Voters To Decide On Recreational Pot

Deadline for Legislative action passes

Despite what appeared to be enough support in the Senate to move forward with a Recreational Marijuana bill and prevent the current initiative from reaching the ballot in November the House failed to get the traction needed to ensure passage.
This means the ballot proposal summarized in our article from Monday will be headed for a vote come this fall. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/legislature-to-consider-leapfrogging-ballot-proposal
Many legislators found themselves in the unenviable position of looking at supporting the proposed legalization of recreational use in hopes of having the ability to make some changes to the current initiative. In the end without the votes needed in the House the effort fell apart.
N3 contacted State Representative Scott VanSingel for his take on the issue.
“While I am personally strongly opposed to the legalization of marijuana for a variety of reasons such as workforce development and increased access for minors, many House members were willing to approve the ballot proposal in hopes of amending it later with a simple majority,” said State Representative Scott VanSingel. “If approved by the voters, a super majority is required to amend.”
“The proposal is very poorly written including a provision that $40 million must be sent to an out of state researcher for a study that is already essentially complete and the ability to use marijuana in a vehicle.”
With a dispensary in White Cloud set to open, at least two more dispensaries heading for Brooks Township and grow facilities planned for White Cloud and Newaygo medical marijuana is on the cusp of becoming a  significant player in local economics. The recreational use approval has posted strong polling numbers and its passage would likely mean further changes ahead for Newaygo County.
Ans to what those changes might be?
Time will tell.