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Illinois - With a state law legalizing medical marijuana set to go into effect Jan. 1, Lake Zurich officials approved on Monday holding a hearing to determine just how pot distribution or cultivation facilities would fit into the village's zoning code. Village Manager Jason Slowinski said Lake Zurich's plan commission will hold a public hearing to address the zoning restrictions, though he wasn't sure yet when the meeting would take place. Illinois won't be issuing permits for those looking to open a cultivation or distribution until April, according to a memo to the board from Sam Hubbard, village planner. "I'm glad to see the village is being proactive to make sure we have zoning regulations in place to adhere to the state law, but also to be protective of our residents," said Jonathan Sprawka, who was the only trustee to speak on the issue during the board discussion.
Sprawka's main concern, he said, was that property values in the community would diminish with the new law, known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Signed on Aug. 1 by Gov. Pat Quinn, the pilot program is set to go into effect at the beginning of 2014. The four-year pilot would allow doctors to prescribe up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks to patients who have a debilitating medical condition. As part of the bill, the state would license 22 growers – one in each state police district – and allow for as many as 60 distribution centers – one per each senate district. Lake Zurich is part of a senate district that includes towns as far south as Barrington Hills, and as far north as Libertyville. It is part of a state police district that includes Lake, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and McHenry counties.
Officials generally declined to comment on the law, though Police Chief Pat Finlon, who is set to retire Nov. 25, said he supports the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police of which he is a member in its objections to the law. Earlier this year, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association sent a letter to Gov. Quinn and lawmakers about the dangers of the bill, including the possibility that medical marijuana cardholders may drive while under the influence of the drug. Slowinski said the plan commission would research the issue and bring a recommendation back to the board. He said he wasn't familiar enough with the law to comment on its benefits or disadvantages, including whether the village would see an uptick in tax revenue if a licensed facility were to come into town.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Chicagotribune.com
Author: Dan Waters
Contact: Chicago Tribune contacts - chicagotribune.com
Website: Lake Zurich prepares to plan for medical marijuana. - chicagotribune.com
Sprawka's main concern, he said, was that property values in the community would diminish with the new law, known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Signed on Aug. 1 by Gov. Pat Quinn, the pilot program is set to go into effect at the beginning of 2014. The four-year pilot would allow doctors to prescribe up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks to patients who have a debilitating medical condition. As part of the bill, the state would license 22 growers – one in each state police district – and allow for as many as 60 distribution centers – one per each senate district. Lake Zurich is part of a senate district that includes towns as far south as Barrington Hills, and as far north as Libertyville. It is part of a state police district that includes Lake, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and McHenry counties.
Officials generally declined to comment on the law, though Police Chief Pat Finlon, who is set to retire Nov. 25, said he supports the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police of which he is a member in its objections to the law. Earlier this year, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association sent a letter to Gov. Quinn and lawmakers about the dangers of the bill, including the possibility that medical marijuana cardholders may drive while under the influence of the drug. Slowinski said the plan commission would research the issue and bring a recommendation back to the board. He said he wasn't familiar enough with the law to comment on its benefits or disadvantages, including whether the village would see an uptick in tax revenue if a licensed facility were to come into town.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Chicagotribune.com
Author: Dan Waters
Contact: Chicago Tribune contacts - chicagotribune.com
Website: Lake Zurich prepares to plan for medical marijuana. - chicagotribune.com
