PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
MENOMINEE, Mich. (WTAQ-WLUK) – A vote Tuesday on whether to limit the number of cannabis dispensaries in Menominee, Michigan, could have a big impact on businesses already in the process of coming to the city.
Menominee voters will go to the polls to decide if the number of pot shops should be capped at nine.
The city has already issued licenses to nine dispensaries, according to Menominee Mayor Casey Hoffman. He says at least four other businesses are currently trying to open shops, which could potentially bring the number to 13. At this point, city zoning allows for up to 15 dispensaries.
Until Menominee voters have their say, a judge has put a pause on any additional dispensary licenses being issued.
“We have a wonderful economic turnaround that the city can point to with the dispensaries coming into Menominee, but there are things like increased traffic and youth vaping that have really struck a chord with the voters,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman has said if voters agree to only allow nine dispensaries, the plan is to issue licenses to businesses already in the process of coming to the city. Then the city would use attrition to eventually get down to nine.
“There are companies that wish to come into town that have spent thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars to get here, and we look forward to hearing from Judge Barglind how that conflict will be resolved,” said Hoffman.
Puff Cannabis Company appears to be almost ready to open in Menominee. Its building remodel looks to be about done, and to be compliant with city buffer regulations, the company even bought the building of a nearby daycare, which has since relocated.
However, Puff still doesn’t officially have its license.
“Whatever she does, the city of Menominee will respect her court, respect the law and we will craft a policy solution to make sure the city of Menominee avoids lawsuits or settles them,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman says he knows of three other cannabis companies that have either bought property in the city or are in the process of doing so.
The judge is expected to decide next Friday whether to keep that pause in place, according to Hoffman.
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