Big Daddy's Hydroponics Eyes New Baltimore

Approximately six months after closing doors in Chesterfield Township, Big Daddy's Hydroponics wants to reopen in neighboring New Baltimore.

Owner Rick Ferris, also known as Big Daddy, told Patch late Monday that he plans to open on Green Street in a vacant building near the New Baltimore Police Department. Ferris says he aims to apply for a business license in the next few days for the leased building that meets Big Daddy's needs.

His customers who use medical marijuana for chronic pain requested a facility in that area, he said.

The business, formerly on Gratiot near 24 Mile Road in Chesterfield, was embroiled in litigation with Chesterfield and the state over allegations it violated zoning laws and was a public nuisance. Much of the case centered on the legal interpretation of the Medical Marihuana Act that a majority of voters passed in 2008.

But, in a letter to Macomb County Circuit Court Judge John Foster, Big Daddy's admitted zoning fault last winter and agreed to shut down its spacious township facility.

New Baltimore officials have mulled over the medical marijuana dispensary issue at length. City Council and Planning Commission officials recently were trying to finalize an ordinance that allows restricted growth in the city.

Check back with Patch for updates. Read more about the local medical marijuana debate here.