Wyoming commissioners favor banning medical marijuana

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Published: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 8:35 AM     Updated: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:16 AM

WYOMING — Despite concerns about inviting a lawsuit, six of nine city planning commissioners agree that a ban on medical marijuana would be best. That’s the result of a straw poll taken in advance of a formal vote expected next month.

Michigan voters in 2008 authorized use of the drug for medicinal purposes and communities around the state now are drafting local regulations. Wyoming staff have proposed guidelines, but the city’s Planning Commission now appears to be leaning toward a ban.

Several cities on the east side of the state have banned medicinal use of the drug, citing that it’s still prohibited by federal law.

The Wyoming Planning Commission on Oct. 19 is expected to make a recommendation for the City Council to consider in November.

“(A ban) assures that we’re in compliance with federal law,” said Tim Cochran, city planner. “The downside is we may be in violation of state law.

“We feel we’re more likely to get sued (if we ban medical marijuana).”

Cochran and City Attorney Jack Sluiter have proposed that Wyoming enact regulations similar to those adopted by Grand Rapids:

• State-licensed medical marijuana patients and caregivers must register with the city.

• Caregivers may operate only in certain residential zones, one per parcel; commercial dispensaries are prohibited.

• Caregivers must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, child care centers and public parks or playgrounds.

• Building permits must be obtained for devices needed to cultivate marijuana.

• Pickup and delivery of medical marijuana is not permitted before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and no signs related to medical marijuana are allowed.

The Planning Commission reviewed the regulations last month and again earlier this month, postponing a recommendation until next month. There’s concern that medical marijuana will create public safety and health problems. The commission may choose to suggest a ban, while also proposing regulations in case the City Council opts for that route.

Awaiting the commission’s advice, the City Council earlier this month extended a moratorium on medical marijuana until March 1. Mayor Jack Poll, a pharmacist, said he wants to make sure use of the drug is strongly regulated.

“Until I feel there’s a comfortable system in place, I would prefer to have a lawsuit than to have it frivolously dispensed without regulation,” Poll said. “I hope to be as stringent as we can possibly be.”

Several other area communities including East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Holland, Kentwood, Walker and Allendale, Alpine and Gaines townships also are reviewing the issue.

E-mail the author of this story: localnews@grpress.com

See original posting: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/09/wyoming_commissioners_favor_ba.html

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