HEAVY OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA RULE IN RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP

RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- A proposed ordinance spelling out
where medical marijuana dispensaries can be located in Richfield
Township has met heavy opposition even before a public hearing on its language.

"You are trying to stop people from growing altogether," declared
Charlie Vanlandeghem, a township businessman and surrogate father of
a 23-year-old who takes marijuana as a painkiller.

Vanlandeghem, who operates Van's Hydro Inc., an indoor/outdoor
gardening business, told the township planning commission last week
he doubts anyone could legally establish a dispensary in the township
the way the current draft of the ordinance is written.

The draft ordinance prohibits a medical marijuana dispensary within
1,000 feet of another dispensary, residential district, school,
licensed day care center or other building used to care or instruct
children under age 18, church or house of worship, or any public or
municipal park.

The proposed ordinance also defines a dispensary as a facility where
two or more "primary caregivers" grow, cultivate, store, dispense or
offer marijuana for sale to qualifying patients' under Michigan's
medical marijuana law adopted in 2008.

That would impose the law's zoning limitations on two people who work
together to grow or offer marijuana to a single person or just a few people.

"They are trying to hurt the little guy," said Chris Brunett, a
wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, who was raised by Vanlandeghem.

Commissioners deferred action on the ordinance until a public
hearing, tentatively set for March 2 at the township hall.

Commission Chairman Ray Curtin instructed Keith Pyles, township
building inspector and zoning administrator, to check to see if the
distance restriction is practical.

A zoning ordinance approved in January by the Grand Blanc Township
Board sets the distance from similar places at 500 feet.

Michael Gildner, township attorney, emphasized that planners have to
legislate within the state law.

"All we are talking about is where it (a dispensary) is located," he said.

A visibly upset Vanlandeghem charged that the current language of the
ordinance would provoke a complaint by the American Ciivil Liberties Union.

"The person you are hurting is the patient," he said.

Planner Bob Irrer sympathized with the spirit of the state medical
marijuana law.

"My wife died with cancer," he said. "If I could have given her this,
don't you think I would have?"

Whatever version of the ordinance planners approve must be adopted by
the Township Board to become law in Richfield Township.