It’s time to end the stigma around Cannabis Retail
The debate surrounding cannabis legalization has been ongoing for years, yet the time has never been more ripe for our community to benefit from embracing retail cannabis.
Many are against cannabis, but few know the history of why the think they way they do. Recent data from www.michigan.gov underlines the overwhelming advantages that come with opening cannabis retail locations in our state. But what are these benefits?
Cannabis Retailers Support our Local Economy: Did you know that cannabis retail locations operate like any other small business? They accept both cash and debit. Additionally, they work hand-in-hand with local banks and credit unions, promoting local economic growth and increasing money circulation within our community.
Ensuring Safety and Regulation: Safety is a paramount concern for all. Cannabis retailers maintain stringent standards, requiring a valid ID for any adult aged 21 and over to enter. The state of Michigan also monitors each product from the time it is a plant to the sale of the product. This ensures the safety of our youth and the community, offering a more regulated environment than even our local liquor stores.
No Rise in Crime: Some critics argue that cannabis retailers might increase local crime rates. However, data from many Michigan communities suggests otherwise. Since the approval of cannabis retail, there has been zero increase in crime. This is testament to the fact that with proper regulation and management, cannabis retail can coexist harmoniously with local communities.
A Windfall for Education and Infrastructure: In 2023, the Marihuana Regulation Fund distributed a staggering $59.5 million to 224 municipalities and counties. Additionally, a massive $69.4 million went to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and the same amount to the Michigan Transportation Fund. Our own communities could benefit from such revenue if we are open to new business and vote yes on these ballot measures.
Financial Benefits for Our Community: Communities that vote to welcome cannabis retail stand to gain more than $50,000 annually from each licensed retail cannabis location from the state of Michigan. That’s not all – they also stand to benefit from Community Benefits programs created by the retailers and partnering organizations that commit to donating annually to the communities. Such funds can be directed towards public projects, parks, and community welfare programs. We also now see many retailers partnering with nonprofits for both give-backs, volunteer hours and fundraising.
Opening cannabis retail locations equates to job opportunities for our local populace. By welcoming this industry, we are promoting local employment without a significant increase in traffic or burdening our city’s infrastructure.
Addressing Social Injustices: Cannabis, for long, has been a topic of controversy. Its 1937 ban was embedded in racial and social prejudices. By voting yes when we see cannabis on ballots in our communities, we not only support economic growth but also work to rectify the social inequalities that stemmed from stigmatizing this plant. Since the ban, racial inequities have continued to be established with cannabis as a tool. It’s time to move past these stigmas and end a prohibition designed to divide.
The benefits of embracing cannabis retail locations outweigh any outdated misconceptions. This industry has had a positive impact on Michigan’s economy. Removing the stigma around a highly-regulated, beneficial product is critical if we want to not only see economic growth, but also create more equity in our communities. It’s time we look toward the future and understand the potential of this budding industry for our state’s economy and our community’s well-being.
Andrea Walker-Leidy is president of Walker Publicity and founder of 420 Publicity and a long-time Oakland County resident. In addition to working with many nonprofits and businesses throughout Michigan, she is committed to seeing positive business growth and education around the cannabis industry.
