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]
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, Michigan - The city of Flint has issued a 180-day moratorium on any new medical marijuana dispensaries or grow operations in the city. The Flint City Council voted unanimously Monday night to pass the temporary ban while city officials look into establishing regulations and zoning laws on the matter. The issue comes as several medical marijuana businesses have popped up around Flint and Genesee County, sometimes without government approval. Councilman Scott Kincaid said the city just wants to "get a handle on it, before it gets out of hand." [continues 400 words]
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Andy Heglas watched as terminal cancer, chemotherapy and radiation treatments assaulted his friend, Steve, who struggled with nausea, pain and loss of appetite. The cancer started in his lungs, or maybe his bones -- no one knows for sure -- but it spread to both those areas and then his liver and brain before eventually taking his life in April. He had several prescription drugs for various side effects, but Heglas said smoking marijuana was often the only way Steve could control his nausea and pain. Even though Flint voters last year approved a measure to legalize the drug for health reasons, federal and state laws still criminalize marijuana use. [continues 585 words]
