GH TWP. ISSUES MORATORIUM ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA PERMITS

GRAND HAVEN TOWNSHIP - Officials in Grand Haven Township are
following suit with numerous municipalities throughout the state and
imposing a moratorium on medical marijuana permits.

"We don't have the regulations in place to properly manage and work
with people who want to be involved with the medical marijuana act
passed by the legislature," Township Manager Bill Cargo said.

The Township Board on Monday unanimously approved a medical marijuana
moratorium that lasts six months or until township officials develop
language in its zoning ordinance on the issue.

Since Michigan voters approved the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in
November 2008, government entities at the local level have been
grappling with the potential issues associated with the now-legal
drug, such as where it can be grown and how much can be grown.

When a qualifying patient is approved for the Michigan Medical
Marijuana Program, they can grow the plant but they still have to
work within the zoning confines of the local government, according to
Cargo. There have not yet been any medical marijuana inquiries in the
township since the law passed nearly two years ago.

" ... We can still have our own controls. And that's what we have
been studying for the past few months and that's what we will adopt -
rules," he said. "Unlike so many other states, the medical marijuana
is not prescribed by a doctor, the medical marijuana is not sold, it
can only be provided by a caregiver to somebody who needs the medical
marijuana."

Cargo explained that the township will take a look at a
home-occupation type of approach - where approved patients or
caregivers can grow marijuana in their homes. It is unknown at this
time how many marijuana plants could be allowed in the township
ordinance; however, state law allows approved patients up to 12 plants.

"We want to make sure that we're doing something that compliments
state law and is not contrary to what the state legislature has
done," Cargo said.

The city of Grand Haven also passed a moratorium in February and
could hold a public hearing on the subject as early as August, said
Kristen Keery, the city's planning director. The city is looking at
allowing marijuana permits as a home occupation, as well as in an
industrial zoned unit.

"Allowing it in the industrial district would be potentially safer
for the family of the person growing it," Keery said.