Standish council defeats motion to allow retail cannabis sales after public hearing

The Standish City Council voted 4–3 on March 10 to defeat a motion to allow one or more retail cannabis businesses within the city after a public hearing and public comment.

Tom Reif provided an educational presentation to the council and residents, explaining that cannabis permits are renewed yearly, must follow strict state guidelines, that permit-derived revenue to the state varies with product sales and establishment type, and that permit application funds carry restrictions on use. Reif also said the Planning Commission would play a role in drafting ordinance language should the council move forward with regulation.

During the public-comment period, residents expressed both opposition and interest in opening retail locations. Dufort (500 E. Cedar) told the council they do not support retail cannabis. Several others, including Sullivan (6434 Sterling Rd), Chase Mitrzyk and Mrs. Mitrzyk (708 E. Cedar), and an individual identified as Smith (2761 M-61 Bentley, an employee of Green Mitten Pharms), said they were interested in establishing retail locations. Other residents (Foco and Holbrook of 319 S. Cass St., and Peak of 1762 Wyatt Rd) voiced support. Council member Lincoln stated on the record that he does not support retail cannabis in Standish.

After closing the public hearing at 7:13 p.m., the council voted on a motion moved by Council member Fleszar and supported by Myers to allow one or more retail cannabis sales within the city limits. The roll-call vote was: Yeas—Fleszar, Niernberg, King; Nays—Lincoln, Myers, Link, Spencer. The motion was defeated by majority (3–4).

The council did not adopt any ordinance language or set regulations during the meeting; the hearing served to collect information and public comment. Council members and staff noted that Planning Commission involvement would be required to prepare ordinance language if council chooses to revisit the issue.