Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Still struggling with how to deal with a medical marijuana law approved by voters two years ago, Brighton Township's Board of Trustees this week extended a moratorium it first enacted in June on medical marijuana businesses.
As in June, the township governing board feels the state hasn't properly clarified rules associated with the 2008 Medical Marihuana Act that made it legal for certain patients to use marijuana to relieve their symptoms.
"We had a six-month review, and like most communities, we don't know what the (Medical Marihuana Act) means, either," said Township Manager Dan Bishop, noting that its language is "poorly and loosely written.
"It's hard to get a grasp on something like this. It's like catching the wind," he added. "After a review of our research, we decided to extend the moratorium."
Several Livingston County municipalities have handled the medical marijuana issue in similar fashion because they feel pressured to have some type of ordinance on the books in case a medical marijuana dispensary aims to set up shop within their limits. In many cases, local governments are conflicted between enforcing state law and federal law, which continues to ban the use and possession of marijuana.
Hartland Township, the cities of Brighton and Howell and the village of Pinckney have either approved moratoriums while zoning rules are reviewed or simply zoned out buildings where marijuana would be smoked or dispensed.
Green Oak Township recently approved minor zoning-ordinance changes that incorporate state-approved medical marijuana use, possession and growth into the township's rules for building uses. The township's ordinance was updated to say that state-approved use, possession and growth of medical marijuana are exempt from a prohibition against building uses not in line with local, state and federal law.
"You need to have something on the books, because if someone comes in and says, 'We want to grow marijuana here in Pinckney and open up a dispensary,' we need to have a response," said Pinckney Village President Rebecca Foster.
Pinckney currently has a moratorium on medical marijuana businesses, with its Planning Commission researching a long-term solution to the issue.
Municipalities that opt not to enact a moratorium or ordinance regarding medical marijuana could face problems, Foster said.
"They run the risk of having a (medical marijuana business) come in their area with no way to handle it," she said.
In Michigan, the law allows people to use medical marijuana with a doctor's certification and a state registration if they have conditions such as cancer, HIV, Crohn's disease or other conditions involving chronic pain, nausea or muscle spasms. Individuals must apply to the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Under the law, patients can possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 12 marijuana plants for personal use. Caregivers, authorized by the state to provide the marijuana, can possess a similar amount for each patient, up to five people. Users and caregivers must keep all marijuana under lock and key.
Bishop said he hopes Michigan legislators will review medical marijuana in the 2011 term and make clarifications. Until that — or something similar happens — Bishop said confusion over medical marijuana in Michigan will likely continue.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: livingstondaily.com
Author: Frank Konkel
Copyright: 2010 Gannett Co., Inc
As in June, the township governing board feels the state hasn't properly clarified rules associated with the 2008 Medical Marihuana Act that made it legal for certain patients to use marijuana to relieve their symptoms.
"We had a six-month review, and like most communities, we don't know what the (Medical Marihuana Act) means, either," said Township Manager Dan Bishop, noting that its language is "poorly and loosely written.
"It's hard to get a grasp on something like this. It's like catching the wind," he added. "After a review of our research, we decided to extend the moratorium."
Several Livingston County municipalities have handled the medical marijuana issue in similar fashion because they feel pressured to have some type of ordinance on the books in case a medical marijuana dispensary aims to set up shop within their limits. In many cases, local governments are conflicted between enforcing state law and federal law, which continues to ban the use and possession of marijuana.
Hartland Township, the cities of Brighton and Howell and the village of Pinckney have either approved moratoriums while zoning rules are reviewed or simply zoned out buildings where marijuana would be smoked or dispensed.
Green Oak Township recently approved minor zoning-ordinance changes that incorporate state-approved medical marijuana use, possession and growth into the township's rules for building uses. The township's ordinance was updated to say that state-approved use, possession and growth of medical marijuana are exempt from a prohibition against building uses not in line with local, state and federal law.
"You need to have something on the books, because if someone comes in and says, 'We want to grow marijuana here in Pinckney and open up a dispensary,' we need to have a response," said Pinckney Village President Rebecca Foster.
Pinckney currently has a moratorium on medical marijuana businesses, with its Planning Commission researching a long-term solution to the issue.
Municipalities that opt not to enact a moratorium or ordinance regarding medical marijuana could face problems, Foster said.
"They run the risk of having a (medical marijuana business) come in their area with no way to handle it," she said.
In Michigan, the law allows people to use medical marijuana with a doctor's certification and a state registration if they have conditions such as cancer, HIV, Crohn's disease or other conditions involving chronic pain, nausea or muscle spasms. Individuals must apply to the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Under the law, patients can possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 12 marijuana plants for personal use. Caregivers, authorized by the state to provide the marijuana, can possess a similar amount for each patient, up to five people. Users and caregivers must keep all marijuana under lock and key.
Bishop said he hopes Michigan legislators will review medical marijuana in the 2011 term and make clarifications. Until that — or something similar happens — Bishop said confusion over medical marijuana in Michigan will likely continue.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: livingstondaily.com
Author: Frank Konkel
Copyright: 2010 Gannett Co., Inc
