Santa Claus already has a jolly reputation and soon more of the North Pole’s citizens may earn a jolly reputation of their own, after the city voted to reject a measure that would’ve put the kibosh on medical marijuana dispensaries.

While it’s not exactly “the” North Pole, the Christmas-themed community of North Pole does exist in Alaska, and as such, it has a city council that votes on things like allowing a pot store to open in the Christmas-themed community.

The ban on a dispensary failed to pass by a 2-5 vote, reportsNewsminer.com, with the mayor saying that if residents don’t want a pot shop, they won’t go there. It’d be at least 2016 before a cannabis store could open as Alaska is still hammering out regulations for the new industry.

One resident who happens to share a name with one of Christmas’ most recognizable faces himself spoke in favor of a store coming to North Pole, saying the guy with the belly like a bowl full of jelly is known for joviality so why not?

“As far as the image goes here at North Pole, how do most people perceive Santa Claus?” the man told Newsminer.com “I would say Santa Claus is a pretty jolly fellow.”

He adds that as a medical marijuana patient, he’d like to have access to medical marijuana in North Pole instead of having to go to Fairbanks for it.

It’s currently legal for residents of the state to possess a plant for recreational use, and North Pole’s police chief says the number of arrests for pot possession is down since the law allowing it went into effect in February. Previously, the town had arrested people for possession instead of ticketing them.

“We’re not seeing any significant issues with it at this point,” the police chief said.

North Pole rejects ban on pot sales [Newsminer.com]

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