MERIDIAN TWP. – Attorney Bob Baldori said it was like “torture” waiting for the recreational marijuana establishments proposal votes to come in Tuesday night during the Michigan primary.
He dozed off about 4 a.m. Wednesday, but when he woke up, the final unofficial votes were in.
There were 6,145 yes votes that would prohibit marijuana businesses — and 6,159 no votes to defeat the proposal and allow recreational marijuana establishments in the township.
A margin of 14 votes in favor of marijuana businesses.
“It was a relief and a little bit surprising to me, because we expected a wider margin,” said Baldori, a township resident for more than 45 years who’s been on the front lines of marijuana decriminalization and legalization for 40 years.
Marijuana and Meridian Township
More than 60% of Meridian Township voters supported Michigan’s 2018 ballot measure that legalized recreational marijuana.
Currently the township allows medical marijuana establishments, though there are none in the township, but in the past, township officials opted out of allowing recreational marijuana establishments.
Voters submitted the necessary signatures to place Tuesday’s ballot proposal on the primary election ballot, spearheaded by the organization Keep Meridian Safe.
What’s next for the township?
Assistant Township Manager and Director of Public Works Dan Opsommer said the board of canvassers still needs to make the vote official, which might not happen for another week or two.
