After setting the issue aside at previous meetings, the Oxford Village Council finally took some action regarding the question of whether marijuana-related businesses will be permitted or prohibited.

At its March 12 meeting, council voted 5-0 to send the issue to the planning commission for review and a recommendation. As part of that motion, council also approved setting a date for some type of event, be it a town hall or public hearing, to garner citizen input on the topic.

“I don’t think we, as a governing body, should make any kind of decisions on a ban until we have public comment,” said Councilwoman Kate Logan.

Village Manager Joseph Madore said the municipality’s attorney, Bob Davis, recommended adopting a prohibition ordinance now, so officials can continue working on the issue without having to worry about something coming down from the state level before Oxford is ready.

“That way, you go forward when you want to, how you want to,” Madore said.

Michigan voters approved the drug’s legalization for recreational purposes in the Nov. 6 general election. In the village, residents passed it 904 to 686.

Under the new law, which took effect on Dec. 6, municipalities are allowed to ban or restrict marijuana businesses. Six types of marijuana establishments are defined under the law. They are grower, safety compliance facility, processor, microbusiness, retailer and secure transporter.

Councilwoman Allison Kemp agreed with Logan about seeking public input before making any decisions.

Given the legalization of marijuana “passed in the village by a good majority,” Kemp said, “I would like to hear (residents’) comments before we vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on this.”

Village President Joe Frost said he, too, favors hearing from the public and is a “firm believer” in enabling appointed officials, such as those serving on the planning commission, to help council “make decisions.”

“That’s what they are there for,” he said.

But, he also urged council to “proceed with caution” on this issue.

“What I am not in favor of is letting the village become the destination for recreational weed – marijuana, excuse me. A little bit of slang there,” Frost said. “Numerous surrounding communities have already banned (marijuana businesses), including the City of Pontiac.”

Another of those communities is Oxford Township. On Feb. 13, the township board voted 5-2 to adopt an ordinance that “prohibits all marijuana establishments.” It takes effect on March 22.

Frost noted that although marijuana is now legal under state law, it’s still illegal under federal law.

“We should be cautious there as well (so) we don’t inadvertently jeopardize CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds, etc., (which) are federal funds,” he said.

Administered by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CDBG program annually provides funds for activities that benefit people with low-to-moderate incomes and for services that aid the most vulnerable citizens in communities.

Council is only looking at potentially regulating or prohibiting marijuana-related businesses in the village.

“No matter what this council does, it is still legal for an individual (to use and grow marijuana),” Frost said.

State law allows individuals age 21 and older to use marijuana for recreational purposes and grow it inside their homes. They’re allowed to cultivate up to 12 plants, at any one time, for personal use.

Given the potentially large number of people that may attend this public forum, Councilwoman Maureen Helmuth recommended holding it somewhere other than the council chambers on W. Burdick St.

“I would suggest if we’re going to have a town hall, we need a bigger room,” she said.