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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom