By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we begin the new year with topics that, to some, are hot-button issues: the implementation of the state’s recreational marijuana law — and licensing of facilities approved to sell the now legal product — as well as how Kent County handles the difficult job of animal control.

First, we will talk with the man in charge of the state’s marijuana regulatory efforts. Then we talk with Kent County Health Department’s top health official, who was selected to modernize and improve the county’s animal control efforts.

In Focus is Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, the agency which has been responsible for implementing the regulatory program enacted under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. In simple terms, the MRA is the state office which controls both the state’s medical and recreational marijuana distribution facilities.

With us is the agency’s Executive Director, Andrew Brisbo, who was appointed by Governor Whitmer to lead the MRA, the successor to the Bureau of Marijuana Regulation.

Also In Focus is Kent County Animal Shelter, which is administered by the Kent County Health Department. Late last year, the Kent County Board of Commissioners Executive Committee received an update on an on-going reorganization of the shelter conducted, in part, due to past criticism of the shelter’s operation.

With us is the person ultimately responsible for the shelter’s reorganization, Kent County’s Administrative Health Officer Adam London.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.