Pubdate: Sat, 21 Aug 2010
Source: Argus-Press, The (Owosso, MI)
Copyright: 2010 The Argus-Press
Contact: http://www.argus-press.com/submissions/?mode=letters
Website: http://www.argus-press.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4861
Author: Gary Ridley, Argus-Press Staff Writer
Cited: Owosso City Council 
http://ci.owosso.mi.us/Government/Overview-Government.htm
Referenced: Michigan Medical Marijuana Act http://drugsense.org/url/8mvr7sW8
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana

OWOSSO COMMITTEE COMES UP WITH MARIJUANA PLAN

OWOSSO - A committee created by the Owosso City Council to give the 
city direction on how to enforce the provisions of the Michigan 
Medical Marijuana Act has come up a recommendation.

The committee, comprised of council members Chris Eveleth, Mike 
Erfourth, Cindy Popovitch and Memorial Healthcare's Dr. Margaret 
Snow, agreed to recommend to the city council that medical marijuana 
can only be grown by caregivers in areas zoned R-1 and I-1 within the 
city limits.

In the residential zone, only one caregiver could grow marijuana in 
each dwelling. Committee members feared that allowing multiple 
growers in one residence could be classified as a business, since the 
Act allows for caregivers to grow and sell marijuana for up to five 
patients, and therefore does not fit the zoning regulations found in R-1.

Under the proposal, multiple growers would be able to use the same 
facility in the industrial zone, allowing for a more commercial-like 
growing operation.

The recommendation makes no specific reference to dispensaries.

Erfourth said the recommendation would still allow patients and 
caregivers to cultivate marijuana within the city while numerous 
legal battles surrounding the Medical Marijuana Act are worked out in 
the court system around the state. Erfourth also said the 
recommendation would be a more progressive solution than recommending 
a full moratorium on any medical marijuana activity while the city 
waits for guidance.

"I don't think the intent was to completely declare a moratorium," 
Erfourth said.

The recommendation will now move to the council for discussion and 
possible approval. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake