The shape-shifting status of marijuana

by Tina Cole-Mullins

Ever since Michigan voters approved legalization of recreational marijuana in a state referendum last November, communities throughout the state have scrambled to respond to impending changes. But what are those changes, exactly? The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs promises to come through soon with guidelines and regulations. By soon, LARA means end of 2019, maybe. So what is the status of the new law and where does that leave governing authorities in our school district?

The Village of Stockbridge voted against allowing any form of commerce from cannabis sales or distribution in the village. The Waterloo Township Board, as announced in this SCN edition, voted to “prohibit marihuana establishments within the boundaries of Waterloo Township.” Ingham Township as well as Dansville have “opted out” according to LARA.

LARA reports that 60 to 80 other Michigan communities have declined to allow recreation marijuana sales within their boundaries, but the actual number of communities who have decided on the matter is unavailable. “While communities are not required to let us know, we have requested they do so just to make things easier on everyone involved,” LARA Communication Director David Harns told the Detroit Metro Times.

Over the next five years,the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol expects the state to reap $520 million in new tax revenue under the measures. Marijuana commerce will be charged an additional 10 percent excise tax, to be added to the state’s standard 6 percent sales tax. The new tax dollars will be allocated as follows: 35 percent to roads, 35 percent to schools and 15 percent to local governments in the jurisdiction of the marijuana businesses. Since these percentages total to 85, it’s fair to assume the remaining 15 percent will go into the general fund.

While debating the issue in meetings and on social media, Stockbridge community and council members expressed strong opinions. Village Council member Patrick Harden stated, “It will be at least 2023, if then” before the village would see any of the projected revenue from the sale of marijuana.

Resident Howell Wynne addressed the Village Council via Facebook, writing, “The Village Council has a clear mandate before them.” He encouraged the council to take advantage of free offerings and other resources in making its decision.

“There were people at the meeting opposing the businesses,” Letha Allen wrote. “They stated that they voted for legalization to stop people from being criminalized from marijuana, but they were not for bringing the businesses here. Each of us has our own views on interpreting it, and whether a marijuana shop(s) would help or hurt the town.”

Newly elected village trustee Greg Uihlein made his stance clear. ”As a representative of the village residents, I find this to be something they want,” he wrote. “In a town where we struggle with taxable income, we should not restrict good legal commerce because some don’t want it. The majority has spoke and prohibition is over. What’s next, no breweries? We have a bad reputation of running businesses off, and this is proof we are doing it again.”

At the federal level, marijuana is illegal. It is a crime to transport the “Schedule I,  Controlled Substance”on US highways or through the US postal system. Nor is it allowed in federal buildings. At the state level, while recreational marijuana was voted to be legalized, it is not yet legal. Townships and villages will each establish ordinances governing if and where the substance may be sold or distributed.

Council member Patrick Harden added to the Facebook debate. “Show me research results where it has helped any village, and I will sway your way.”

For now, state regulatory agencies and public vernacular don’t even agree on spelling. Clearly, sway is the operative word when it comes to the status of marijuana, or is it marihuana?