COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An ordinance that would allow the city to opt out of permitting recreational marijuana establishments on a temporary basis is scheduled for second reading and adoption during Monday’s Coldwater City Council meeting.
The ordinance was introduced during the last meeting after a half hour discussion but the Council instructed city staff to develop rules and guidelines in anticipation of the state eventually creating a distribution chain and licensing regulations. Staff was asked to report back to the Council within six months.
The passage of Proposal One legalizes recreational marijuana in the State of Michigan as of last Thursday.
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.
Opting out would prevent during an interim period of time the speculative purchase of land or buildings for establishments before regulatory language is adopted. It would also prohibit the use of marijuana on publicly owned property such as parks and sidewalks.
City Manager Keith Baker pointed out the Council action would not prohibit marijuana activities which have been permitted by the passage of Proposal One which includes those 21 and over from possessing or cultivating up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana, using marijuana on private property, selling marijuana accessories or transporting marijuana through the city.
