Voters & local business owner react to marijuana-related ordinances on ballot in Niles Township

NILES, Mich. -- Voters in Niles Township are deciding this Election Day on two marijuana-related proposals that could determine the future of cannabis businesses in the community.

The first proposal revisits an ordinance approved last year that allows unlimited dispensaries to apply for licenses within the township. A yes vote on that measure would allow 29 cannabis businesses to move forward in the process.
The second proposal would impose a complete ban on marijuana dispensaries within township limits, including those that have already been approved.
The proposals follow months of pushback from residents concerned about an oversaturated market and the township’s proximity to the Indiana state line.
Others, including local business owner Daniel Tiser, say allowing dispensaries could bring increased foot traffic and tax revenue to the township.
Tiser, longtime president of Michiana Rental, said he had already agreed to sell property to dispensaries planning to move in and believes banning them now would lead to legal disputes and lost investment.
“The places that sold out like me to the marijuana businesses you know they saw a good thing and they took their chances like Hackers or Jays. This is a good opportunity for us to make some money bringing in some new fresh blood in the area and they took it." Tiser said.
Polls remain open until 8 p.m. as voters decide the fate of the 1.5-mile stretch north of the state line, previous dubbed “The Green Mile.”