COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council is scheduled to consider the introduction of an ordinance Monday night that would allow the city to opt out of permitting recreational marijuana establishments on a temporary basis. Proposal One gives the state a year to create a distribution chain and licensing regulations similar to the one that currently regulates alcoholic beverages.
The action is needed following the passage of Proposal One, which legalizes recreational marijuana in the State of Michigan as of December 6, 2018.
City Manager Keith Baker says in his memo to the Council that the new law requires municipalities to pass an opt out ordinance if they want to prohibit these establishments within its jurisdictions. Over 100 communities in Michigan, including Quincy and Portage, have decided to opt out of permitting recreational marijuana establishments until rules and regulations for the new industry are set by the state.
The city’s action would not prohibit marijuana activities which have been permitted by the passage of Proposal One.