GAYLORD — Three more applications to operate a retail marijuana business were approved by the Gaylord City Council Monday night.
Council has now signed off on 22 cannabis license applications since it approved an ordinance legalizing the use and commercialization of the drug back in May.
Of the 22 license applications approved, 19 are for retail establishments, two are for microprocessing operations and one is for a secure transportation license. The city’s ordinance also allows for growing, processing and testing enterprises.
Of the 22 applications, not all have completed the state review process or had a site plan approved by council.
City attorney Paul Slough said the preponderance of retail interest isn’t that surprising.
“We certainly heard (about retail) during the committee process,” he said, referring to a study committee established by council that recommended the city change its marijuana ordinance.
“We are at the crossroads of M-32 and I-75,” noted city manager Kim Awrey.
The two microprocessing applications would enable license holders to grow, process and sell their crop directly to the public.
So far the city has not received an application to process, test or grow marijuana on a large scale.
“It’s early and I am not sure what is taking the growers so long to apply,” said Slough, who noted that after years of little activity, several lots in the city’s industrial park were sold this year with the expectation that at least some would eventually house a growing operation.
Slough also said that the investment required for a commercial growing operation is considerably more than what is required for a retail establishment.
The three retail licenses approved by council include the following:
- Exclusive Brands at 1385 W. Main St.
- BTD Holdings, LLC (Iconic Wellness) at 1848 Dickerson Road
- Yahtahey 45, Inc. at 1021 Mankowski Road
Meanwhile Monday’s meeting was the second consecutive one that Mayor Bill Wishart has missed. He is contending with a medical issue and hopes to attend the next council meeting scheduled for Oct. 25.
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