Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
The Monroe City Council tonight is expected to consider adopting a six-month moratorium regarding the sale and dispensing of medical marijuana.
City Manager George Brown and the Planning and Recreation Department are recommending an immediate 180-day moratorium to give the city more time to review the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act and develop a policy based on that research.
An ordinance could follow.
The council meets at 7:30 tonight in city hall, 120 E. First St. The regular meeting was pushed back a day because of the holiday.
Nearly two-thirds of Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal two years ago that decriminalized the use of medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions.
Michigan communities have generally taken no action, prohibited the use of medical marijuana based on federal law or adopted ordinances allowing the cultivation, dispensing and use of medical marijuana under certain conditions.
Monroe council members discussed the issue at a work session two months ago.
Interim Planning Director Jeffrey Green told the council at that time that the act did not leave a lot of direction for communities. He emphasized that voters did not legalize marijuana.
Grand Rapids has passed legislation allowing registered caregivers to operate as home occupations within residential neighborhoods, but Mr. Brown said he would prefer it be in a commercial area.
“Moving to regulate it in some fashion seems to be the proactive approach,” Mayor Robert E. Clark said at the work session. “We need to put something in place.”
Councilman Brian Beneteau noted, “Common sense is that you have dispensaries and not have this happening in neighborhoods.”
Mr. Green called the matter “a true Gordian Knot” (a metaphor for an intractable problem solved by a bold stroke). He added, “We have had some inquiries for (medical marijuana) businesses. I don’t know that I want a medical marijuana facility located next door to my house.”
Councilman Jeremy Molenda summed up the dilemma: “This is a real drag, man.”
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: monroenews.com
Author: Jeff Meade
Copyright: 2011 MonroeNews.com
Contact: MonroeNews.com
Website: City wants medical marijuana moratorium
City Manager George Brown and the Planning and Recreation Department are recommending an immediate 180-day moratorium to give the city more time to review the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act and develop a policy based on that research.
An ordinance could follow.
The council meets at 7:30 tonight in city hall, 120 E. First St. The regular meeting was pushed back a day because of the holiday.
Nearly two-thirds of Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal two years ago that decriminalized the use of medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions.
Michigan communities have generally taken no action, prohibited the use of medical marijuana based on federal law or adopted ordinances allowing the cultivation, dispensing and use of medical marijuana under certain conditions.
Monroe council members discussed the issue at a work session two months ago.
Interim Planning Director Jeffrey Green told the council at that time that the act did not leave a lot of direction for communities. He emphasized that voters did not legalize marijuana.
Grand Rapids has passed legislation allowing registered caregivers to operate as home occupations within residential neighborhoods, but Mr. Brown said he would prefer it be in a commercial area.
“Moving to regulate it in some fashion seems to be the proactive approach,” Mayor Robert E. Clark said at the work session. “We need to put something in place.”
Councilman Brian Beneteau noted, “Common sense is that you have dispensaries and not have this happening in neighborhoods.”
Mr. Green called the matter “a true Gordian Knot” (a metaphor for an intractable problem solved by a bold stroke). He added, “We have had some inquiries for (medical marijuana) businesses. I don’t know that I want a medical marijuana facility located next door to my house.”
Councilman Jeremy Molenda summed up the dilemma: “This is a real drag, man.”
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: monroenews.com
Author: Jeff Meade
Copyright: 2011 MonroeNews.com
Contact: MonroeNews.com
Website: City wants medical marijuana moratorium
