City uses marijuana tax money to improve playgrounds and sidewalks

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BIG RAPIDS – Big Rapids officials began making improvements across town with the first marijuana sales tax payments made last year.

This week, experts said Michigan’s cannabis market has exploded since legalization, totaling $ 3.2 billion in 2020. The Anderson Economic Group revealed its findings to a recent study.

The study found that Michigan is home to nearly 400 licensed medical supply centers and 300 licensed adult retail stores. Of these, Big Rapids is home to 10 marijuana supply centers. The study also showed that one in five Michiganders reported using cannabis in the past year, resulting in nearly $ 1 billion in reported legal sales in 2020.



Earlier this year, the state’s Treasury Department distributed nearly $ 10 million to more than 100 municipalities and counties under Michigan’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

In March, Big Rapids received a total of $ 84,003 for three licensed retail stores in its jurisdiction.

In 2020, Big Rapids saw three marijuana stores – Lume Cannabis Co., Premiere Provisions and KKind – open before the September 30 deadline to be considered for public funding.

The money was used to add sidewalks, parking lots and a playground structure adjacent to the Big Rapids Community Library, according to Big Rapids City Treasurer Aaron Kuhn.

“The timing has just been arranged” Kuhn said. “WWe can use the additional funding to attract funding for our library project and general city operations. “

The park will promote different elements of early literacy to create an environment that will prepare children for successful reading, Kuhn said. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, he added.

Big Rapids is still the only municipality in Mecosta County with open and operational marijuana stores.

As of December 2020, the following businesses have opened: Lake Life Farms; Dunegrass, the Wellflower; Mother feeds; Great Lakes Supply Center; Celestial mint; and RAIR.

The regulated cannabis industry generated $ 169 million in tax and royalty revenue in 2020. However, some 70% of transactions in Michigan’s cannabis industry take place outside of retail stores.

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