Bessemer council gets pitch for marijuana business

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — In 2018, Michigan citizens voted to legalize recreational marijuana in Michigan. Ever since then, the Bessemer City Council has said no to any given offer from businesses hoping to set up related enterprise in that city.

At their Monday evening meeting, the council received yet another offer from Frost Bite Management Inc., based in Baraga, Michigan.

Frost Bite uses the brand name of Farm Science, based in Warren, Michigan, and the parent company of the brand name is Vendco Michigan, Inc., based in Burton, Michigan. Frost Bite also is associated with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Mark Abraham, CEO of Farm Science and president of Vendco, was present to explain his interest in this region.

“We’ve opened two stores already — one in Crystal Falls and one in Marquette Township, and we’re looking to open two more,” said Abraham, who added that the chain name for the facilities is the Outpost.

Although he described the eastern U.P. as a “saturated” market, he claimed, “The western U.P. is very underserved now.”

He strongly emphasized that he welcomes input from city officials as to the type of prospective facility and the location.

Abraham said his operation has followed state guidelines strictly and noted, “That’s how we would plan to do it here.”

“It’s the cleanest product there is,” he said of Farm Science and stressed that the ongoing goal of his operation is always “safe, secure and odor-free.” Toward that end, he said considerable investments have been made to contain odor inside of their facilities.

“This is our fifth year in Warren,” said Abraham, who said the Crystal Falls store opened on June 18, 2021 and the Marquette Township store opened on Sept. 30, 2021.

He said his people are proud of being the first marijuana operation that was licensed in the state.

“We don’t have a whole lot of vacant buildings,” said Mayor Adam Zak.

Councilman Rob Coleman noted that two current vacant buildings — one downtown and one near A.D. Johnston Junior and Senior High School — would be inappropriate for the proposed operation.

“The only place would be the industrial center,” added Coleman.

Abraham assured that his operation is willing to buy an existing structure or construct from scratch, with one of the primary goals being adequate space for parking.

He said the first question he always asks about prospective property is “How’s the parking situation?”

“The one thing I’m most interested in pursuing is processing,” said the mayor. “The one thing I’m most opposed to is growing. That’s just me.”

“We’ve turned everything down that’s come before us, but times change,” said Coleman.

“You guys really have your facts down. I myself will take this under consideration.”

Councilwoman Linda Nelson said she is against a marijuana operation on the grounds of where it could lead.

“I’m a nurse,” said Nelson. “I’ve seen it.”

She explained that, from her perspective, people start on marijuana and develop addiction problems with stronger drugs. In relation to household issues, she also noted parents smoking marijuana in the presence of their children.

Moreover, she said of a cannabis facility now open in Ironwood, “People are coming from all over the place to buy marijuana.”

She claimed that, eventually, Wisconsin will legalize recreational marijuana and more such businesses will open in the region, thus potentially diluting sales.

“Then, what are you going to do?” she asked and concluded, “You’re never going to get my support.”

Abraham told Nelson that he respects her opinions but pointed out that cannabis is not addictive. He added that problems also exist with alcohol sales.

Gary Loonsfoot, director of Cannabis Development for Frost Bite, also pointed out the advantage to regulated sales.

“The black market — you can’t control it,” said Loonsfoot. “Our markets are tested.”

Abraham also noted that the city stands to gain financially from such a facility.

He also noted that his business license is good for only a year at a time and could be revoked if city officials ever wished. “It’s a one-year license,” said Abraham, “and it’s an enormous investment for us. We have to earn that.”

Councilman Charlie Tirpik made no comment, and Councilman Terry Kryshak was absent.

“I have really appreciated your professionalism,” said Zak to Abraham. The mayor added that the council will discuss the matter and “see where it goes.”

On Tuesday by phone, Abraham emphasized to the Daily Globe that he wants to operate only within the parameters that the city wishes. “We don’t want to go where we’re not wanted,” he said.

He emphasized that his operation is “state-of-the-art” and reiterated the need to keep all parties happy due to annual license renewals.

“You’re always dating,” he said as a parallel. “You’re never married.”