MI: Buchanan Writing Rules For Medical Marijuana Businesses

Ron Strider

Well-Known Member
July could be the month for a public hearing and possible adoption of rules to govern medical marijuana businesses in Buchanan.

Buchanan commissioners on Monday reviewed a proposed ordinance that lays out which medical marijuana ventures, being legalized under state law, the city will allow and how it plans to regulate them.

The proposal details the permit application requirements for each type of business; how the city will evaluate and renew permits; business operating standards; and how permits may be denied or revoked.

"This is just step one to get things moving," said City Manager Bill Marx of the draft.

Marx said he expects to gather community input on the proposal at a public hearing in July before the ordinance might be presented to the commissioners for approval later that month.

Members of the city commission offered a few observations on the plan Monday.

Commissioner Pat Moore said she'd like to see the ordinance offer a way for residents to voice concerns about operations they find bothersome and have the city factor those concerns into a possible permit renewal.

Commission member Dan Vigansky suggested adjusting the distances from schools and churches that different types of ventures can locate.

Under the plan, Buchanan would permit multiple businesses in each of the five types of commercial medical marijuana ventures legalized by the state. Those include growers, processors, dispensaries, transporters and safety compliance facilities.

In conjunction with the ordinance, the city will also amend zoning rules to specify where each type of business can locate, says Debra Patzer, who oversees zoning and planning for Buchanan.

A copy of the proposed ordinance can be viewed at City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail.

Three Michigan laws passed last year create a new commercial system for medical cannabis, and in December the state will begin accepting applications for licenses for businesses under the new system. Cities, townships and villages can choose whether to opt into the system and establish rules to govern the ventures in their communities. State and local governments will collect licensing or permit fees for the new businesses, plus a share of taxes on dispensary sales.

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