At Tuesday’s regular meeting, the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance to opt out of allowing marijuana dispensaries and grow operations within township borders. The second, final, reading is Dec. 18.
While Sumpter Township and the City of Belleville will be considering like moves, VBT is the first in the tri-community to take official steps to keep businesses from opening within their borders until the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has set the rules.
LARA has a year, under the recreational marijuana law approved by voters, to set the rules for businesses. The township wanted to wait until they know what the rules are before agreeing to host businesses.
But, board members want to be sure the desires of their residents are considered, since VBT voters voted two to one to approve recreational marijuana on Nov. 6. Did they just want to use it or do they want to be able to buy it next door? That’s what board members want to know and public hearings will be planned once LARA’s rules are announced.
As to the recreational marijuana law, it takes effect today, Dec. 6.
Congratulations to VBT for moving forward so quickly to make sure the township doesn’t get itself stuck where it doesn’t want to be.
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But we will take toxic waste, to dangerous for Ohio in our township. The radioactive soil contains lead and other chemicals linked to an increased cancer risk when inhaled or ingested. Pretty ironic for the council to say no to something grown by nature, and yes to cancer causing toxins and radioactive waste that nobody else wants. And they are open to more dangerous kinds of waste to be allowed in our township.