How business in Michigan is affected by dispensary density

NILES, Mich. -- Cannabis was legalized nearly six years ago in Michigan, creating an influx of dispensaries. Now, in Niles, Michigan, those same shops that started here are thriving.

In other parts of Michigan, cannabis dispensaries are not doing as well. Many having to shut their doors after too many shops went up in one area.

Green Stem Cannabis Dispensary brand manager, Katie Lynch Lindgren, says Niles shops have done well because the city put a limit on how many dispensaries could open.

“Where New Buffalo I think kind of stumbled and fell upon themselves is greed. They came in and went unlimited thinking that they would be able to get all this money from the state, and yes of course there’s things within the laws, however they’ve lost chiropractors, they’ve lost all of their local businesses, they’ve lost yoga studios and gardening centers and homes,” said Lindgren.

Lindgren went on to explain if the city does it correctly, marijuana shops could be able to help other businesses gain customers.

“When we get to see thousands of people coming through our doors that wouldn’t be here otherwise, businesses around us get to flourish,” explained Lindgren.