After months of anticipation, Redford Township is set to open its doors to cannabis dispensary applications, beginning on October 3rd. This significant move has drawn considerable attention from prospective business owners, some of whom have already started lining up outside the Township Hall, despite the application process still being weeks away.
The line of hopeful applicants started forming on September 10th, immediately following the Township's decision to begin issuing licenses. Some of those waiting in line are working on behalf of cannabis companies, rotating in shifts 24/7 to maintain their spot. Township leaders have observed the unusual level of commitment among these potential licensees. “People have been to concerts and stood in line overnight. I’ve just never seen anybody stand in line for this amount of time,” said Pat McRae, Redford Charter Township Supervisor.
With no cap on the number of dispensary licenses available, the Township will issue permits based on location criteria. Dispensaries must adhere to buffer zone regulations, meaning they cannot be placed within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, or daycares, nor can they be within 2,500 feet of another cannabis business. This setup ensures a controlled expansion, despite the absence of a numerical cap on licenses.
Although applicants are eager to get in on the business, the industry landscape in Michigan presents challenges. Jerry Millen, owner of Greenhouse of Walled Lake, expressed concerns about market oversaturation. “A lot of stores that open now aren’t getting customers... they’re trying to give product away, and the prices are so cheap that they’re losing money,” Millen explained. Michigan's cannabis market, however, continues to flourish, with the state setting a new record in August 2024, selling over $295 million worth of cannabis. The state is projected to reach over $3.3 billion in sales by the end of the year, driven in part by low prices.
While the revenue prospects for Redford Township remain uncertain, McRae is optimistic. “The revenue will be good. I don’t think it’s going to be super, but I think it’s gonna be good revenue," McRae said. He also pointed out that in other communities, cannabis businesses have revitalized buildings and maintained high security standards, which could similarly benefit Redford.
The application process in Redford comes with a $5,000 fee, and reviews will take six to eight weeks. Given the strong interest, officials have noted that some applicants have devised self-policing systems to ensure fairness. "They’ve been taking pictures of each other to see who’s in line. There's a camera outside for security, so if there’s any dispute, we can check that," McRae added. Applicants must remain in line or have someone hold their place, as leaving without a replacement means forfeiting their spot.
As the October 3rd application date approaches, Redford Township continues to prepare for the influx of applicants, which signals the community's entrance into Michigan’s booming cannabis industry. The excitement is palpable, but so are the challenges that may accompany the expansion.
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