ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming City Council approved two measures Wednesday which will allow adult-use recreational marijuana businesses to operate within city limits.

The council unanimously voted to amend two city ordinances which kept marijuana dispensaries and provisioning centers in the city. The first (part) of the ordinance, #2-1600, focuses on the regulation of the facilities which process and sell marijuana. Those regulations include clarifications on how the establishments must be ventilated, proper procedure for trash storage and guidelines for parking. The second ordinance, #8-100, is focused on changing the zoning regulations within the city to allow for businesses to open.

The move comes after the city opted out of allowing marijuana dispensaries to operate in Ishpeming. The previous ordinance was adopted in 2018, just a month after Michigan residents voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. The council chose to decline allowing the businesses to operate in the city and took a wait-and-see approach to get a better idea of how other local municipalities would fare with recreational marijuana facilities. Over three years into the legalization, it is generally considered that cities like Marquette and Negaunee have successfully integrated the businesses into their communities with minimal issues.

“This feels like a big step forward,” said Ishpeming Mayor Lindsay Bean. “Looking forward to what that does for businesses in the city.”

During the meeting the city also approved the rezoning of two lots which will allow a partnership between Cognition Brewing Co. and Grace Episcopal Church to move forward.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.