Pubdate: Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2015 Detroit Free Press
Contact: http://www.freep.com/article/99999999/opinion04/50926009
Website: http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: Joe Guillen

DETROITERS, ADVOCATES PACK MEDICAL MARIJUANA HEARING

Concerned Detroiters who cringe at the rapid spread of marijuana 
dispensaries and medical card-holders who rely on the product for 
treatment packed a public hearing today to debate proposed 
regulations of the city's medical marijuana industry.

The Detroit City Council is considering a proposal that includes a 
way to license the city's approximately 150 medical marijuana shops. 
The proposal also has zoning restrictions on how close they can 
operate near schools, churches and other dispensaries.

Eunice Gantt, a lifelong Detroiter, said the growing number of 
marijuana dispensaries hurts the city's reputation.

"I'm concerned about the fact there's so many dispensaries here when 
you look at other cities," Gantt said. "We are becoming a laughing joke."

Several others at the hearing said they feel safe buying at medical 
marijuana dispensaries, which often have a security guard on site. 
Traditional pharmacies and gas stations can be more dangerous, supporters said.

"There is a security guard there who is able to handle any situation 
that may come upon me," Pamillian McNary said. "When I go to (the 
drug store), I don't know what will happen to me."

Detroit council members agree that some sort of rules need to be put 
in place. But a consensus is lacking on the regulations' details.

Councilman James Tate introduced his proposal last month. In addition 
to a licensing process, it would prohibit drive-through service and 
prevent dispensaries from staying open around the clock. Dispensaries 
could not be within 1,000 feet of a school, religious institution or 
public park, or within 2,000 feet of another dispensary, under Tate's proposal.

The Detroit planning commission is scheduled to discuss the proposed 
zoning restrictions at its meeting on Thursday. Today's public 
hearing dealt with the licensing portion of Tate's proposal.

Tate said he's not trying to shut down all dispensaries.

"This is not a witch hunt as it was characterized," he said. "This is 
really a pathway for individuals who need medical marijuana to have 
that access -- safe access."

Over the weekend, Councilman George Cushingberry Jr. said he wants to 
propose alternative rules. Cushingberry, the council's second-ranking 
member, wants less restrictive zoning and to allow dispensaries to 
operate drive-through services. He also suggested the city wait to 
deal with the issue until after the state Senate votes on bills to 
regulate the production and sale of medical marijuana.

"I agree we have to have some regulations," Cushingberry said at the 
hearing. "It's just I don't want to put them all out of business."

For many residents at today's meeting, the sheer number of the 
dispensaries in Detroit is alarming. They see several of the pot 
shops opening along 8 Mile Road near strip clubs and bars. The 
suburbs don't tolerate the dispensaries, yet they are opening at a 
fast pace in Detroit, said Tony Russell, a bishop at New Covenant of 
Peace World Impact Ministries on Van Dyke Road.

"We need somebody at the table in the city of Detroit saying, 'this 
can't happen here,'" he said.

Jamaine Dickens, a consultant working with 420 Dank, a dispensary on 
Gratiot Avenue with drive-through service, said the stores are 
getting a bad rap. Dickens said the shops are providing legal 
medicine to people with illnesses. He said there have only been a few 
shootings in recent years involving dispensaries.

"As a lifelong Detroiter, I can tell you I expect more than three 
shootings at gas stations and coney islands in one month," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom