Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Galien – The decision on whether Galien Township will allow medical marijuana growing operations is being delayed.
After hearing some public comments during a hearing Monday night, the township's planning commission voted 5-0 to get more information about the pros and cons of such a state-licensed operation. The commission will revisit the issue at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 3 at the Township Hall.
Whatever decision the planning commission makes will be a recommendation to the township's board of trustees, which will make the final decision.
Spurring the commission's consideration of the amendment is a request made by Carie O'Donnell of New Buffalo for a special-use permit for 33.17 acres at 2015 Olive Branch Road in Galien Township so she can grow medical marijuana there.
Since growing more than 72 marijuana plants for medical purposes is not allowed, the township decided to consider making it a special land use. The state would determine how many marijuana plants O'Donnell can grow.
Galien Township resident Beth Denton said she thinks growing medical marijuana fits into the township's agricultural community, but the number of growers should be capped. "You would want to go slowly and carefully to learn how much money we can get from this and how does it all really work," she said.
But Ina Carr, also a township resident, strongly opposes having a marijuana growing operation there. She mentioned the possibility of having neighboring properties devalued, and the addictive nature of marijuana.
"As for the agricultural nature in this community, that's about growing wheat and corn – things animals need to survive, things humans need to survive."
O'Donnell is positioning herself for December, when the state will start taking license applications under the new commercial system. The first licenses are expected to be issued in 2018.
If she gets a license from the state, per Michigan's new law passed last year – and if Galien Township decides to allow medical marijuana growing as an allowed use with a special permit – O'Donnell can apply to the township for the permit.
The local permit would cost her $5,000 per year, which would go toward administrative fees and employment of an officer to police the growing operation. O'Donnell said she would be willing to employ people from the township if they can do the job and pass the background check.
Also, O'Donnell said the growing operation would have landscaping along the exterior so passers-by can't see anything. She told the commission that she has seen firsthand the benefits of medical marijuana for those suffering with illnesses.
"I have a true mission," she added.
The local government stands to benefit financially from allowing the growing operation in its community, thanks to Michigan's Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act of 2016.
Local governments could collect a small percentage of licensing fees and dispensary sales, if medical marijuana dispensaries are eventually allowed. Right now, Galien Township is only considering growing operations.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Galien Township Delays Decision On Medical Marijuana
Author: Landa Bagley
Contact: 574-235-6161
Photo Credit: Robert F. Bukaty
Website: South Bend Tribune
After hearing some public comments during a hearing Monday night, the township's planning commission voted 5-0 to get more information about the pros and cons of such a state-licensed operation. The commission will revisit the issue at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 3 at the Township Hall.
Whatever decision the planning commission makes will be a recommendation to the township's board of trustees, which will make the final decision.
Spurring the commission's consideration of the amendment is a request made by Carie O'Donnell of New Buffalo for a special-use permit for 33.17 acres at 2015 Olive Branch Road in Galien Township so she can grow medical marijuana there.
Since growing more than 72 marijuana plants for medical purposes is not allowed, the township decided to consider making it a special land use. The state would determine how many marijuana plants O'Donnell can grow.
Galien Township resident Beth Denton said she thinks growing medical marijuana fits into the township's agricultural community, but the number of growers should be capped. "You would want to go slowly and carefully to learn how much money we can get from this and how does it all really work," she said.
But Ina Carr, also a township resident, strongly opposes having a marijuana growing operation there. She mentioned the possibility of having neighboring properties devalued, and the addictive nature of marijuana.
"As for the agricultural nature in this community, that's about growing wheat and corn – things animals need to survive, things humans need to survive."
O'Donnell is positioning herself for December, when the state will start taking license applications under the new commercial system. The first licenses are expected to be issued in 2018.
If she gets a license from the state, per Michigan's new law passed last year – and if Galien Township decides to allow medical marijuana growing as an allowed use with a special permit – O'Donnell can apply to the township for the permit.
The local permit would cost her $5,000 per year, which would go toward administrative fees and employment of an officer to police the growing operation. O'Donnell said she would be willing to employ people from the township if they can do the job and pass the background check.
Also, O'Donnell said the growing operation would have landscaping along the exterior so passers-by can't see anything. She told the commission that she has seen firsthand the benefits of medical marijuana for those suffering with illnesses.
"I have a true mission," she added.
The local government stands to benefit financially from allowing the growing operation in its community, thanks to Michigan's Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act of 2016.
Local governments could collect a small percentage of licensing fees and dispensary sales, if medical marijuana dispensaries are eventually allowed. Right now, Galien Township is only considering growing operations.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Galien Township Delays Decision On Medical Marijuana
Author: Landa Bagley
Contact: 574-235-6161
Photo Credit: Robert F. Bukaty
Website: South Bend Tribune
