Michigan’s Third-Largest City Opens Doors to Recreational Cannabis Businesses

24 March 2025

Warren, Michigan, has approved a major shift in its marijuana laws with a 5–2 City Council vote allowing an unlimited number of recreational marijuana businesses to operate within city limits, provided they comply with zoning restrictions. Under the new ordinance, cannabis dispensaries must be located at least 1,000 feet from schools and 500 feet from residential zones. The move aims to retain cannabis tax revenue—potentially over $1 million annually—that currently flows to neighboring municipalities. It also opens the marijuana business application process to all qualifying operators, ending a previously opaque approval system that faced legal scrutiny for violating the Open Meetings Act.

While the ordinance removes caps on dispensaries, officials including Councilmember Jonathan Lafferty believe the number of openings will naturally be limited by market forces and strict zoning. Supporters argue the change will help revitalize vacant properties, increase property values, and expand the city’s tax base. Critics remain concerned about over-saturation, public health, and the city's image, with some residents citing crime and odor as potential issues. The decision also intersects with ongoing legal disputes over the city's earlier medical marijuana licensing cap, marking a pivotal moment in Warren’s approach to cannabis regulation as Michigan’s adult-use marijuana market continues to grow.