Inquiries continue to come into area municipalities for prospective medical marijuana dispensary businesses in the wake of a new law passed by the State Legislature.
Besides Watson Township, the City of Wayland and Wayland Township have been approached about potential businesses in those communities.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill first introduced by State Rep. Michael Callton (R-Nashville) that would permit medical marijuana dispensaries to exist, but only with the permission of the local governmental unit. In the past, dispensaries have been excluded from protections prescribed in the Michigan Medical Marijuana passed by a state-wide vote in 2008.
Wayland Township this month received an inquiry and the Planning Commission intends to do some research on the new law. The township is hampered by the recent departure of Planner Tim Johnson.
The Wayland City Council tentatively has decided to welcome representatives from the West Michigan Enforcement Team, (WEMET), who very likely will lobby city officials to vote against allowing a dispensary within the city limits. They are to make a presentation at the end of the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at council chambers.
The Wayland City Planning Commission already has had informal discussion on the possibility of requests for a dispensary and council members talked about the issue at a meeting last month.
Watson Township Planning Commission and Township Board already have been approached by three local men who would like to open a dispensary at the corner of M-222 and 12th Street off the Martin exit on U.S.-131. Deliberations continue, but no determination has been made. Watson early next month will swear in two new members on the Township Board, Supervisor Kevin Travis and Trustee Michelle Harris.