KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo may be forced to let medical marijuana dispensaries operate within city limits if the Senate passes a bill establishing new rules for the establishments.
The bill cleared the House last month. Gov. Rick Snyder would also have to sign the legislation.
Clyde Robinson, the attorney for the city of Kalamazoo, said the city may have to open their arms to the businesses, even if the bill maintains some sort of opt-out provision.
“Likely, because of the city’s charter amendment that requires three cannabis dispensaries, I think the city’s hands are probably tied in saying no to that type of commercial operation,” Robinson said.
There are no dispensaries now because state law currently forbids them, Robinson said.
He says a lot depends on what the Senate does. They could greatly alter the package, or reject it.
City officials have already decriminalized small amounts of marijuana to free up Kalamazoo Public Safety to enforce more-serious crimes.
Portage will hold a referendum Nov. 3 to decriminalize small amounts of the drug.
– John McNeill
