Pubdate: Tue, 21 Dec 2010
Source: Grand Rapids Press (MI)
Copyright: 2010 Grand Rapids Press
Contact:  http://www.mlive.com/grand-rapids/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/171
Author: Garret Ellison, The Grand Rapids Press
Cited: Township board http://www.alpinetwp.org/boards.php
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan)

NEW RULES FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA SPELLED OUT FOR ALPINE TOWNSHIP

ALPINE TOWNSHIP - Medical marijuana will be allowed in Alpine 
Township, but new rules will prohibit dispensaries and regulate the 
way licensed caregivers conduct business and interact with patients.

The first reading of a medical marijuana amendment to the township 
zoning ordinance took place Monday night.

Under the new rules, licensed caregivers are considered a home 
occupation. Only one will be allowed per "dwelling unit" and that 
must be the principal residence of the caregiver.

Marijuana must also be delivered to the patients, rather than having 
patients pick up their marijuana dose at the caregiver's home.

"We certainly could do what the city of Wyoming did and forbid 
everything," said Township Supervisor Alex Arends. "What we're trying 
to do is provide a compassionate way to get medical marijuana to 
those people who are allowed to have it."

The rules define dispensaries as any place - mobile or otherwise - 
where medical marijuana is smoked or consumed by three or more people 
simultaneously.

Amendments to the home occupation rules impose a strict review and 
application process, as well as restricting noise, light, fumes or 
anything that may be noticeable to neighbors.

No garage or attached accessory building may be used. No sales can 
take place on the premises. Marijuana must remain in an enclosed, 
locked facility accessible only to the caregiver.

Also, no signs advertising marijuana are permitted. Violations of the 
ordinance would be a civil infraction punishable by minor fines.

"There's very little fanfare here," said Arends. "I think this is a 
very good ordinance." The amendment was drawn up by Planning Director 
Sue Thomas, who used a report by Gerald Fisher, a Cooley Law School 
professor, to help draft the language.

Trustee Ron Cordes, also on the Planning Commission, said Alpine has 
received several requests from other townships in West Michigan to 
"piggyback" on their medical marijuana research.

The second and final reading of the new rules will take place at the 
next Township Board meeting, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Township 
hall, 5255 Alpine Ave. NW. If approved, the rules would go into 
effect in late January.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake