COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council formally approved an ordinance Monday night that would allow the city to opt out of permitting recreational marijuana establishments on a temporary basis while the State of Michigan creates a distribution chain and licensing regulations. In the meantime, the city staff will develop rules and guidelines for such establishments in anticipation of the state’s actions and they will report back to the Council within six months.
City Manager Keith Baker once again pointed out the Council action does not prohibit marijuana activities which have been permitted by the passage of Proposal One.
Recreational marijuana became legal in the State of Michigan last Thursday. Those 21 and over can possess or cultivate up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana, use marijuana on private property, sell marijuana accessories or transporting marijuana through the city.
The new law requires municipalities to pass an opt out ordinance if they want to prohibit recreational marijuana establishments within its jurisdictions until rules and regulations for the new industry are set by the state. Over 100 communities around Michigan including Quincy and Portage have decided to pursue the opt out option.
