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Hydroponic Shops Popping Up Across Michigan

MADISON HEIGHTS (WWJ) - The signs say "hydroponic" and "gardening supply." The numbers of stores aimed at helping people grow medical marijuana, and other plants, indoors are on the rise.

WWJ spoke with Melissa Alfery, co-owner of Northern Lights in Madison Heights, who says these are not just marijuana growing shops.

"Of course, there's a big stigma involved with having a hydroponic shop. Everybody thinks it's a big pot shop, and that's really not the case. It's a gardening store," she said.

"Really, it's not just for (marijuana growers) but it's definitely for that.  Percentage wise, people who come in with a medical card is, I'd say, close to 85 percent," Alfrey said.

RAW VIDEO: Take a look inside the store

Alfery said said visited several similar stores across Metro Detroit.

"I have counted the stores, but before we opened we did a big tour just to see what everybody else was doing. There's a lot of different operations and they all seem to be doing pretty well...  This is a great thing for the economy right now. It's exactly what Michigan needs," she said.

Alvera said she plants to flowers at the store later this spring.

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