Westland Considers Marijuana Opt In; Encourages Public Input

Westland, - The City of Westland is currently considering local ordinances to be in alignment with State law as it relates to allowing medical and recreational marijuana use, grow, retail, transport, and processing operations within Westland city limits.

In November of 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposal 1, which allowed individuals 21 and older to purchase, posses and use marijuana and marijunana-infused edibles for the purpose of recreational use. The bill also created a state licensing system for marijuana businesses and allowed municipalities to ban or restrict them. Approximately 64% of Westland voters voted in favor of the ballot initiative.

The State has issued draft emergency rules for adult use and anticipates licensing facilities in October 2019. Therefore, the Westland City Council is studying potential ordinances necessary to protect the interests of the City's residents.

The City of Westland has created an area of its website dedicated to the information being examined and shared throughout the ordinance drafting process. The page, which can be found at http://www.cityofwestland.com under the "Latest News" section of the homepage, includes a proposed list of special meeting dates, the State of Michigan laws, and any maps or other presentation documents shared with study session attendees. Residents are also welcome to attend these open study sessions to provide their elected officials with feedback throughout the decision making process.

"This is an important decision that the city is looking at very carefully," commented Mayor Wild. "In an effort to promote transparency the city wants to make sure that all of the information being reviewed is available to members of the public and encourages input and feedback throughout the process."

To date, the City Council has reviewed a range of topics, including an overview of the state laws, zoning and licensing procedures and permitted uses/establishments.