Pubdate: Thu, 24 Mar 2011
Source: Crawford County Avalanche (MI)
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/nZ6k0GlA
Copyright: 2011 Crawford County Avalanche
Website: http://www.crawfordcountyavalanche.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5247
Author: Dan Sanderson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/medical+marijuana+moratorium

MEDICAL MARIJUANA MORATORIUM PASSED

Like following in the footsteps of a neighbor, the Grayling Charter 
Township Board placed a moratorium on the establishment of medical 
marijuana businesses within the township for at least a half of a year.

The Grayling Township Board, at its regular monthly meeting last 
week, placed a six-month moratorium on allowing medical marijuana 
businesses to be opened within the township.

Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved the Michigan Medical 
Marijuana Act at the Nov. 4, 2008 general election polls. The state 
referendum legalized the use of marijuana for qualifying patients 
with certain diseases or medical issues.

Grayling Charter Township Supervisor Terry Wright said township 
officials are requesting more time to study zoning regulating medical 
marijuana businesses.

"We recognize the law has passed, but we need some time to study the 
ramifications and intricacies of it," Wright said.

Zoning under the law regulates such facilities such as a dispensatory 
or locker facility for primary caregivers  or registered qualifying 
patients to transact business.

In February, the Grayling City Council also passed a six-month 
moratorium on allowing medical marijuana businesses to be opened 
within the city.

Grayling City Manager/Police Chief Doug Baum attended the township 
board's meeting last week, but did not take part in the brief 
deliberations regarding the six-month moratorium.

Baum said he hopes that all governmental units in Crawford County 
will adopt a uniform ordinance to address medical marijuana businesses.
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