Grand Rapids Votes Yes: Grand Rapids in Michigan State has become the latest city to ease its restrictions on medical cannabis cultivation. Today it announced that the City Commission has adopted a new ruling that will allow medical marijuana facilities to set up shop later this year.
And it seems as if the decision was very mutual as it passed 6-0 in favor of the new ordinance.
The new ruling is expected to come into effect on November 1.
Grand Rapids Votes Yes, What Does This Mean?
The ordinance allows up to 53 dispensaries and up to 83 other medical marijuana facilities, including growers, processors, secure transports, and safety compliance offices, with agreement amendments also allowable if it is deemed necessary in the future months.
The final ordinance was a compromise made between two plans for medical cannabis in the city: the planning department's original recommendation allowed for 41 potential locations, but the planning commission's less conservative recommendation asked for 143 provision centers and 293 potential other facilities.
This ordinance is a hybrid proposal between both recommendations.
Grand Rapids Mayor, Rosalynn Bliss, said the following:
"It's important we start in the middle with something that is thoughtful, balanced and addresses the concerns of our neighborhoods...This allows us to make amendments if needed."
Officials have also confirmed that they'll be continually looking to improve on the ordinance with discussions and sessions to discuss tax revenue and incentive proposals for local and minority-owned businesses to fairly compete in such a booming industry.
>>Finally! Medical Marijuana is Available to Buy in Malta!
Grand Rapids Votes Yes: The Public Spoke
Before Tuesday's vote, a public comment was held which showed a majority of local speakers in favor of medical marijuana facilities and fewer restrictions on regulations. There were, of course, concerns about marijuana being used as a “gateway” drug and being easily accessible to youths but despite this, the vote was passed with all voting members agreeing on the 'Yes' outcome.
To help compromise and allay concerns, certain restrictions will be in place such as facilities will be forbidden to set up within 1000 ft of a school for example.
Fall Could Change Everything
In general, though, Michigan residents will be voting in November on whether or not to legalize recreational marijuana, so while this new ruling is another positive move for cannabis in the state, the bigger question lies in wake; Will Michigan legalize recreational marijuana entirely?
Commissioner Jon O'Connor said on the matter:
"This ordinance puts us in a good position if recreational marijuana is passed by state voters this fall and gives local players the best opportunity to get into the business".
Michigan made medical marijuana legal back in 2008, but last year saw a petition signed by 365,000 signatures to get recreational marijuana on the 2018 ballot.
Featured Image: Deposit Photos/gorkemdemir
