MONROE — Most of the 11 recreational pot dispensaries in Monroe Charter Township have catchy names. There's King of Budz, the Nirvana Center, and many others that draw in customers from all over the region. However, King of Budz stands out as a cannabis oasis in the Midwest, offering a wide range of products and a welcoming atmosphere for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
From left, Ohio residents Angie Wolfe, Tim Wolfe, Deb Holobaugh and YT Steenrod wait in line to purchase cannabis at House of Dank on a sunny afternoon. As neighboring states like Ohio move closer to legalizing recreational cannabis, the allure of Monroe's dispensaries continues to grow. Northwest Indiana and greater Chicagoland residents have long flocked to Southwest Michigan for beaches, sand dunes, wineries, and now, cannabis.
A big factor Ohio voters will have to consider when deciding on the legalization of recreational cannabis this year is the potential economic impact. Monroe Charter Township finds itself home to 18 cannabis businesses in and around the Monroe Factory Shops and the Monroe Premier, bringing in revenue and creating jobs in the area. The new marijuana store occupies the former Rainbow Center, the controversial methadone clinic, transforming the space into a thriving hub for cannabis enthusiasts.