'GAP IT' LAW RAISES ISSUES FOR LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

Local officials are staring down a great tunnel of the unknown in the
wake of Michigan's passage of the Medical Marihuana Act.

While voters favored the Act's goal of allowing people in pain or
with other types of medical conditions the option to seek relief by
using marijuana, much of the general population is now scratching
their heads when it comes to how this medical supply will be
distributed.

Municipalities around the area are scrambling to regulate what is now
a legal business enterprise. Often called 'Compassion Centers' or
'Care Centers,' marijuana dispensaries are a place where patients can
procure the drug.

The state law is clear about the requirements for patients and
caregivers but there are huge gaps when it comes to regulating what
is likely to become a major industry in this state. There are no
guidelines regarding compassion care centers, where they can or
cannot be located, how they can or cannot be utilized, etc.

It makes sense that local officials are seeking legal advice on the
matter, but this huge gap in the law is indeed a great unknown. A
hodge-podge approach that varies from municipality to municipality is
likely to create a subset of problems that could clog the already
heavily burdened judicial system for decades. On the flip side, some
municipalities may embrace the issue, create medical, industrial and
growing sites and capitalize on the new industry.

As it stands, the gates are wide open. There is no dispute that
medical marijuana patients and caregivers have a right to obtain,
procure and use marijuana. Where it goes from there, right now at
least, is anybody's guess.