Pubdate: Thu, 7 Oct 2010
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2010 Detroit Free Press
Contact: http://www.freep.com/article/99999999/opinion04/50926009
Website: http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: Elisha Anderson, Free Press Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA CONFERENCE MIGHT MOVE TO COBO

A controversial medical marijuana conference at the Silverdome in 
Pontiac that was canceled because of opposition from public officials 
has a new organizer who wants to move the event to Detroit. It may 
not be welcome there, either.

"This is not the kind of event that we'd like synonymous with the 
city of Detroit," said Mayor Dave Bing's spokeswoman Karen Dumas.

Greg Carr, the event's organizer, said he's working to bring the 
conference to Cobo Center on Oct. 29-31 -- the days the event was 
scheduled for in Pontiac.

"There has not been a contract signed. We're looking at trying to get 
that contract signed by Friday," Carr said.

Carr said the proposed conference would feature information from 
advocates and lawyers discussing the medical marijuana law, vendors 
selling devices to use medical marijuana, holistic health companies 
and live music.

"This is not a pot party. This is an education convention," Carr 
said. He predicts it could draw 10,000-25,000 people.

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority would determine 
whether to allow the event to be held at Cobo, but has not been 
contacted directly about the event.

A Cobo representative said there have been talks, but it's far from a 
done deal.

"We're in the process of completing our due diligence as far as 
checking out the background of the group and the legal aspects of 
having such a show," Dave Austin, director of sales and marketing for 
Cobo Center, said in a written statement.

Detroit police didn't return calls Wednesday seeking comment.

Promoters pulled out of the event in Pontiac because they didn't have 
a permit for it and were concerned about getting one in time for the 
event, according to Medical Marijuana CEO Bruce Perlowin. Instead, he 
said, he plans to hold a similar event in California next year.

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper told the Free Press she had 
concerns about what would take place at the conference in Pontiac and 
whether it would be legal. 
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