Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

You’ll never guess which Michigan counties loved weed (Kidding, you will)

April 25, 2019: Sea change for Michigan marijuana comes amidst industry chaos
Related: Legal marijuana didn’t end black market elsewhere. What can Michigan learn?
Related: Whitmer administration changing tone around Michigan marijuana regulation
Update Dec. 4: You can smoke pot in Michigan but not buy it. What you need to know.

Every April since 1972, Ann Arbor has hosted an unofficial “hash bash,” a celebration of marijuana amid hopes it would become legal.

Next year, it might be a little more celebratory.

Washtenaw County, in which Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan sit, saw more than two-thirds of its voters this week back Proposal 1, the ballot measure that makes recreational marijuana legal in Michigan.

It gave Prop 1 the highest “yes” support in the state, followed by Ingham (Michigan State University), Wayne (Wayne State and Detroit) and Kalamazoo (Western Michigan) counties.

Across Michigan, 50 of 83 counties backed Proposal 1.

Statewide, 56 percent of voters approved Proposal 1; 44 percent were against. Most opposed: Voters in Missaukee County in north-central Michigan. More than 60 percent of voters voted “no.”

Chart: Democrats can thank more educated voters for swinging Michigan seats

A number of northern Michigan counties also did not support Proposal 1, including much of the Upper Peninsula, though those with universities –  Houghton, Marquette and Chippewa counties – did back the measure that will allow for recreational retail stores and home growing of limited amounts of marijuana.

Click on the counties to see how they voted and which way they lean politically.

How impactful was this article for you?

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now