Cannabis Cash Cometh

Counties, municipalities benefit from marijuana money

Adult Use Marijuana Payments are once again making their annual March deliveries into the coffers of municipalities across the state.

The Michigan Department of Treasury announced this past week that more than $87 million is being distributed among 269 municipalities and counties as a part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.

Over the next few days, 99 cities, 30 villages, 69 townships and 71 counties will receive payments from the Marihuana Regulation Fund. For the state of Michigan's 2023 fiscal year, this means each eligible municipality and county will receive a bit more than $59,000 for every licensed retail store and microbusiness located within its jurisdiction.Last year's payments were just under $52,000 per business.

In our county there are four dispensaries including 2 in White Cloud, one in Grant and another in Big Prairie Township. As a result White Cloud will receive just over $118,000 while Grant and Big Prairie will get just over $59,599 each. The county also receives monies from the fund.
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“Newaygo County will be receiving an estimated $236, 345.40 for FY23 recreational marijuana licensing fees distributed by the State of Michigan, an increase from FY22 in which the County received $155,559,”  said Newaygo County Administrator Chris Wren.  The increase is related to an additional facility opening in Newaygo County bringing the total to four. 
​“Newaygo County uses the funding to offset the expenses of law enforcement activities.  Although Newaygo County does not participate in licensing or approving these facilities, the County will utilize the funds for law enforcement expenses as long as we receive them.” 

Big Rapids currently has 15 facilities bringing the city just over $886,000 this year, with Mecosta County receiving the same.

“These dollars may be spent how our local units deem fit to their needs," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said.

See all Michigan municipalities benefitting from the fund here