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Voters to decide whether to allow marijuana businesses in Lima Township

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In the spring of 2025, the small community of Lima Township, a rural enclave of about 1,200 residents in Genesee County, Michigan, is poised to decide whether marijuana businesses will be permitted within its borders. The decision hinges on a ballot measure scheduled for the November 2025 general election, where voters will cast a direct vote on whether to allow the cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis in Lima Township. The measure, officially designated “Lima Township Marijuana Business Initiative,” was drafted after a grassroots campaign that began in late 2024, driven by local entrepreneurs who see cannabis as a potential economic driver, and opposed by longtime residents concerned about public safety and property values.

Legal Context

Michigan legalized recreational cannabis in 2019, but the state law leaves the regulation of dispensaries, cultivation, and manufacturing to local jurisdictions. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) stipulates that each city, township, or county must adopt ordinances governing licensing, zoning, and community impact. As of 2025, 68 Michigan jurisdictions have approved cannabis businesses, whereas 12—most of them small towns—have voted to ban them. Lima Township is among those seeking to break the trend. The local measure will not create a new state law but will amend the township’s zoning ordinances to designate specific parcels for cannabis operations, subject to MRA approval.

Economic Arguments

Supporters of the initiative, led by attorney and business consultant Mark Jensen, argue that a cannabis industry could bring significant revenue to a town whose economy has struggled since the decline of the automotive manufacturing sector. “Lima Township has lost several jobs in recent years. A regulated cannabis business could bring in new jobs, increase property tax revenues, and attract ancillary services like security and logistics,” Jensen said. He cites the success of the city of Flint, which saw a 12% rise in local business activity following the approval of cannabis dispensaries, and of the city of Grand Rapids, whose cannabis sales contributed roughly $1.3 million in annual taxes.

The local Chamber of Commerce also backed the measure, highlighting the projected $2.4 million in sales tax revenue that could be directed toward infrastructure improvements. The township’s 2024 budget forecast had a $70,000 shortfall, and proponents say a cannabis license could help bridge that gap without raising property taxes or utility rates.

Opposition Concerns

Opponents, including the Lima Township Residents Association and former township clerk Susan Hall, argue that cannabis businesses could undermine community safety and property values. Hall, a longtime resident, warned that “the presence of a dispensary could increase traffic, attract loiterers, and potentially raise crime rates.” She cited data from the Michigan Department of State Police, which noted a slight uptick in reported property crimes in counties with newly approved cannabis businesses over a five‑year period, though critics point out that correlation does not equal causation.

Additionally, the Association is concerned about the impact on local schools and youth. They argue that the proximity of a cannabis business could increase exposure to advertising and, potentially, to illicit cannabis use among teenagers. “We’re not saying we’re against the industry as a whole; we’re saying that the township should be a responsible steward of its community’s values,” the Association’s spokesperson, Linda Morales, said.

Local Political Dynamics

The measure’s drafting process involved town board hearings and a community forum held in August 2024 at the Lima Township Community Center. Board member Dan Reynolds, a retired engineer and current township supervisor, emphasized the need for robust zoning regulations. “We’re not looking for an open market; we want a carefully curated approach that ensures safety and compliance with state law,” Reynolds told a crowd of 45 residents. The board passed a resolution in September that established a 5‑year study period to evaluate the impact of cannabis businesses on small towns nationwide before finalizing zoning provisions.

The township clerk’s office is overseeing the logistics of the ballot initiative. The clerk, Karen Liu, explained that the measure will appear on the ballot as a “Yes” or “No” question, and that campaign materials will be distributed through door‑to‑door canvassing, local radio spots, and a digital campaign on the township’s official website. The township’s website also hosts a FAQ document that outlines the MRA’s licensing process, application fees (currently $3,000 for a cultivation license and $2,500 for a dispensary), and the expected timeline for review and approval. Residents are encouraged to review the FAQ and attend a Q&A session scheduled for October 10 at the township hall.

Broader Implications

The Lima Township vote is being watched closely by state legislators and industry lobbyists. Representative James Porter, a Republican from Genesee County, is skeptical of a blanket allowance of cannabis businesses in rural areas, citing a “cautionary” stance on the potential for social disruption. On the other hand, Representative Linda Haskins, a Democrat, has expressed support for allowing localities to decide and points to the potential for job creation in a struggling economic landscape. Haskins is scheduled to testify before the Michigan House Ways and Means Committee in early November, where she will argue for more localized control over cannabis regulation.

The outcome of Lima Township’s ballot could set a precedent for other small towns. If the measure passes, it may embolden similar initiatives in neighboring townships like Huron Township and Shelby Township. Conversely, a defeat would reinforce the growing trend of rural communities opting to remain cannabis‑free. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency will also take note, as its policy directives are increasingly shaping how local jurisdictions implement state cannabis law.

Voter Participation and Education

The township clerk’s office has reported a projected turnout of roughly 50% of the electorate for the 2025 general election. To encourage informed voting, the township partnered with the Genesee County Historical Society to produce a pamphlet titled “Cannabis in Context: Understanding the Impact on Our Community.” The pamphlet includes data on economic benefits, zoning considerations, and safety statistics from comparable townships.

Residents are also encouraged to engage with local experts. In addition to the upcoming Q&A, the township has arranged for a live stream of a panel discussion featuring a representative from the MRA, a local law enforcement officer, and a small business owner who has already obtained a cannabis license in a neighboring county. The live stream will be recorded and posted on the township’s website and YouTube channel for later viewing.

Conclusion

The ballot measure in Lima Township is more than a local policy decision; it represents a microcosm of the broader national debate over cannabis regulation. By weighing potential economic gains against concerns for public safety and community values, the residents of Lima Township are confronting the complexities that accompany modern drug policy reform. The outcome of the November 2025 vote will not only shape the future of Lima Township’s economy but may also provide a blueprint—either a cautionary tale or a success story—for similar small communities across Michigan and beyond.


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[ https://www.mlive.com/politics/2025/10/voters-to-decide-whether-to-allow-marijuana-businesses-in-lima-township.html ]