The City of Menominee is moving ahead following a court ruling that largely ends the legal battle over the city’s recreational marijuana licensing process.

A Menominee County judge recently ruled in favor of the city in the case involving Puff Cannabis, allowing the licensing process to continue under the city’s ordinance while leaving just one recreational marijuana license still available.

During a recent Common Council meeting, City Administrator Brett Botbyl said the decision provides long-awaited clarity for both the city and businesses that have been waiting to move forward. With the legal uncertainty now behind them, two marijuana retailers are preparing to open their doors, while one remaining license has yet to be awarded.

Botbyl said the city remains committed to following the licensing process established by both the city ordinance and voter-approved ballot measures.

The administrator also addressed his upcoming annual performance review, saying the evaluation process has been handled with complete transparency. Botbyl said the community has been kept informed throughout the process, and he believes that level of openness is important to maintaining the public’s trust.

Botbyl added that while not every decision made by city officials will satisfy everyone, he believes transparency and accountability remain essential to good local government.

The court’s decision marks another major milestone in the city’s years-long effort to implement recreational marijuana licensing and allows Menominee to focus on completing the final phase of the process.