MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUE STILL ON HOLD

WILLIAMSTON - Like their counterparts in other communities, city
leaders are still wrestling with how to go about regulating certain
types of medical marijuana operations, if at all.

And for now, at least, they aren't ready to pass a moratorium on
those types of businesses while they figure it all out.

On Sept. 13, a measure to place a six-month moratorium on medical
pot-related businesses fell one vote short of passage.

With two members absent, the City Council voted 3-2 in favor of the
measure. Four votes were needed to pass it.

Council members Randy Pail, Tim Grossman and Scott VanAllsburg voted
in favor of the measure. Councilmen John Pratt and Andy Simmons were opposed.

Mayor Michelle Van Wert and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Moody were absent.

The moratorium had already been through one reading and was up for
final adoption at the Sept. 13 meeting.

The issue could only be reconsidered if one of the opposing parties
moves to do so, city officials said.

A special meeting was tentatively set for Monday, Sept. 20,
apparently for that reason.

Many communities have struggled with how to regulate medical
marijuana operations since Michigan voters passed the medical
marijuana law two years ago.

Some communities have adopted moratoriums on certain types of
businesses while they decide how to proceed.

The moratoriums do not prevent individual users or registered primary
caregivers from exercising their rights under the law.