Grand Junction voters will decide in April whether or not to allow medical marijuana businesses within city limits.

The Grand Junction City Council voted to put the issue on the ballot for the municipal election in April. The election will be conducted by mail-in ballots.

That action follows the submission of a petition to the city seeking to either put the issue to a vote or repeal a ban on medical marijuana businesses within city limits that was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.

The city council voted in October to prohibit general uses related to the retail sale of marijuana.

A ban on medical marijuana businesses remains in effect in unincorporated areas of Mesa County.

County voters approved the ban in November and it became effective on Nov. 19 when the election results were certified.

The voter-approved ban in the county affirmed a long-standing prohibition in county land use codes against medical marijuana-related businesses.