The Leighton Township Board recently voted against drafting an ordinance that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to operate in the township. The decision was made at a meeting on Jan. 11.
The board’s vote was 4-0, with Clerk Mary Lou Nieuwenhuis absent.
Treasurer Char Troost said the board felt the businesses would not be a good fit for Leighton. After talking to Leighton residents, she said many objected to dispensaries in their town.
State lawmakers in 2016 passed legislation to legalize and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries. The state’s new Medical Marihuana Licensing Board began accepting applications for medical marijuana facilities on Dec. 15.
Medical marijuana facilities are subject to a municipality fee of up to $5,000 collected by the local government and an annual regulatory assessment fee paid to the state.
“The township would get some revenue from it, however, we felt as a board that the revenue would be minimal compared to what it would cost to hire public safety,” Troost said.
While Leighton Township voted against developing a marijuana ordinance, about 16 miles south, the Watson Township Board and Planning Commission met in December to begin work on a medical marijuana ordinance for the township. No decisions were made, and more town meetings are expected in the future.
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