Sault Michigan says no to pot shops

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. has decided not to allow cannabis stores to open within the city, reports the Soo Evening News.

The vote went 6-1 prohibiting any cannabis establishments within city, effective immediately. 

The prohibition of pot shops comes despite Michigan residents voting earlier this month to legalize recreational cannabis, and will not have any impact on the individual’s right to grow, possess, or use the drug once the new law comes into effect on Dec. 6 2018, reports the Soo Evening News.

As of Dec. 6, Michigan residents 21 and older will legally be able to transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and possess up to 10 ounces at their residence.

Sault Ontario’s city council will soon have to face a similar decision. Currently, recreational cannabis is available only through the provincial government’s online Ontario Cannabis Store for individuals 19 and older. However, Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government has said it will launch a private retail store system for selling pot recreationally as of April 19 2019, and the province’s municipalities will have to decide whether or not they will opt out of having physical shops within their boundaries.

The Sault was intended to be one of the original 14 sites in Ontario to house a provincial store. The newly elected council is expected to make a decision on this matter in the new year.