PORTAGE LOOKS TO CREATE MEDICAL-MARIJUANA RULES AS MORATORIUM EXPIRES JUNE 3

PORTAGE - The Portage City Council is looking to have the Planning
Commission study a proposed medical marijuana ordinance that is
similar to the city of Kalamazoo's.

The council meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Also on the agenda is an
ordinance to regulate backyard chickens.

The council is expected to send the Planning Commission a proposed
ordinance amendment on how the city will regulate medical marijuana
businesses after June.

The city, which has a six-month medical marijuana ordinance moratorium
until June 3, is proposing an ordinance similar to one the city of
Kalamazoo has had for months that regulates medical marijuana
businesses under the zoning code as a home occupation.

It proposes to set guidelines for dispensing of marijuana, such as
hours of operation, number of caregivers and patients, distances from
schools, hours of operation and parking.

It proposes to follow state guidelines on patient privacy and
confidentiality.