Marijuana sales have proved their worth

We know that some in the community are not in favor of recreational marijuana outlets operating here.
Oddly, some of the folks who have objected to our four cannabis businesses are the same ones saying that, in general, city officials don’t try hard enough to attract new businesses.
You can’t say you want stronger economic development, but then say “no” to one type of business just because you are opposed to it.
And besides that, their fears of increased crime from these establishments have not proven true, nor are kids now getting their hand on marijuana from these marijuana establishments.
One thing we are getting is a windfall of tax and fee revenue from them.
Recently, the state announced that Hamtramck will receive over $225,000 from taxes and fees collected from the dispensaries in 2021.
What other small business in Hamtramck produces that kind of revenue? Do gas stations? Party stores? Markets? Clothing shops?
No, they don’t, and they don’t even come close.
Not only did the city get awarded this huge amount of money, the owners of these facilities renovated vacant buildings and put them back on the tax rolls.
Put it all together, and these businesses have proven to be a huge economic shot in the arm for Hamtramck.
We understand that some folks think it’s wrong to consume marijuana. To that we say, then don’t purchase and use marijuana if it offends you.
And for that matter, don’t purchase alcohol, or a certain type of food, or whatever else morally offends you.
Just say no, and let others make their own grown-up decisions.
See how easy that is?
If we had our way, Hamtramck would open the door to more marijuana facilities. Maybe then, the city would not have to worry about budget deficits.
Posted April 1, 2022