FLINT, MI - Masked protestors gathered outside various locations in downtown Flint Saturday, April 20, to show support for legalizing marijuana. A group of about 20 people raised American flags and Operation Cannabis flags outside the City of Flint Municipal building Saturday afternoon in a trek across downtown Flint. Adam Gerics, 39, of Flint called it an "Overall end cannabis prohibition day." "The fact is, they have actively and intentionally created a public that's ignorant to this plant," said Gerics, founder and co-director of New Market Fire Station Compassion Center of Greater Flint. "It's all hogwash they've been trying to feed us for 80 years." [continues 166 words]
FLINT, MI -- A group of law enforcement officials who favor the legalization of marijuana criticized the city of Flint for continuing to arrest adults caught with weed despite voters last week approving the decriminalization of the drug. Voters last week approved an amendment in the city ordinance that removes penalties for anyone 19 years or older who have less than an ounce of marijuana on private property. But a day later, the city issued a statement saying police would continue to make arrests. [continues 360 words]
GRAND BLANC, MI -- A new hope exists for medical marijuana patients and advocates that could turn the debate about illicit drug-as-medicine on its head -- medical marijuana that does not get the user high. Advocates will present information on "smoke-free, buzz-free" marijuana to those invited to the seminar at the Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc Township on Thursday, Oct. 11. Dr. William Courtney, who received his doctor of medicine degree at Wayne State University, and Michigan Rep. Michael Calton, R-Nashville, will be presenting information on "no-high" marijuana to attendees. [continues 221 words]
FLINT, MI -- Even if voters decriminalize marijuana in Flint next month, tokers may find themselves in handcuffs if a state trooper catches them holding weed. Flint voters will decide in November whether or not marijuana will be decriminalized in the city after Emergency Financial Manager Ed Kurtz approved the ballot initiative in late August. Under current city law, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. A yes vote next month would make it legal for anyone 19 years or older to have less than an ounce of marijuana -- about enough to fill a plastic sandwich bag -- on private property. [continues 497 words]
It is offensive that Bill Schuette and Sen. Rick Jones assume the Michigan electorate was "snookered" into voting yes for medical marijuana. It is more likely that intelligent, informed voters said yes to medical marijuana because they weren't given the option to vote for flat-out legalization of this benign plant. Those sixty-three percent are probably hopeful that the underground marijuana economy could be transformed into an above-ground source of tax revenue and small business growth that would benefit our state, while cutting spending on enforcement of prohibition of a substance that is less harmful to family life and public safety than alcohol. MONICA SHAPIRO/Grand Blanc [end]
Flint officials did the right thing in extending for six months the city's moratorium on allowing new medical marijuana businesses to open their doors in the city. Emergency Manager Michael Brown, who signed off on the ban that now extends till Feb. 5, 2013, rightly noted the "uncertainties" that surround the state's medical marijuana law, which include legal challenges and the possible passage of new legislation. Holding the line on more businesses that deal in medical marijuana, while allowing those that already exist to continue doing business, is a reasonable and fair approach while the courts and the state Legislature deal with this matter. [continues 262 words]
FLINT, MI -- The city of Flint has extended its ban on allowing new medical marijuana businesses for another six months, bringing the total span of the moratorium to more than a year. Flint emergency manager Michael Brown signed off on extending the ban last week, citing "uncertainties" around Michigan's medical marijuana law pending in the state Legislature and in the courts. The additional 180 days will "afford additional opportunity to review this matter and, to the extent needed, adopt appropriate regulations to protect the public health, safety and welfare," according to the resolution signed by Brown on July 27. [continues 400 words]
BURTON, Michigan -- By a 4-to-3 vote, City Council members have approved a new six-month moratorium on medical marijuana distribution facilities, including dispensaries, while it awaits the outcome of an Isabella County case. Council members Ellen Ellenburg, Vaughn Smith, Dennis O'Keefe and Tom Martinbianco approved the measure, while Danny Wells, Duane Haskins and Steve Heffner voted against the move to bar new distribution facilities. The Isabella County case involved a Mt. Pleasant dispensary found to be a public nuisance based on the state's health code. Burton currently has four medical marijuana dispensaries that will continue to operate despite the approval of the new moratorium. [end]
FLINT, Michigan -- Everything from jobs to public safety to medical marijuana was up for discussion Wednesday morning between two of the candidates hoping to replace recalled state Rep. Paul Scott. Republican nominee Joe Graves and Green Party nominee Cary Neuville-Justice fielded questions at Flint's White Horse Tavern during a live broadcast the program Off The Kuf on Kettering University's WKUF 94.3 FM. Democratic nominee Steve Losey could not attend because of a scheduling conflict, said program host Tom Sumner. [continues 261 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan - Swartz Creek could get its first medical marijuana business, pending review by the city attorney and another look from the planning commission. The commission Tuesday unanimously voted to refer plans for the business to the city attorney for his legal opinion. They expect to hear from the attorney at the commission's October meeting, said City Manager Paul Bueche. Although the business will have a dispensary area, it also will function as a gardening store, said business owner Rachelle Arnott. [continues 196 words]
BURTON, Michigan -- Council members approved a six-month moratoirum tonight on new permits for medical marijuana dispensaries, but the city will allow the four in business to remain open. The suggestion for a moratorium from City Attorney Rick Austin came after discussing a recent state Court of Appeals case in Isabella County that ruled patient-to-patients sales of marijuana to be illegal with Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton and Burton police Chief John Benthall. Austin issued a letter to deputy planning official Amber Frost last week calling for permits to not be allowed until he spoke with Leyon and Benthall about the Mt. Pleasant case. [continues 319 words]
BURTON, Michigan -- Burton is considering changing its views on medical marijuana dispensaries. The City Council is expected to vote on imposing a 6-month moratorium on any new dispensaries in the city, following a recent court ruling that declared dispensaries illegal. But moratorium or no moratorium, Burton officials say they have no plans to close down four dispensaries already doing business in the city. "They're not in violation of our ordinance," said Burton Mayor Paula Zelenko. "None of them have caused us any problems." [continues 380 words]
FLINT, Michigan -- The Flint City Council on Wednesday acted on extending the city's temporary ban on new medical marijuana businesses opening in Flint. The city issued a 180-moratorium in February for medical marijuana dispensaries and grow operations while city officials research the issue and develop a zoning and licensing plan for such facilities. At its meeting Wednesday night, the council voted to move the moratorium extension forward. The council will officially act on the matter at its Monday meeting. [continues 78 words]
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." [continues 337 words]
Some medical marijuana advocates and lawmakers opposed to what they see as free-wheeling distribution of the drug are coming at each other from extremes in the debate over handling what Michigan voters in 2008 declared a medicine. The best outcome probably is somewhere in the middle. The problem is the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act is much too hazy, with state Department of Community Health rules enabling the act not much clearer. Confusion over what the law and the rules allow is what has caused communities such as Flint, Linden, Grand Blanc Township, Fenton and others to enact moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries. [continues 556 words]
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan - After tabling discussions last month on whether or not to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, Flushing Township board members yet again tabled the discussion, only this time it was decided the issue would not be brought up again. The board members unanimously agreed at Thursday's meeting to table discussions indefinitely. Trustee Mark Purkey said the planning commission have discussed the topic of medical marijuana for almost a year and chose to do nothing. He didn't understand why the topic was being brought up again. [continues 79 words]
LINDEN, Michigan -- The Linden City Council voted to extend its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and caregiver facilities for another 90 days at its meeting Monday. The moratorium temporary prohibits certain land uses connected with the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana is legal under the state law but still remains illegal under federal law. The city council first placed a moratorium on medical marijuana at a February meeting. City Manager Chris Wren said the city council is following the advice of its attorney to wait until the courts give a better direction on what path the city needs to take. [continues 57 words]
DRYDEN -- A now-closed downtown marijuana dispensary that has been at the center of controversy for more than a year was more akin to a criminal operation than a medical facility, authorities claim. The owner of the Compassion Care Center of Michigan, which was padlocked in September, and two Romeo men face felony charges in connection to the dispensary. Police and prosecutors claim owner [name1 redacted] was not authorized by the state to hand out medical marijuana and had more than the allowable amount of marijuana in the building. [continues 588 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- The Swartz Creek city council is slated to vote on a proposed medical marijuana ordinance at its meeting tonight. The ordinance used distances from the Liquor Control Code to regulate where dispensaries and growing facilities can be located. Dispensaries and growing facilities must not be within 500 feet of another growing facility or dispensary, residential uses, any place the provides care or instruction for child younger than 18 and any house of worship or religious institution, according to the proposed ordinance. [continues 96 words]
FENTON, Michigan - Two proposed medical marijuana ordinances would permit residents to grow medical marijuana in their homes, as well as allow clubs, dispensaries, and growing facilities to set up shop in Fenton's industrial park. Currently the city has a moratorium that temporary halts medical marijuana related businesses from opening in the city. The city enacted the moratorium in August, as the planning commission worked to create ordinances addressing the issue. The planning commission will consider the proposed ordinances and hold a public hearing at its April 28 meeting. [continues 267 words]
