PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Grand Haven Planning Commission has set a public hearing for
August regarding a zoning amendment that would allow the issuance of
permits for the dispensing of medical marijuana in the city.

Based on current language prepared by the city's Planning and Zoning
Department, the permits would be allowed as a minor home occupation,
and caregivers would operate under regulations defined by the Michigan
Department of Community Health.

Some specifics of the proposed ordinance include requiring a
registered caregiver to be located outside of a 1,000-foot radius from
any school or library, to comply with federal Drug-Free School Zone
requirements; no more than one caregiver can service patients at a
dwelling; and no more than five qualifying patients shall be assisted
with the medical use of marijuana within a calendar week.

The discussion came after the city established a moratorium in
February on issuing medical marijuana permits to give city planning
officials time to draft language to better regulate the dispensing of
it.

Grand Haven Township also recently issued a moratorium on the issuance
of medical marijuana permits as they look to create local regulation
on the issue.