The Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Regional Chamber hosted a discussion Wednesday on what local municipalities plan to do when it comes to the sale of recreational marijuana. 89.1 WEMU's Jorge Avellan attended the event at Weber's in Ann Arbor and has the story.
Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert informed a crowd of about 70 people that city council recently approved the local sale of recreational marijuana. Eighty-two percent of voters in Ypsilanti voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana across the state last November. She wants to make sure users are not penalized when they apply for a job with the city that doesn't put other people's lives at risk.
Mayor Beth Bashert: I am optimistic that we will be able to open up hiring within the city and other businesses. Eventually to hire people who test positive for marijuana but are not intoxicated at the moment.
Meanwhile, Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said he expects a smooth transition when dispensaries start selling recreational marijuana in Ann Arbor, but that certain steps need to be taken to create a license review process.
Mayor Christopher Taylor: I would expect that staff would come forward with a proposal that the current council liquor commission would be expanded to include review of marijuana related permitting.
The mayor of Salinealso took part in the discussion and said that while the city opted out of selling recreational marijuana. They will revisit the issue later this year.Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
