GIBRALTAR: CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ORDINANCE BLOCKING MEDICAL MARIJUANA
GROWTH, DISTRIBUTION

GIBRALTAR - The City Council recently approved an ordinance blocking
medical marijuana growth and distribution operations in the city.

The ordinance makes it illegal for a person or business to engage in
activities that violate state or federal law in the city. It was
requested by Police Chief Raymond Canterbury.

While marijuana growth and usage is legal for medicinal purposes in
Michigan, it remains illegal under federal law. This has led to a
murky area of legality that some council members hoped to avoid.
Others had reservations about the entire issue.

Councilman Scott Ross, who supported the measure, said 63 percent of
Michigan voters supported legalization of marijuana for medicinal
purposes in 2008.

He said other cities that have adopted ordinances similar to
Gibraltar's have seen them struck down in court.

The sole "no" voter on the proposal, Councilman Jesus Garza,
reiterated his opposition, saying he believes federal statutes are
strong enough to deal with the matter.

The ordinance was adopted by a vote of 6-1.

The council also approved changes to the city's retiree prescription
reimbursement system as a cost-saving measure.

Under the new guidelines, the cash accounts will be closely checked
for accuracy and the mayor's office will review reimbursements.

In addition, Councilwoman Kathleen LaPointe suggested an amendment
that as an extra layer of oversight reimbursements of more than $50
would go through the payroll department, instead of being distributed
from petty cash

The reimbursement changes and LaPointe's amendments were unanimously adopted.