The Oui-D Shop and Rize, two cannabis dispensaries, in Menominee Michigan. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENOMINEE, Mich. (WTAQ-WLUK) — Menominee could potentially limit the number of cannabis dispensaries in the city.
Since Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018, more and more retail shops have been opening in Menominee.
“I’m not necessarily against them,” said Steve Fifarek, a member of Menominee’s city council. “I was for them, the two medical and two recreational. That’s what they were supposed to do.”
Fifarek was on the city council when there was initially a limit on the number of dispensary licenses. When he briefly left the council, the result of a legal battle removed the city’s cap on pot shops.
“They basically jumped from the frying pan right into the coals,” said Fifarek.
Now, the city is asking residents if they want to bring back a limit, allowing only nine licenses at one time.
“People always cite the tax benefits, but if you look over there at Lume, there’s always traffic going all around that whole parking lot and the old restaurant,” said Kenneth Krozel of Marinette. “Eventually there’s going to be accidents.”
While most people say there are too many dispensaries, one tourist said his experiences at a few shops were excellent.
“You walk in, they greet you, great customer service,” said Ray Wright of New Orleans. “One dispensary, five, 30, 100 — it don’t even matter. As long as there is one, cool.”
Marinette Mayor Casey Hoffman says the city will soon have 11 dispensaries operating, but he’s aware of business deals that will bring the number up to 15.
If the proposal passes, the plan would be to get to the limit of nine through attrition — wait for shops to close while not handing out any more licenses.
“It’s like a dollar store or anything. You get so many and then so many fade away because they like their favorite ones,” said Fifarek.
One would think if Wisconsin were to ever legalize cannabis, that could zap the allure of Menominee’s dispensaries. However, that might not be the case, as Marinette put a prohibition on them several years ago.
While residents are supposed to vote Tuesday, a council member is suing to push the vote to November. The lawsuit claims state law prevents a ballot initiative if a candidate is not on the ballot.
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