MENOMINEE, Mich. (WFRV) — After the legalization of recreational marijuana use in 2018, Menominee has seen an increase in dispensaries, which has caused quite a stir in the community.
Fifteen dispensaries are projected to be open by the end of 2025, prompting a special election to be held Tuesday.
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“It’s capped by the zoning ordinance. Most people don’t understand that. I don’t think that we can have more than what we already have got in the process. People that have already bought the property are likely going to be able to build on it, no matter how the vote goes,” said City Council member William Plemel.
Plemel is also taking legal action against the election, saying it is illegal to hold an election with no candidates on the ballot. A judge ruled Friday that the election will take place and said a final decision will be made in the coming weeks.
“I think that it is illegal. The state of Michigan says in order to have an election, you need to have someone on the ballot, and no one is on the ballot. And so I pointed that out in the middle of May, but the judge and the attorney say no, it can go on,” Plemel said.
If the vote passes, the city will be limited to nine licenses for dispensaries, allowing only those with money already invested in property to remain open. Mayor Casey Hoffman said the move would allow residents to decide.
“How do we get to nine dispensaries after we have got up to 15 open in the city? My suggestion is that the city of Menominee engage in a reduction-through-attrition policy, which will allow the free market to control the winners and losers in the market — not the government. We won’t be picking which companies stay and go.”
The city has been in this situation before and hopes to avoid any legal actions from the companies involved. Officials are aiming to put an end to a multi-year issue that has blanketed the city.
“The path to progress is never a straight line. I think that the path to progress zigs and zags, but we always move forward together,” Hoffman said. “I think that Menominee is entering the beginning of the final chapter in this marijuana saga, and I hope that this vote helps us solidify that.”
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Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ballots can be filled out at Menominee High School, or voters can drop off absentee ballots at City Hall.
Local 5 will report the results of the vote when they become available.
