OWOSSO COMMITTEE COMES UP WITH MARIJUANA PLAN

OWOSSO - A committee created by the Owosso City Council to give the
city direction on how to enforce the provisions of the Michigan
Medical Marijuana Act has come up a recommendation.

The committee, comprised of council members Chris Eveleth, Mike
Erfourth, Cindy Popovitch and Memorial Healthcare's Dr. Margaret
Snow, agreed to recommend to the city council that medical marijuana
can only be grown by caregivers in areas zoned R-1 and I-1 within the
city limits.

In the residential zone, only one caregiver could grow marijuana in
each dwelling. Committee members feared that allowing multiple
growers in one residence could be classified as a business, since the
Act allows for caregivers to grow and sell marijuana for up to five
patients, and therefore does not fit the zoning regulations found in R-1.

Under the proposal, multiple growers would be able to use the same
facility in the industrial zone, allowing for a more commercial-like
growing operation.

The recommendation makes no specific reference to dispensaries.

Erfourth said the recommendation would still allow patients and
caregivers to cultivate marijuana within the city while numerous
legal battles surrounding the Medical Marijuana Act are worked out in
the court system around the state. Erfourth also said the
recommendation would be a more progressive solution than recommending
a full moratorium on any medical marijuana activity while the city
waits for guidance.

"I don't think the intent was to completely declare a moratorium,"
Erfourth said.

The recommendation will now move to the council for discussion and
possible approval.