Pubdate: Mon, 01 Aug 2011
Source: Flint Journal (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Flint Journal
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/fljournal/letters/
Website: http://www.mlive.com/flint/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836
Author: Kayla Habermehl

FLINT TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES POSTPONES VOTING ON MEDICAL 
MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Flint Township will be without a medical 
marijuana ordinance for a while longer.

The township board approved a motion to hold off voting on the 
ordinance after several people raised concerns about the proposed 
measure during public comment. Board members also expressed concerns 
about the legality of the law, which is being contested.

"You read all these things in the paper and any normal citizen would 
get confused," said Trustee George Menoutes.

Nick Pannesidi, owner of the Michigan Wellness Center, 3095 South Dye 
Road, raised concerns about a section of the ordinance that states: 
"The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act does not authorize marijuana 
stores, dispensaries, compassion centers or any medical marijuana 
business that may market to a wide customer base."

"I would definitely fall under that category that would try to 
provide services to a wide customer base -- I offer information to 
anyone to find out if they qualify for the medical marijuana 
program," Pannesidi said during public comment.

The Michigan Wellness Center provides information to its patients 
about medical marijuana, the law and helps guide them through the 
process of obtaining a medical marijuana card. It is not a 
dispensary, Pannesidi said.

"I think this ordinance goes outside of what the law says and could 
potentially spell legal problems for the township of Flint," he said 
during public comment.

Eric Gunnels, co-founder and co-directorof the All Natural Health and 
Wellness Center in Clio, said he was there to advocate for patients 
rights and that medical marijuana was misunderstood.

"Primarily, I think what many people miss is the function of 
education," Gunnels said during public comment. "I recommend to the 
board and the community that these businesses be allowed to exist and 
you keep an open mind about this because it's simply one of the 
greatest misunderstood subjects of all time."

Flint Township currently has a moratorium on medical marijuana 
facilities set to expire Oct. 4.

Trustee Frank Kasle said since they still had time before the 
moratorium expired, they should wait to vote on the ordinance and try 
to clear up some of the confusion about the law.

"I think the provision that some people have spoken about marketing 
to a wide customer base, this may be a provision that either isn't 
necessary or may be harmful," he said. "I don't think it hurts to 
clarify these things that have come up."

The ordinance would prohibit medical marijuana businesses from being 
closer than 1,500 feet to schools, churches, public park, child care 
facilities, a residential district or an area with an existing regulated use.

The board voted 5-2 to postpone voting on the ordinance, with 
Supervisor Karyn Miller and Clerk Kim Courts voting against.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart