In 2013 the Mayor of De Beque proposed a ballot initiative to the citizens to allow for the sale and cultivation of medical marijuana. The initiative failed by a slim margin. Currently the sale or cultivation of medical marijuana is not allowed.
In 2014 the mayor once again proposed a ballot initiative, but this time for recreational marijuana. The initiative passed by a slim margin. The voters also approved a 5% excise tax on the sale and cultivation of marijuana products in De Beque. The subsequent ordinance passed by the Board of Trustees provides for retail marijuana dispensaries, infused products, manufacturing, cultivation and testing facilities. The board also levied a cap on all licenses allowing for only four (4) of each license in each category.
As of November 20, 2016 there are no licenses available for dispensaries or cultivation facilities.