Meridian Township Takes Initial Step towards Allowing Recreational Marijuana Establishments

In a recent development, the Meridian Township Board has directed staff to work on creating a new zoning ordinance that would allow recreational marijuana establishments in the township. This move comes after a proposal to prohibit such businesses narrowly lost in a September recount.

The proposal, which was spearheaded by the grassroots organization Keep Meridian Safe, aimed to ban recreational marijuana businesses in the township. However, voters opted not to outright ban the establishments, instead choosing to leave the decision up to the township officials.

Medical marijuana is currently allowed in certain areas of the township with licensing and permitting, but there are no open medical marijuana facilities or active licenses. The current ordinance adopted in 2019 prohibits all recreational marijuana establishments in Meridian Township.

The Meridian Township Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on December at 7 p.m. to take input from residents on updating the township's zoning ordinance to account for recreational marijuana establishments. This is an opportunity for individuals who want to comment on the future of recreational marijuana in the township to speak out.

Community Planning and Development Director Tim Schmitt emphasized that this is just the first step towards allowing recreational marijuana establishments in Meridian Township. 'It's just the first step,' he said. 'So hopefully we'll keep this thing moving forward and get public input and let the board make a decision.'

The township officials are now hoping that residents who want to comment on the future of recreational marijuana will speak out in December, providing valuable input on how to move forward with the zoning ordinance.

In conclusion, Meridian Township is taking an initial step towards allowing recreational marijuana establishments in the township. With public input and feedback, the township can make an informed decision about the fate of these businesses in the community.

Meridian township zoning ordinance