DRUG MORATORIUM EXTENDED IN MILFORD TOWNSHIP VOTE

A moratorium on activities related to medical marijuana has been
extended by Milford Township officials.

The township board of trustees voted Nov. 17 to continue the
moratorium on growing, smoking and dispensing, to allow more time to
gather input from legal counsel and others before determining under
what zoning classification those activities will be permitted.

Two days earlier, Village of Milford officials cited the same reasons
for extending a similar moratorium for the area within the village limits.

Michigan voters approved the medical marijuana law in 2008. While the
law allows for the sale, use and distribution of medical marijuana
for qualified people, it's up to each municipality to decide where
those activities are allowed.

The township initially established a six-month moratorium last May.
The extension was needed to "further study and review" the issue,
said township attorney Jennifer Elowsky.

Elowsky participates in a group of attorneys looking into the medical
marijuana law and possible solutions to the challenges municipalities
now face because of it. She said she's hoping for direction from the
federal level to assist in the process.

Since the moratorium was put in place, the township planning
commission has addressed the issue among its members as well as with
Elowsky and township planner Nick Lomako. It's up to the planning
commission to come up with a recommendation to be considered for
approval. The township board will make the final decision.

"We're still in the planning mode," said Don Green, township
supervisor. "What fits best for us? That's the question."