MEDICAL MARIJUANA CONFERENCE MIGHT MOVE TO COBO

A controversial medical marijuana conference at the Silverdome in
Pontiac that was canceled because of opposition from public officials
has a new organizer who wants to move the event to Detroit. It may
not be welcome there, either.

"This is not the kind of event that we'd like synonymous with the
city of Detroit," said Mayor Dave Bing's spokeswoman Karen Dumas.

Greg Carr, the event's organizer, said he's working to bring the
conference to Cobo Center on Oct. 29-31 -- the days the event was
scheduled for in Pontiac.

"There has not been a contract signed. We're looking at trying to get
that contract signed by Friday," Carr said.

Carr said the proposed conference would feature information from
advocates and lawyers discussing the medical marijuana law, vendors
selling devices to use medical marijuana, holistic health companies
and live music.

"This is not a pot party. This is an education convention," Carr
said. He predicts it could draw 10,000-25,000 people.

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority would determine
whether to allow the event to be held at Cobo, but has not been
contacted directly about the event.

A Cobo representative said there have been talks, but it's far from a
done deal.

"We're in the process of completing our due diligence as far as
checking out the background of the group and the legal aspects of
having such a show," Dave Austin, director of sales and marketing for
Cobo Center, said in a written statement.

Detroit police didn't return calls Wednesday seeking comment.

Promoters pulled out of the event in Pontiac because they didn't have
a permit for it and were concerned about getting one in time for the
event, according to Medical Marijuana CEO Bruce Perlowin. Instead, he
said, he plans to hold a similar event in California next year.

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper told the Free Press she had
concerns about what would take place at the conference in Pontiac and
whether it would be legal.