On Monday, the Big Rapids City Commission said yes to "opt in" to bring marijuana businesses to the area.

 

Back in 2008, Michigan voters approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, with the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act following in 2016. 

 

In November of 2018, recreational marijuana use and establishments were legalized following a statewide vote, making Michigan the 10th state to do so. However, with the approval it also gave cities, townships and villages the option to decide for themselves whether they wanted to allow businesses like retail stores and grow operations to set up shop before the state begins accepting applications on Nov. 1. 

 

During Monday night's vote, commissioners voted 5-0 to "opt in" and approve an ordinance to allow for medical marijuana and its corresponding ordinance for business applications. Commissioners then voted "No" 4-1 to allow recreational marijuana facilities to operate in Big Rapids. 

 

Big Rapids City Manager Mark Gifford says interest from those in the marijuana industry about "setting up shop" have already begun. "we have had a tremendous amount of interest about Big Rapids from the industry when it comes to its use, sale, testing, quality control and manufacturing, especially over the last few days." said Gifford.  

 

Though the ordinances were passed, they will not become effective until they are published by the city. Further information on this can be found at cityofbr.org.