Pubdate: Thu, 2 Dec 2010
Source: Grand Haven Tribune (MI)
Copyright: 2010 Grand Haven Publishing Corp
Contact:  http://www.grandhaventribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4298
Author: Jordan Travis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana

FERRYSBURG PLANNERS TO TAKE UP MEDICAL POT RULES TONIGHT

FERRYSBURG -- A draft ordinance regulating the use and growth of 
medicinal marijuana will be discussed by the Ferrysburg Planning 
Commission at 7 tonight.

Planning Commission Chairman Roger Jonas said the ordinance is 
intended to clarify parts of Michigan's Medical Marijuana Act of 
2008, and to keep from drawing attention to licensed growers and 
users of the plant.

Tonight's discussion is the first step in considering an ordinance 
that Jonas and City Manager Craig Bessinger said is similar to those 
in Grand Haven and Grand Haven Township.

Ferrysburg planners will hold a public hearing on the ordinance next 
month, Jonas said. The commission will then review the ordinance and 
make a recommendation to the Ferrysburg City Council.

The proposed ordinance would limit where caregivers could grow 
marijuana. Some of the requirements call for growers to use a locked 
main building that is inaccessible on all sides. Growers using lights 
would be required to assure that they are shielded so as not to 
disturb neighbors.

The ordinance would also exclude caregiver businesses from zoning 
ordinance sections that cover medical and dental offices, outpatient 
clinics, and emergency medical centers.

Registered patients would also be forbidden from smoking marijuana in 
an area visible to neighbors or other members of the public.

The ultimate goal of the ordinance is to clarify what Jonas called an 
ambiguously worded amendment to the state Constitution.

"We're trying to comply with the Michigan law, which can be somewhat 
confusing at times," he said. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake