By Michigan Voters Weigh Cannabis Measures
Six Michigan communities voted on Election Day on local cannabis business operations, MLive reports. One community voted to reduce licenses, and another voted to continue banning operations.
In Bad Axe, voters repealed the city’s existing ban on cannabis businesses by a 664-537 margin. The vote allows up to two cannabis industry licenses in the community.
Voters in Big Prairie Township approved allowing a cannabis consumption lounge license by a 542-456 margin. Menominee voters increased their retailer license cap from nine to 13, with 1,1812 voters in support and 1,222 voters opposed.
Communities Reject Bans And Reduce Caps
Voters in Mottville Township rejected banning cannabis shops altogether, 215-379. A vote to ban cannabis businesses in the municipality could have forced the closure of two existing retailers operating in Mottville.
Voters in Niles approved a measure to reduce the maximum number of retail cannabis licenses allowed in the city from eight to five, with 2,177 in favor and 1,394 opposed.
If approved, the town would have allowed up to four cannabis retailer licenses.
Statewide Cannabis Landscape
In 2025, there were about 234 local communities hosting up to 850 cannabis shops statewide, according to state data outlined by MLive.
Bad Axe will now allow up to two cannabis industry licenses after voters repealed the city’s ban. Big Prairie Township will allow a cannabis consumption lounge license following the vote.
Menominee’s retailer license cap will increase from nine to 13. The two existing retailers in Mottville Township can continue operating after voters rejected the proposed ban.
Niles will reduce its maximum number of retail cannabis licenses from eight to five.
