8/27/14 - Howell City Council has voted to extend its existing moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries pending action at the state level. HB 4271 includes language that would allow local communities to regulate or ban dispensaries and has bi-partisan support. A moratorium was enacted in Howell approximately six months ago and since then, the planning commission has been working on ordinance language that would regulate provisioning centers or dispensaries, grow operations and home occupations. However, feedback was being sought from council before any recommendation was brought forward and public opinions offered highly differed. Attorney Denise Policella felt it would be worthwhile to draft an ordinance and have a public hearing, saying regardless of whether the City decides to regulate provisioning centers; municipalities are not able to ban medical marijuana, patient-caregiver activity or cultivation. One resident said he wasnât against medical marijuana or distribution centers and recognized the need but questioned whether it was necessary in the Howell community since so many are in close proximity. Those against dispensaries talked about the potential impact on youth with rising use and changing perceptions and attitudes. Others felt regulation in an open, licensed manner would be best for those who are truly sick and suffering, as access is limited and for some the only options are back alleys and black markets. Howell Mayor Phil Campbell tells WHMI the city didnât take any definite stance on whether it was going to allow provisioning centers and basically decided to put off discussions until legislation comes out of Lansing. Council enacted the moratorium in March in response to case law and a couple of inquiries. Members didnât offer any indication as to which way they were leaning on the matter before voting to extend the moratorium until November 10th. (JM)
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