Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jun 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: Jim Harger, The Grand Rapids Press
Cited: Grand Rapids commissioners 
http://www.grand-rapids.mi.us/index.pl?page_id=42
Referenced: The state ballot initiative http://drugsense.org/url/8mvr7sW8
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?253 (Cannabis - Medicinal - U.S.)

GRAND RAPIDS LEADERS GIVE PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA 
GROWING RULES

GRAND RAPIDS -- Medical marijuana can be grown legally in the city, 
but only if the grower obtains a city license, according to an 
ordinance that won preliminary approval by city commissioners Tuesday.

Before those home-based businesses get a city license, they may have 
to get inspections of their equipment. They also have to limit 
customer visits, according to the ordinance.

The ordinance, which is scheduled for final adoption on June 22, was 
developed to comply with a 2008 state ballot initiative that allows 
medical marijuana to be grown and distributed by state-licensed 
caregivers to qualifying patients.

"You're operating a business in a residential area," said City Clerk 
Lauri Parks. "It's really no different than any other business we're 
licensing."

The inspections are aimed at avoiding "horror stories" with 
electrical systems or mold conditions, Parks said. The growers also 
will have to have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, she said.

Renters who want to grow medical marijuana also will have to gain 
their landlord's approval, Parks said.

The city imposed a moratorium on raising medical marijuana last 
November while they developed the ordinance.

Olon Tucker, who said he is one of seven caregivers who have formed a 
cooperative in West Michigan, said the ordinance will drive 
caregivers out of the city.

Tucker said he considers the inspection and licensing requirements to 
be an invasion of privacy.

[sidebar]

HERE'S WHAT MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWERS WILL NEED TO OPERATE IN GRAND RAPIDS:

A state-issued license that allows you to provide marijuana to five 
patients from 12 plants per patient.

A home occupation license that indicates your growing operation has 
been inspected and complies with city building and electrical codes.

Your business cannot occupy more than one-fourth of your home's 
living area, or more than half of the main floor's living area.

No more than two patients, clients, students or customers can be on 
the premises at one time. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake