Detroit corporation counsel Melvin Butch Hollowell told the Free Press that 283 dispensaries were identified last year, all of which were operating illegally.
"None of them were operating lawfully," Hollowell said. "At the time I sent a letter to each one of them indicating that unless you have a fully licensed facility, you are operating at your own risk."
So far 167 medical marijuana dispensaries has been closed and another additional 51 are in the pipeline to be closed in the coming weeks.
And as of last week, only five have been licensed and are legally allowed to operate within city limits. Applications are still in the queue, Hollowell said, for approval.
Hollowell said shops are also prohibited from operating within 1,000-foot radius of a church, school, park, liquor store, other dispensaries and other places considered a drug-free zone under city law, such as libraries or child care centers. They also must close by ... More