For the past two years, much of the public conversation surrounding cannabis in New Buffalo Township has focused on traffic, crime and community concerns. But alongside that debate, another story has been unfolding, one centered on financial investment, civic partnerships, and meaningful local impact.
Financial impact of dispensaries
According to Township Supervisor Michelle Heit, since New Buffalo Township opted into allowing marijuana establishments in 2023, the township has received approximately $455,000 in marijuana application fees, averaging about $150,000 per year. These funds are designated specifically for enforcement and regulatory oversight.
In addition, the township received $349,000 in 2025 from its share of the 2024 state marijuana excise tax. Those funds were used for road improvements.
Looking ahead, the 2025 excise tax disbursement, expected in late February or early March 2026, is projected to total approximately $1.5 million, based on last year’s per-dispensary distribution. The township plans to allocate the funds as follows: $750,000 for road improvements; $500,000 for construction of a non-motorized path along Harbor Country Drive; $200,000 for the Fire Department to support additional personnel.
Any remaining funds will be applied toward the cost of a new fire truck scheduled to arrive this spring.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, cannabis revenue has strengthened public safety and regulatory capacity. The township was able to move its code enforcement officer, Jonathan Jakubowski, from part-time to full-time using application-fee revenue. The township also added an additional deputy during the summer months and on April 20 (“4/20”), when dispensary activity is typically higher, to ensure additional coverage during operating hours.
Contributions to the community
Local cannabis dispensaries have also taken an active role in supporting community services and charitable organizations throughout New Buffalo Township.
At the Tuesday, Jan. 27 meeting, Lt. Thad Chartrand presented a thank-you letter from NBAS Superintendent Adam Bowen to John McLeod of Cloud Opportunity, whose Bloomery brand dispensary operates in New Buffalo. Bloomery funded Vibe18, a youth education and prevention organization, to provide programming for New Buffalo Area Schools students in grades five through twelve.
Read more at Harbor County News
