Leaders Discussing How To Deal With Medical Marijuana

[UrbanFarmer]

City leaders from around Michigan meet in Lansing to learn how to deal with medical marijuana. It's been a year since the state began accepting applications for the medical use of marijuana. Many on both sides of the issue agree on one thing- the rules surrounding the state law are foggy. One Michigan organization is working to clear up the haze. Marijuana- for decades it's been a no-no on the streets, but now that Michigan voters said yes to its use for medical purposes, new businesses are setting up shop in communities across the state, catering to licensed patients.

 

David Overholt, Mid-Michigan Compassion Club: "As we get bigger, we're beginning to run into a lot of opposition at the county level and the community level, but it's just because of lack of information."

 

And it's that lack of information the Michigan Municipal League is trying to address. State health officials and legal experts spoke to dozens of community leaders from across the state, hoping to clear the smoke about their options when it comes to dealing with the legalization of medical marijuana.

 

Matt Newburg, Attorney, Hubbard Law Firm: "There are a lot of gray areas associated with the law. There are terms that are undefined, there are some regulatory issues, and the Department of Community Health is also behind in processing applications, which creates another issue for code enforcement."

 

Darnell Earley, City Manager, Saginaw: "We certainly want to make sure that everyone's rights are observed, but at the same time we have a responsibility as local government leaders to make sure that there are regulations in terms of how the services are delivered."

 

And those delivering the services are looking to build relationships.

 

David Overholt: "We're trying to give our community what they've asked for and that's a safe dignified way to get their medicine, in a safe environment."

 

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