RICHMOND EXPECTED TO INITIATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA MORATORIUM

The Richmond City Council has steered clear of the controversial
medical marijuana issue despite other surrounding communities passing
certain types of bans. However, that was expected to change Monday as
council was asked to pass a moratorium on medical marijuana
facilities of any kind. The meeting was held after press time for
this edition of The North Macomb Voice.

The moratorium is scheduled to last six months, in which time the
city officials will gather information about the vaguely written state law.

"It provides the city time to develop an ordinance for zoning," City
Manager Jon Moore said of the moratorium.

The state law, which passed overwhelmingly in 2008, approves the use
and cultivation of medical marijuana by licensed individuals.

Because of the nature of the law and the fact marijuana use and
possession is still a federal crime, most municipalities have taken
measures to try and limit the impact the law can have in their
communities. Only time will tell if Richmond takes steps to keep
these types of businesses out or find places they can peacefully operate.

"The people have spoken and said they want this available for medical
care," Councilor Jeffrey Yaroch said. "The point of the moratorium is
to give us time to look at where they should go."

Yaroch said the city will be seeking input from the residents as to
how they address the issue.

"Many communities are presently trying to figure out the best way
forward but the legislature has not given us any clear pictures," Yaroch said.

Local communities that have passed some sort of medical marijuana
legislation include Marine City, Macomb Township, New Baltimore and
Chesterfield Township. For more information on the Michigan Medical
Marijuana Program, go to michigan.gov/mdch and search for MMMP.