Preliminary approval has been given for Benton Township’s first recreational marijuana operation.

Richard Plangger has obtained a special use permit to cultivate and sell recreational marijuana at 2390 Pipestone Road. He had previously received approval for a medical marijuana facility at the same location.

The planning commission has set conditions, including a site plan review for retail expansion, compliance with ordinances and licensing requirements and more.

Plangger’s plan involves seeking five Class C grow licenses, allowing for up to 10,000 plants and the creation of around 25 initial jobs, expanding to 40-to-50 employees once it’s fully operational.