Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Big Daddy's Hydro & Compassion Center will not be setting up shop in Redford.
"We were encouraged to apply, but the attitude of the police department scared us away," said Rick Thompson, editor of Michigan Medical Marijuana magazine. "They painted a picture for the planning board that we were a negative, illegal operation. It's too bad, because we were prepared to invest in Redford and bring jobs."
Big Daddy's specializes in the burgeoning medical marijuana industry. The company has been somewhat controversial for its aggressive interpretation of the state's medical marijuana law.
Thompson says it is perfectly legal for patients and caregivers to openly exchange marijuana in businesses like his.
Redford Police Capt. Eric Gillman disagrees.
The opposing interpretations squared off at a recent Redford Site Planning Committee hearing.
Thompson talked about his desire to open a hydroponics growing store, have office space for his magazine and start a compassion club for the medical marijuana community.
"The medical marijuana law is a mess," Gillman said. "But it is our view that growing or selling marijuana in a business like this is illegal."
Gillman pointed to a newspaper account of a police investigation regarding the operations of Thompson's Oak Park facility and said many pounds of marijuana were seized by police.
Thompson said the law allows police to hold evidence for two years without charging anyone with a crime.
"If they had something on us, we'd have been charged by now," he said. "What it means is, they've got nothing."
The company is expanding, most recently opening a location in Burton. Thompson said he and his associates once had plans to expand all over Wayne County.
"Our experience in Redford has soured us on Wayne County," Thompson said. "It is a shame because I'm sure some of those communities would have been open to having us and wanted the jobs we could provide."
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Redford Observer (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Contact: Letter to the Editor - Observer & Eccentric Papers | Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies | hometownlife.com
Website: hometownlife.com
Details: MapInc
Author: Larry Ruehlen
"We were encouraged to apply, but the attitude of the police department scared us away," said Rick Thompson, editor of Michigan Medical Marijuana magazine. "They painted a picture for the planning board that we were a negative, illegal operation. It's too bad, because we were prepared to invest in Redford and bring jobs."
Big Daddy's specializes in the burgeoning medical marijuana industry. The company has been somewhat controversial for its aggressive interpretation of the state's medical marijuana law.
Thompson says it is perfectly legal for patients and caregivers to openly exchange marijuana in businesses like his.
Redford Police Capt. Eric Gillman disagrees.
The opposing interpretations squared off at a recent Redford Site Planning Committee hearing.
Thompson talked about his desire to open a hydroponics growing store, have office space for his magazine and start a compassion club for the medical marijuana community.
"The medical marijuana law is a mess," Gillman said. "But it is our view that growing or selling marijuana in a business like this is illegal."
Gillman pointed to a newspaper account of a police investigation regarding the operations of Thompson's Oak Park facility and said many pounds of marijuana were seized by police.
Thompson said the law allows police to hold evidence for two years without charging anyone with a crime.
"If they had something on us, we'd have been charged by now," he said. "What it means is, they've got nothing."
The company is expanding, most recently opening a location in Burton. Thompson said he and his associates once had plans to expand all over Wayne County.
"Our experience in Redford has soured us on Wayne County," Thompson said. "It is a shame because I'm sure some of those communities would have been open to having us and wanted the jobs we could provide."
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Redford Observer (MI)
Copyright: 2011 Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Contact: Letter to the Editor - Observer & Eccentric Papers | Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies | hometownlife.com
Website: hometownlife.com
Details: MapInc
Author: Larry Ruehlen
