A judge has delayed issuing a decision in the ongoing legal battle over Menominee’s marijuana licensing process after hearing nearly two hours of arguments from attorneys representing both sides.

The hearing focused on competing motions involving the city’s marijuana licensing ordinance, including requests for summary disposition and a permanent injunction. Attorneys debated whether the city’s licensing process complied with state law, how previous court rulings should be interpreted, and whether changes to the city’s ordinance and voter-approved referendum affect the case.

Attorneys representing the City of Menominee argued the city acted within its legal authority and asked the court to rule in its favor. Attorneys challenging the licensing process maintained the city violated state law and argued the court should permanently prevent enforcement of portions of the ordinance.

Following arguments from both sides, the judge declined to issue an immediate ruling from the bench. Instead, she said she will take the matter under advisement and announce her decision at the next scheduled court hearing.

The lawsuit stems from a long-running dispute over how the City of Menominee has awarded recreational marijuana licenses following voter-approved ballot measures expanding the number of available licenses.