Pubdate: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 Source: Sault Ste. Marie Evening News (MI) Copyright: 2010 GateHouse Media, Inc. Contact: http://www.sooeveningnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5195 Author: Scott Brand, The Evening News MORATORIUM: CITY PUTS MEDICAL MARIJUANA SALES ON HOLD A moratorium on medical marijuana and the establishment of a fee for the removal of garage sale signs highlighted Monday's meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission. From all indications, the commission did not appear to be using the moratorium to forever ban the sale of this product, but to give the Planning and Development Commission time to regulate the new industry. The bulk of the regulation for medical marijuana was created by the Michigan Department of Community Health on the heels of the voter-approved initiative. "This is literally going to be a home-grown product," explained City Attorney Steve Cannello. "It's going to be grown in the state for distribution in the state." Cannello went on to say that six months should provide enough time to determine zoning for the marijuana dispensaries. In addition to the smokeable form commonly associated with the leaf, it is anticipated that it will become a staple in some food products designed to help patients with the required prescriptions. Director James Hendricks said the Planning and Development Department will need some time to work on this, adding that six months didn't seem unreasonable. City Manager Spencer Nebel also indicated the city had met with at least one individual who has expressed an interest in providing medical marijuana to Sault Ste. Marie residents. Those associated with the proposed establishment also supported the moratorium on the sale, distribution and manufacture until all of the logistics were sorted out. The commission also approved a $20 collection fee for the removal of yard sale and rummage sale signs placed in the city right-of-way. Under the new system, the property address on the rummage sale sign will be the one assessed with the initial bill of $20 increasing to $90 if the city has to go to the single lot special assessment to collect. Political signs, real estate signs and others that are placed in the city right-of-way will be governed by different rules and are not subject to the additional special assessment. Only those signs for garage, rummage and yard sales listing the street address for the event will be subject to the extra charges. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake