Harrisville made Northeast Michigan history earlier this year by becoming the first local government in the region to affirmatively allow recreational marijuana businesses after Michigan voters legalized the drug in November.

The new law allows Michiganders 21 or older to buy and consume marijuana, grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use, and possess up to 10 ounces of the drug in their homes.

The new law also allows taxed commercial sales of the drug. Of the money raised through that tax, 35% goes to K-12 schools, 35% goes to roads and bridges, and the remainder is divvied up among local governments that allow recreational marijuana businesses.

Several Northeast Michigan governments, including Alpena and Alpena Township, have voted to prohibit to such businesses, at least until the state finalizes its own regulations. That decision means those public coffers will not share in the marijuna tax revenue.

However, Harrisville voted to allow sales of the drug within its borders, and has begun the process of changing its ordinances to regulate marijuana shops.

The city’s planning commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 5 at 200 5th St. to gather public comment on the proposed changes.

We urge Harrisville residents and business owners to show up and share their views.

Harrisville is making history for itself and for the region, and it’s difficult to overstate how important it is for residents to be involved in those decisions.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)