When recreational marijuana sales first became legal in Michigan in November of 2018, most Downriver communities wanted nothing to do with it.
But as Bob Dylan so famously said in his 1964 song, “The times They Are A-changin’” some of those communities are rethinking their position on the subject.
At its May 16 meeting, the Riverview City Council established the Ad Hoc Marijuana Business Research Committee to study the topic, a committee whose members will report back to the council with their findings.
The subject of marijuana businesses has come up occasionally in prior meetings, with council members inquiring about the benefits, as well as possible pitfalls, of allowing them to operate within the city.
Although it’s in the early stages, the establishment of such a committee demonstrates that the city is serious about the cannabis industry and hopeful that it could prove beneficial to its coffers.
The resolution called for the appointment of three council members to the committee: Rita Gunaga, Chuck Norton and Sussie O’Neil.
Also on the committee is City Manager Douglas Drysdale, Community Development Director Dave Scurto, City Attorney Randall Pentiuk, Police Chief John Allen, Riverview Community School District Supt. Joseph Hatzl, as well as two residents at-large.
“The goals of the committee are to discuss, study and analyze the options and possibilities of permitting licensed marijuana businesses in the city, and make recommendations to City Council,” Drysdale said.
Mark Cavitt/MediaNews Group
In this file photo, medical marijuana is measured and weighed at The Greenhouse in Walled Lake.
Unlike some local communities that have discussed the possibility of allowing marijuana dispensaries, Riverview officials are going beyond just dispensaries as they consider allowing all manners of marijuana businesses, including grow facilities and processors.
“The committee will also be seeking input from other representatives, including members in the substance abuse, mental health, and law enforcement fields, as well as industry experts,” Drysdale said.
Mayor Andrew Swift is looking forward to what the committee reports to the council in the weeks and months ahead.
“This committee has a big task in front of them that will require some intense homework,” Swift said. “I know that the council members and staff on the committee have done a substantial amount of work already. It will be up to the committee to accumulate input from the parties they deem necessary.”
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