GRAND RAPIDS LEADERS GIVE PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA
GROWING RULES

GRAND RAPIDS -- Medical marijuana can be grown legally in the city,
but only if the grower obtains a city license, according to an
ordinance that won preliminary approval by city commissioners Tuesday.

Before those home-based businesses get a city license, they may have
to get inspections of their equipment. They also have to limit
customer visits, according to the ordinance.

The ordinance, which is scheduled for final adoption on June 22, was
developed to comply with a 2008 state ballot initiative that allows
medical marijuana to be grown and distributed by state-licensed
caregivers to qualifying patients.

"You're operating a business in a residential area," said City Clerk
Lauri Parks. "It's really no different than any other business we're
licensing."

The inspections are aimed at avoiding "horror stories" with
electrical systems or mold conditions, Parks said. The growers also
will have to have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, she said.

Renters who want to grow medical marijuana also will have to gain
their landlord's approval, Parks said.

The city imposed a moratorium on raising medical marijuana last
November while they developed the ordinance.

Olon Tucker, who said he is one of seven caregivers who have formed a
cooperative in West Michigan, said the ordinance will drive
caregivers out of the city.

Tucker said he considers the inspection and licensing requirements to
be an invasion of privacy.

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HERE'S WHAT MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWERS WILL NEED TO OPERATE IN GRAND RAPIDS:

A state-issued license that allows you to provide marijuana to five
patients from 12 plants per patient.

A home occupation license that indicates your growing operation has
been inspected and complies with city building and electrical codes.

Your business cannot occupy more than one-fourth of your home's
living area, or more than half of the main floor's living area.

No more than two patients, clients, students or customers can be on
the premises at one time.