Michigan Towns Buys Odor Detecting Device Because It Stinks From Marijuana

home grown pot in the nation's capital

home grown pot in the nation's capital

A small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is trying to deal with the unintended consequences of a 2018 law that allows people to grow up to 12 marijuana plants. While many residents in Bessemer City, which has a population of 1,905, have taken advantage of the law, and grow marijuana inside their homes, not everybody is happy because the plants emit a pungent odor when they blossom.

"The city of Bessemer stinks," council member Linda Nelson said. "You can smell marijuana everywhere. We've got people who can't sit in their backyard because the smell from their neighbor is so bad."

The odor is especially strong in the summer when the plants begin to bloom.

"The bloom period lasts six to eight weeks," Bessemer City Manager Charly Loper told the Associated Press. "A lot of people describe it as a skunk-like odor. It can be strong."

To help combat the problem, the city council voted to purchase a Nasal Ranger, which they can use to monitor the air quality and help city officials to determine the best way to solve the smelly problem.

Loper said that she understands people have a right to grow marijuana, and the town is trying to find a balance to keep everybody happy. One solution offered was to require residents who grow marijuana to install an air-filtration system to help mitigate the pungent odor that spreads far beyond their homes.

"We're treading very softly in this area," she said. "People have a right to grow marijuana in their house, but everyone needs to be considerate of their neighbors, so the odor isn't affecting their enjoyment of the outdoors."

Photo: Getty Images

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