Patrons line up at the URB Cannabis Super Store in New Buffalo during a celebration on April 20, 2024.
Patrons line up at the URB Cannabis Super Store in New Buffalo during a celebration on April 20, 2024.
NEW BUFFALO — The New Buffalo Township board has scheduled a series of hearings to consider special land use conditions and possible revocations on five adult-use marijuana dispensaries next month.
The hearings will begin at 6 p.m. March 24.
Cited for reasons to hold the “Marijuana Establishment CRA/SLU Violations” sessions were alleged violations of state rules in areas that include: selling amounts of marijuana products that exceed the personal possession limit; various issues and shortcomings regarding surveillance systems; and requirements to notify the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) and local law enforcement of criminal activity in a timely manner.
The violations cited during a Feb. 17 board meeting varied from dispensary to dispensary.
Township officials said information on possible violations they wish to investigate further on March 24 were obtained from actions taken by the State CRA.
Board members expressed interest in hearing representatives of the affected dispensaries describe the circumstances and state their cases regarding the various state actions and complaints.
The dispensaries slated to be the focus of the March 24 hearings include: Bloomery; Mint Cannabis; Trap Stars Outlet; Refine New Buffalo; and The Plug New Buffalo. The board unanimously rejected including two other dispensaries in the March 24 hearings: House of Dank and JARS Cannabis.
Prior to scheduling next month’s hearings, the board approved a marijuana special land use revocation policy.
Also approved on Feb. 17 was an ordinance amendment that requires medical marijuana facilities and adult-use marijuana establishments to notify the township in writing within three days of receiving notice from the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs of a complaint or disciplinary action. It also states such establishments are ineligible for outdoor assembly licenses for a period of 12 months after a LARA complaint or disciplinary action.
Another topic of discussion on Feb. 17 was approving outdoor assembly permits for dispensaries on and around the April 20 marijuana “holiday.”
A resolution was passed during the meeting limiting the number of outdoor assemblies on April 17, April 18, April 19 and April 20 to seven per day.
Preliminary special land use extensions for a series of not-completed dispensaries were approved – and one was rejected – during the Feb. 17 meeting.
The board voted 5-0 against a proposed six-month extension for Joyology at 19393 U.S. 12.
Approved were a six-week extension for LJA Holdings VI, LLC, at 19563 U.S. 12; a three-month extension for PER IV, LLC at 13944 Grand Ave.; a three-month extension for JMS 75 LLC at 19511 U.S. 12; and a three-month extension for Attitude Wellness LLC at 19471 U.S. 12.
At the beginning of the Feb. 17 meeting, Supervisor Michelle Heit spoke about the recent town hall session held at the public safety building.
“With hindsight, there are always things you might approach differently. In this case, additional buffers may have helped prevent such a high concentration in certain areas of dispensaries,” Heit said. “At the same time, there were locations we hope to encourage development, and we genuinely believe the market would ultimately determine how many marijuana establishments would move forward. I still believe the market forces will play a role over time. Every member of the township board lives in New Buffalo Township and cares deeply about this community.”
Treasurer Patty Iazzetto thanked residents who took part in the town hall.
“I appreciate the feedback that was shared at the town hall earlier this month, and as a resident for 55 years in the house I was raised in and the house I continue to live in and have raised my children in, this is the place I call home,” Iazzetto said. “I care deeply about the community and the people who call it home. I welcome visitors, new neighbors and businesses. A strong community grows when we listen to each other, respect our shared history, and work together toward a future we can all be proud of.”
Originally published on bloxstj.paxtonmedia.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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