HOWELL, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — While other Michigan cities have had pharmacies for years, Howell is one of the few cities that still doesn’t have one within its city limits.
That could change if voters approve a proposal in November; however, reactions to the proposal have been mixed.
“I think it’s fine that there are a lot of people who can get a lot of benefit from it. I don’t think it’s as addictive as they once said, and it’s just a lot better for people who really need it,” he said. resident Gary Cambbell.
“I think we can get marijuana in a lot of places and we don’t need a dispensary here in Howell,” said resident Kathy Langhorst.
Over the past year, a local group called the Open Stores in Howell Committee has been pushing to bring the proposal to a vote. The group won a lawsuit in September.
The proposal asks voters to decide whether to amend the city charter and create an application and permitting process for two adult-use cannabis stores. In recent days, the Livingston County Sheriff has taken to Facebook to urge residents to vote against the proposal.
“How about this? Why don’t you stock up on something when you go somewhere else, and have those two and a half ounces at home so we don’t have to have a pharmacy in the town of Howell? We do.” We don’t need pot shops in Livingston County,” Livingston County Sheriff Michael Muphy said in a Facebook video on October 1.
These are sentiments echoed by Howell Mayor Bob Ellis, who said this is the third time outside groups have tried to get marijuana on the ballot in Howell.
“It would somewhat change the character of our city if the first thing you see when you enter Howell are marijuana stores,” Ellis said.
Ellis tells CBS News Detroit he is also concerned about the health of Howell residents.
However, resident Carol Nickles said, “I think marijuana stores are a great idea.”
The marijuana proposal will appear on the ballot as a proposed change to the city charter.
