WYOMING COMMISSIONERS FAVOR BANNING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

WYOMING -- Despite concerns about inviting a lawsuit, six of nine
city planning commissioners agree that a ban on medical marijuana
would be best. That's the result of a straw poll taken in advance of
a formal vote expected next month.

Michigan voters in 2008 authorized use of the drug for medicinal
purposes and communities around the state now are drafting local
regulations. Wyoming staff have proposed guidelines, but the city's
Planning Commission now appears to be leaning toward a ban.

Several cities on the east side of the state have banned medicinal
use of the drug, citing that it's still prohibited by federal law.

The Wyoming Planning Commission on Oct. 19 is expected to make a
recommendation for the City Council to consider in November.

"(A ban) assures that we're in compliance with federal law," said Tim
Cochran, city planner. "The downside is we may be in violation of state law.

"We feel we're more likely to get sued (if we ban medical marijuana)."

Cochran and City Attorney Jack Sluiter have proposed that Wyoming
enact regulations similar to those adopted by Grand Rapids:

State-licensed medical marijuana patients and caregivers must
register with the city.

Caregivers may operate only in certain residential zones, one per
parcel; commercial dispensaries are prohibited.

Caregivers must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, child care
centers and public parks or playgrounds.

Building permits must be obtained for devices needed to cultivate marijuana.

Pickup and delivery of medical marijuana is not permitted before 7
a.m. or after 7 p.m. and no signs related to medical marijuana are allowed.

The Planning Commission reviewed the regulations last month and again
earlier this month, postponing a recommendation until next month.
There's concern that medical marijuana will create public safety and
health problems. The commission may choose to suggest a ban, while
also proposing regulations in case the City Council opts for that route.

Awaiting the commission's advice, the City Council earlier this month
extended a moratorium on medical marijuana until March 1. Mayor Jack
Poll, a pharmacist, said he wants to make sure use of the drug is
strongly regulated.

"Until I feel there's a comfortable system in place, I would prefer
to have a lawsuit than to have it frivolously dispensed without
regulation," Poll said. "I hope to be as stringent as we can possibly be."

Several other area communities including East Grand Rapids,
Grandville, Holland, Kentwood, Walker and Allendale, Alpine and
Gaines townships also are reviewing the issue.