THE VILLAGE OF HOLLY CONSIDERING MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

HOLLY, Michigan -- The village of Holly is considering a zoning
ordinance for medical marijuana facilities.

The measure would allow businesses to seek permits from the village
allowing them to produce and dispense medical marijuana.

The ordinance provides guidelines for where businesses can grow
marijuana, and "compassion clubs," a place where groups of qualifying
patients can come together to use marijuana.

City Attorney, Michael Gildner, said since the Michigan Medical
Marijuana Act took effect in 2009, "it is an issue that we will most
likely have to deal with."

Officials say that since marijuana use is still illegal under federal
law, the ordinance will help resolve ambiguity between the state and
federal statues.

"The feds have stepped back, and will not prosecute in states where
it is lawful," said Gildner, "so it has been left for local
authorities to deal with. We are trying to step in and fill the void
as much as possible."

"A lot of communities are struggling with this across the state,"
said Holly Police Chief Rollie Gackstetter, who is also serving as
acting village manager.

Tuesday, a dispensary in Lapeer County was raided by police and
nearly 50 marijuana plants confiscated over concerns that operation
was violating rules governing marijuana transactions. The Holly
proposal was developed after training sessions and communication with
local communities who have adopted similar policies. "I think it
strikes a balance between local concerns and at the same time
respects the letter of the law," said Gackstetter.

The Michigan Medical Marijuana Association supports local ordinances.

"I think it does need to be regulated," said Ramon Patrick, office
manager at the MMMA. "Even if communities are not comfortable with a
retail establishment, it is not fair to a patient to make them feel
like it's a drug deal. They need a safe, comfortable place where
medical marijuana can be administered. Some patients are elderly, and
some cannot get around easily."

A public hearing will be held at the next council meeting on Sept. 24
to decide whether to adopt the ordinance.

"I expect a vote on the issue within the next 30 days," said Gackstetter.