Three dispensaries one step closer to setting up shop in New Buffalo Township

 

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. -- Three marijuana dispensaries are one step closer to opening up shop just outside the city of New Buffalo.

On Tuesday evening, the New Buffalo Township Planning Commission approved three requests for pot shops to be placed right near the Indiana/Michigan state line off US 12, heading towards New Buffalo.

As it stands, there’s only one dispensary within New Buffalo city limits, and another in the area on native land, not owned by the city or township.

The process has been in the works for a year and a half, to open more dispensaries in that area, but Tuesday’s approval was a necessary step for the three businesses to open.

Just past the state line going from Michigan City to New Buffalo will be the first dispensary. 

Native Leaf LLC got the green light to turn the empty area into a provisioning center.

They hope to be open seven days a week, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with five to six employees. 

The second dispensary, just a half mile down the road, will be owned by Bobeck Real Estate Company.

A representative from the company says it’s just another addition to their list of dispensaries, including Sunset Coast Provisions in Cassopolis. 

Almost directly next to it, Mitten State Engineering is planning to remodel an existing building off Grand Avenue, turning it into a fully functioning dispensary, also open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with five employees.

Tuesday night's vote is still preliminary however and needs final approval.

Members of the planning commission say it will still be a while before the dispensaries start serving customers.