Pubdate: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 Source: News-Herald, The (Southgate, MI) Copyright: 2014 Heritage Newspapers Contact: http://www.heritagenews.com/lettertoeditor/ Website: http://www.thenewsherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4015 Author: Ashley Sword Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?253 (Cannabis - Medicinal - U.S.) COUNCIL DISCUSSES ADDITIONAL MARIJUANA TRANSPORTATION RESTRICTIONS ON ORDINANCE TRENTON -- The city council discussed adding tougher restrictions to its marijuana ordinance during its Monday meeting. The new restriction would prohibit the open transportation of marijuana in a motor vehicle. "As council may be aware, the state legislature has modified the Controlled Substance Act of the State of Michigan to include a restriction on the transport of marijuana," said City Attorney Wallace Long. "The additional restrictions is that it be carried in a sealed case either in a trunk of a vehicle that has one or in a non-accessible area." With the additional section of the ordinance prohibits the open transporting of marijuana in a motor vehicle in accordance with Public Act 460 of 2012, of the State of Michigan, which read as follows: No person shall transport or possess usable marijuana as defined in Michigan Compiled Laws 333.26423, in or upon a motor vehicle or any self-propelled vehicle designated and licensed for land travel unless such usable marijuana contained therein, is 1 or more of the following: Enclosed in a sealed case that is carried in the trunk of the vehicle Enclosed in a sealed case that is not readily accessible from the interior of the vehicle, if the vehicle in which a person traveling does not have a trunk. "It would be necessary and approporiate if the city wishes to enforce it to have an ordinance that reflects the new state standard," said Long. "I would just point out that this is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than 93 days and a fine of not more than $500, so it's serious ... people should pay attention," said MaryEllen McLeod, councilwoman. The second reading of the ordinance will take place at the next city council meeting on Feb. 3. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom