MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE PLAN MOVES ALONG

Sturgis, Mich. - The Sturgis Planning Board voted 7-1 Tuesday to
approve language in a proposed ordinance amendment that deals with
where medical marijuana manufacturing and distribution facilities may
be located within city limits.

The proposal now goes to the city commission for future consideration.

Planning board member Jon Good was opposed to the proposal, stating
it was too restrictive for manufacturing. Good also said, "there was
no room for compromise."

Planning board members who cast yes votes were Mike Wilson, Michael
Brothers, Warren Adkins, Pete Stage, Don Eaton, Michael Caywood and
John Mikulenas, chairman.

Sturgis Deputy Police Chief Dave Ives and city attorney Rob Pattison
were prepared to help answer inquiries. No one in the audience had
comments or questions.

The special land use language would not affect licensed caregivers,
who can be authorized to grow marijuana in their homes to serve up to
five patients.

They would be permitted to grow and carry marijuana for patients
under a specific set of conditions.

According to language for special land use, no medical marijuana
manufacturing and distribution facility is permitted within 1,000
feet of a church, a drug-free school zone, child care facility or
residence or area zoned for residential use.

Distance is measured by following a straight line without regard to
intervening buildings.

The full proposed ordinance includes other provisions and
restrictions on both licensed patients and caregivers, including
prohibiting the use of marijuana in public places and requiring
annual registration with the Sturgis Police Department.