Pubdate: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 Source: Sturgis Journal, The (MI) Copyright: 2010 The Sturgis Journal Contact: http://www.sturgisjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1481 Author: Terry Katz Cited: Sturgis Planning Board & City Commission http://sturgis.mi.us/commission_boards.php Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?253 (Cannabis - Medicinal - U.S.) MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE PLAN MOVES ALONG Sturgis, Mich. - The Sturgis Planning Board voted 7-1 Tuesday to approve language in a proposed ordinance amendment that deals with where medical marijuana manufacturing and distribution facilities may be located within city limits. The proposal now goes to the city commission for future consideration. Planning board member Jon Good was opposed to the proposal, stating it was too restrictive for manufacturing. Good also said, "there was no room for compromise." Planning board members who cast yes votes were Mike Wilson, Michael Brothers, Warren Adkins, Pete Stage, Don Eaton, Michael Caywood and John Mikulenas, chairman. Sturgis Deputy Police Chief Dave Ives and city attorney Rob Pattison were prepared to help answer inquiries. No one in the audience had comments or questions. The special land use language would not affect licensed caregivers, who can be authorized to grow marijuana in their homes to serve up to five patients. They would be permitted to grow and carry marijuana for patients under a specific set of conditions. According to language for special land use, no medical marijuana manufacturing and distribution facility is permitted within 1,000 feet of a church, a drug-free school zone, child care facility or residence or area zoned for residential use. Distance is measured by following a straight line without regard to intervening buildings. The full proposed ordinance includes other provisions and restrictions on both licensed patients and caregivers, including prohibiting the use of marijuana in public places and requiring annual registration with the Sturgis Police Department. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake