Township says no to pot

Oxford Township allows many different types of businesses to operate within its boundaries, but those profiting from pot will not be welcome.

At its Feb. 13 meeting, the township board voted 5-2 to adopt an ordinance that “prohibits all marijuana establishments.”

It will take effect on March 22.

Voting in favor of the ordinance were Supervisor Bill Dunn, Clerk Curtis Wright, Treasurer Joe Ferrari and trustees Elgin Nichols and Patti Durr. Voting against it were trustees Margaret Payne and Jack Curtis.

Those who violate the ordinance will be guilty of a civil infraction and face fines of not less than $100 or more than $500.

Michigan residents voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana last year.

There are six types of marijuana businesses defined under state law – grower, safety compliance facility, processor, microbusiness, retailer and secure transporter.

None of them will be allowed to operate in the township.

The new ordinance only applies to commercial operations involving marijuana. It does not prohibit township residents age 21 and older from using marijuana for recreational purposes or growing it in their homes. State law allows people to cultivate on their premises up to 12 marijuana plants, at any one time, for personal use.

In the November 2018 election, Oxford Township voters, including those residing in the village, voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana 5,625 to 4,651.

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