COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council is scheduled to revisit the recreational marijuana issue during their meeting Monday night, as a discussion on the matter is on the agenda.
The Council approved an ordinance in December 2018 that would allow Coldwater to opt out of permitting of recreational marijuana establishments on a temporary basis while the State of Michigan created a distribution chain and licensing regulations. The city staff was told at that time to develop rules and guidelines for such establishments in anticipation of the state’s actions, and to report back to the Council within six months.
The Council’s action back in December did not prohibit marijuana activities which have been permitted by the passage of Proposal One.
Michigan voters decided last November to legalize recreational marijuana. 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 transport 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 Bronson, Quincy, and Portage decided to pursue the opt out option. Communities that opt-out can opt-in at anytime if they want to allow businesses that sell recreational marijuana.
