Of the 127 communities in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in Michigan, just five – Detroit, Inkster, River Rouge, Lenox Township and Orion Township — have indicated they passed ordinances to allow medical cannabis businesses in the municipality, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Harrison Township, located in Macomb County, is expected to vote on the measure next month, and Township Supervisor Ken Verkest pointed out that there are currently 18 legitimate cultivation operations in the community and the ordinance is unlikely to face much opposition.
“At a minimum, if there is an existing business, why would we tell the owner, ‘You have to evict your tenant?’ This is a great source of revenue for us. Whether you like it or not, it’s coming. Isn’t it better to eliminate these black market, cash-only guys?” – Verkest to the Free Press
That would bring the total in those well-populated counties to six; however, according to Oakland Township supervisor Dale Stuart, there is “no interest” in allowing cannabis operations in the township.
According to the report another 24-plus cities and towns in three counties have passed regulations against cannabis operations, while 27 others won’t even allow the issue to come up for a vote.
The state estimates the legal medical cannabis industry will see more than $700 million in sales and $21 million in tax revenues.