Gogebic County not involved in recreational marijuana act

BESSEMER — Gogebic County has no authority to opt in or out of the recreational marijuana act.

When the issue was raised by a citizen during public comment at a Dec. 12 county board of commissioners meeting, he was told by the board that the county can’t set zoning and wouldn’t be involved in the act.

The board decided to seek an opinion from county prosecutor Nick Jacobs on the issue, however.

Jacobs responded in a letter that was to be considered by the county board at its meeting today.

The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act took effect Dec. 6.

It gives municipalities the authority to completely prohibit or limit the number of marijuana establishments within their boundaries, Jacobs notes.

The towns and cities may adopt ordinances that are not “unreasonably impracticable and do not conflict with the act or any rules promulgated pursuant to the act.”

A municipality is defined as a city, village or township.

Under the definition of a municipality, the county has no authority under the act to opt in or out, Jacobs concluded.

—Ralph Ansami