Why You Should Vote NO

What is the Pot Shop Proposal all about?

This is a proposal from out-of-town interests that allows recreational dispensaries in our community. It provides no buffer zones to downtown/Main Street, or to playgrounds or parks. Very small buffer zone to K-12 schools, NONE for daycare, churches, or other youth facilities. It allows walk-up and drive-up windows, and could allow for 24/7 operation.

This proposal will increase youth access to dangerously high THC concentrated marijuana products with uncapped potency. This leads to higher youth addiction rates and all the negative life outcomes that result.

But people in our community voted in favor of marijuana legislation in 2018, didn't they?

That was 4 years ago, and a statewide question. NOT whether it should be in HERE. Survey data indicates a different story, with most citizens saying they do not want marijuana businesses in our community. City, Township and Vlllage Councils have received consistent negative feedback this past year on marijuana commercialization. The Boards of both the Brighton and Howell School districts have unanimously voted against marijuana shops here and have been supported by a letter from 15 area churches and parochial schools.

I have a relative who uses marijuana for medical reasons, so shouldn’t I support this proposal?

This ordinance is about recreational marijuana stores in our community, not medical stores or any adult use in the privacy of the home. Marijuana for adult medical or recreational use can still be purchased/delivered from nearby Brighton - nothing would cut off access to medical users or adult recreational users. There are over 40 dispensaries in nearby communities and many delivery options.

Marijuana is no worse than alcohol, what is the big deal?

Alcohol is not the topic on the ballot. If there are concerns with alcohol these should be addressed, but that's not up for vote.

Today's concentrated marijuana THC products are much stronger than yesterday's "Woodstock Weed" - up to 20x. Marijuana lacks the same regulations as alcohol (selling moonshine is illegal, while selling 95%+ THC products is not restricted). Alcohol ads are very regulated, just look at all the pot billboards.

Many other local communities have opted in to having pot shops, shouldn’t we do the same?

In 2024, 6 years after state legalization, still only 8% of Michigan's 1777 municipalities/townships/villages have "opted in" to allowing marijuana businesses. 92% are still opted out. Opting in is against the norm, and risky.

Based on our family-friendly values and goals, we should continue to opt out, as peer communities the City of Brighton, Rochester, Grosse Pointe Park, Plymouth, Northville, Keego Harbor and Birmingham all have done.

Many communities worldwide that have legalized have seen negative effects & have started increasing restrictions - Colorado, Vermont, Netherlands, etc.

I’ve heard pot shops would be an economic boost for the city – should we take advantage of that?

NO. The costs outweigh the benefits. $4.50 spent for every $1 in revenue. Rehab cost for 1 child ~$70-100k, with only 20% success rate.

This will not generate attractive skilled-workforce jobs, and we already have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. We have limited land & parking, and many traffic issues - using our limited space for pot stores discourages more attractive options.