Judge Upholds Fife Pot Ban, But Ruling Limited

A Washington state judge says a small city can continue to ban licensed marijuana businesses, even if they're allowed under state law.

Pierce County Judge Ronald Culpepper issued the ruling Friday after extensive arguments in a case with big implications for Washington's experiment allowing recreational marijuana.

A man who wanted to open a pot shop in the city of Fife sued over its ban on such businesses, saying voters intended to allow adequate access to marijuana to displace the black market.

But the judge said there isn't enough evidence that Fife's ban conflicts with the will of the voters.

The would-be pot shop owner says he'll appeal.