Pubdate: Sat, 26 Mar 2011
Source: Holland Sentinel (MI)
Copyright: 2011 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact: http://extra.hollandsentinel.com/submitletter.shtml
Website: http://www.hollandsentinel.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1145
Author: Andrea Goodell, The Holland Sentinel
Cited: City of Holland http://www.cityofholland.com/contact-us
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana

HOLLAND EYES TIGHTER MEDICAL MARIJUANA RULES

Holland, MI - Medical marijuana caregivers in Holland could have 
their homes inspected under a proposed ordinance.

The ordinance, which is scheduled for a public hearing April 12, 
would restrict the caregivers to "home occupation" or "home-based 
business" licenses, essentially barring storefronts. And those home 
businesses must apply to the zoning administrator and are subject to 
annual inspections.

"It would be strictly done out of the caregiver's dwelling unit - 
where they live," city planner Mark Vanderploeg said.

The local ordinance also would specifically ban the practice known as 
patient-to-patient transfers. Many medical marijuana dispensaries are 
based on the practice, which some say is banned in the state medical 
marijuana act and others say is allowed.

Holland allows several tiers of home businesses. A home occupation 
wouldn't allow any patient traffic and, to the public, would look 
identical to any other home. A home-based business license would 
allow patients to visit the residence, but not partake in medical 
marijuana on the property.

Caregivers would have to give their names as part of the permitting 
process. Those names would be shared with law enforcement. The 
ordinance states names or addresses of caregivers are not to be 
publicly released - except as required by state law, including 
requests through the Freedom of Information Act, which allows people 
to request information from government agencies.

"There would have to be rules set up and in place that still respect 
the confidentiality of these folks. That being said, this ordinance 
says the city still wants to know where these businesses are 
operated," Vanderploeg said.

The ordinance restricts each residence - one house, one condo, one 
apartment - to one caregiver.

"Technically, now, as the ordinance is written, everyone in that 
apartment building could be a caregiver. Would that ever happen? No," 
Vanderploeg said.

Following the 4 p.m. April 12 hearing at Holland City Hall, 270 S. 
River Ave., the commission will vote on whether to send the ordinance 
on to the full Holland City Council.

"Everything is still very much in the draft status," Vanderploeg said.  
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake