Pubdate: Wed, 24 Aug 2011
Source: Livonia Observer (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Contact: http://www.hometownlife.com/section/CUSTOMERSERVICE20
Website: http://www.hometownlife.com/section/NEWS10
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5277
Author: Ken Abramczyk, Livonia Observer Staff Writer

ATTORNEY: ACLU APPEALS COURT RULING SUPPORTING LIVONIA BAN OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACILITIES

The American Civil Liberties Union has appealed a Wayne County Circuit
Court ruling that supported the city of Livonia's ban on medical
marijuana facilities, according to Livonia's city attorney.

The ACLU of Michigan filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of
Appeals on Monday and the city of Livonia received notice of the claim
of appeal on Tuesday, according to City Attorney Don Knapp.

The ACLU is appealing the ruling by Circuit Judge Wendy Baxter, who
granted the city's motion for summary disposition last month.

The ACLU filed a suit in December on behalf of Linda and Robert Lott
of Birmingham against the cities of Livonia, Bloomfield Hills and
Birmingham regarding the authority of communities to prohibit medical
marijuana use or sales on the grounds that marijuana possession
violates federal law. The Lotts own a portion of a property in Livonia
where they said they wanted to grow medical marijuana, according to
the ACLU.

The ACLU had argued in court that Livonia could not enact laws that
violate state laws.

Michigan voters approved the use of medical marijuana in 2008. The
city of Livonia later enacted an ordinance that did not mention
medical marijuana, but prohibited activities that violate federal law.

Linda Lott is a registered medical marijuana patient with multiple
sclerosis. She uses medical marijuana to get rid of back spasms.
Prescription drugs don't work on the pain, according to her husband
Robert. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.