Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
GIBRALTAR - The City Council recently approved an ordinance blocking medical marijuana growth and distribution operations in the city.
The ordinance makes it illegal for a person or business to engage in activities that violate state or federal law in the city. It was requested by Police Chief Raymond Canterbury.
While marijuana growth and usage is legal for medicinal purposes in Michigan, it remains illegal under federal law. This has led to a murky area of legality that some council members hoped to avoid. Others had reservations about the entire issue.
Councilman Scott Ross, who supported the measure, said 63 percent of Michigan voters supported legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes in 2008.
He said other cities that have adopted ordinances similar to Gibraltar's have seen them struck down in court.
The sole "no" voter on the proposal, Councilman Jesus Garza, reiterated his opposition, saying he believes federal statutes are strong enough to deal with the matter.
The ordinance was adopted by a vote of 6-1.
The council also approved changes to the city's retiree prescription reimbursement system as a cost-saving measure.
Under the new guidelines, the cash accounts will be closely checked for accuracy and the mayor's office will review reimbursements.
In addition, Councilwoman Kathleen LaPointe suggested an amendment that as an extra layer of oversight reimbursements of more than $50 would go through the payroll department, instead of being distributed from petty cash
The reimbursement changes and LaPointe's amendments were unanimously adopted.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: News-Herald, The (Southgate, MI)
Copyright: 2010 Heritage Newspapers
Contact: Heritage
Website: The News Herald: Breaking news coverage for Southgate, MI
Details: MapInc
Author: Kevin Bunch
The ordinance makes it illegal for a person or business to engage in activities that violate state or federal law in the city. It was requested by Police Chief Raymond Canterbury.
While marijuana growth and usage is legal for medicinal purposes in Michigan, it remains illegal under federal law. This has led to a murky area of legality that some council members hoped to avoid. Others had reservations about the entire issue.
Councilman Scott Ross, who supported the measure, said 63 percent of Michigan voters supported legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes in 2008.
He said other cities that have adopted ordinances similar to Gibraltar's have seen them struck down in court.
The sole "no" voter on the proposal, Councilman Jesus Garza, reiterated his opposition, saying he believes federal statutes are strong enough to deal with the matter.
The ordinance was adopted by a vote of 6-1.
The council also approved changes to the city's retiree prescription reimbursement system as a cost-saving measure.
Under the new guidelines, the cash accounts will be closely checked for accuracy and the mayor's office will review reimbursements.
In addition, Councilwoman Kathleen LaPointe suggested an amendment that as an extra layer of oversight reimbursements of more than $50 would go through the payroll department, instead of being distributed from petty cash
The reimbursement changes and LaPointe's amendments were unanimously adopted.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: News-Herald, The (Southgate, MI)
Copyright: 2010 Heritage Newspapers
Contact: Heritage
Website: The News Herald: Breaking news coverage for Southgate, MI
Details: MapInc
Author: Kevin Bunch
