Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Mi - Lansing Councilwoman Carol Wood drives by vacant houses and wonders if someone could convert a dwelling into a place where the terminally ill could smoke medical marijuana.
Constituents are asking whether they can rent property to help others under the guidelines of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, which voters approved in November 2008.
However, the guidelines present an agility test considering marijuana is a narcotic substance.
"This is a whole new area," Wood said. "We're just in the mode of gathering information. You have to figure out how to best utilize (the legislation) in your community."
Communities across the state - including mid-Michigan - are grappling with the law, proposing resolutions and ordinances to guide their management of medical marijuana use within their boundaries.
Lansing, East Lansing and Charlotte have nothing on the books right now but are considering new rules. And they're closely watching the fallout in other places such as Grand Rapids that have studied zoning changes to address the law.
Mike Woodworth is an attorney with the Hubbard Law Firm, which has dispatched attorneys across the state to help counties, cities, townships and villages manage orderly communities because while medical marijuana use is legal under Michigan law, the use of marijuana also violates federal drug mandates.
"One of the first things that we try to do is educate our audiences on the major parts of this new legislation," Woodworth said.
During his sessions, Woodworth's main reminder is that 63 percent of voters cast ballots for the passage of medical marijuana use.
However, "we're getting calls from people who are wanting to set up dispensaries," said Billie O'Berry, Lansing's assistant city attorney. "We need clarification. The act does not address dispensaries or compassion clubs."
Proposal coming
City officials plan to present soon a proposal that would guide Lansing's management of the new medical marijuana legislation. Both the public and officials will have a chance to provide input on the draft.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: lansingstatejournal.com
Author: Susan Vela
Copyright: 2010 Lansing State Journal
Contact: lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing FEEDBACK | Lansing State Journal
Website: Still hazy on pot law: Medical marijuana presents challenges | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal
• Thanks to MedicalNeed for submitting this article
Constituents are asking whether they can rent property to help others under the guidelines of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, which voters approved in November 2008.
However, the guidelines present an agility test considering marijuana is a narcotic substance.
"This is a whole new area," Wood said. "We're just in the mode of gathering information. You have to figure out how to best utilize (the legislation) in your community."
Communities across the state - including mid-Michigan - are grappling with the law, proposing resolutions and ordinances to guide their management of medical marijuana use within their boundaries.
Lansing, East Lansing and Charlotte have nothing on the books right now but are considering new rules. And they're closely watching the fallout in other places such as Grand Rapids that have studied zoning changes to address the law.
Mike Woodworth is an attorney with the Hubbard Law Firm, which has dispatched attorneys across the state to help counties, cities, townships and villages manage orderly communities because while medical marijuana use is legal under Michigan law, the use of marijuana also violates federal drug mandates.
"One of the first things that we try to do is educate our audiences on the major parts of this new legislation," Woodworth said.
During his sessions, Woodworth's main reminder is that 63 percent of voters cast ballots for the passage of medical marijuana use.
However, "we're getting calls from people who are wanting to set up dispensaries," said Billie O'Berry, Lansing's assistant city attorney. "We need clarification. The act does not address dispensaries or compassion clubs."
Proposal coming
City officials plan to present soon a proposal that would guide Lansing's management of the new medical marijuana legislation. Both the public and officials will have a chance to provide input on the draft.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: lansingstatejournal.com
Author: Susan Vela
Copyright: 2010 Lansing State Journal
Contact: lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing FEEDBACK | Lansing State Journal
Website: Still hazy on pot law: Medical marijuana presents challenges | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal
• Thanks to MedicalNeed for submitting this article
