bayfield town trustees asked Town Manager Chris La May to explore the topic, and look into the possible sales tax and fee benefits Bayfield might gain by allowing a legal dispensary to open for business in town.

A first step. And a smart one. Bayfield should not feel compelled to allow marijuana sales in town because some residents favor the move, or because every other community in the region is doing it – there are 10 dispensaries open in Durango, five in Cortez and four in Pagosa Springs.

Read more at durangoherald.com.