Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
People who aren't elected officials could help decide who gets medical marijuana licenses for commercial establishments in the city.
For nearly two hours Monday night, City Council members discussed whether a commission should be added to any proposed ordinance they vote on.
The discussion took place during Council's Committee of the Whole meeting. It will be revisited at a second committee meeting that has yet to be scheduled.
"This has potential to be a huge headache or a huge opportunity," City Council President Patricia Spitzley said of Lansing's efforts to create an ordinance.
A local marijuana commission has been discussed in previous drafts of proposed ordinances and was brought up again in Monday's meeting by At-Large City Council Judi Brown Clarke.
Clarke discussed proposed amendments made in a new ordinance draft that was first presented June 5 at a meeting of the city's Development and Planning Committee.
"This is the best practice," Clarke said of a licensing commission. "Even our state model has an external review process."
If a commercial medical marijuana ordinance is approved with a commission, it could include the following types of members:
-Residents from each of Lansing's four wards who represent the "general interests of the city.
-Two city residents or residents of the tri-county area who are considered medical marijuana patient advocates.
-The city's police chief (or a designee), the city's fire chief (or a designee) and the city's director of planning and neighborhood development (or a designee).
-A physician appointed by the mayor.
If Council decides to move forward with a licensing commission, it could be added to an ordinance that has language to also allow for City Clerk Chris Swope's office to issue licenses.
City Attorney Jim Smiertka has worked with council members for several to months to provide some flexibility in a proposed ordinance.
That's in the city's best interest, because the state likely won't have its own licensing structure in place until 2018, Smiertka said.
"Either one is correct," Smiertka said of a proposed commission or clerk's office licensing process. "We're just trying to forecast the future."
The city's Committee on Public Safety has been working on crafting an ordinance for over 18 months.
First Ward Council Member Jody Washington was one of several members Monday night who expressed concern about how a proposed ordinance that's eventually approved could affect the city's future.
Current Mayor Virg Bernero's term expires Dec. 31. Clarke is running for mayor this year against State. Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, and three other candidates.
"I think we have to prepare for any mayor we get and cover our bases," Washington said.
This year's general election will also decide who fills up to four Council seats: two at-large seats and one each in the 2nd and 4th wards.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana ordinance uncertainty: Council takes step back
Author: Eric Lacy
Contact: How to Reach Us | lansingstatejournal.com
Photo Credit: Eric Lacy
Website: Lansing State Journal - Home
For nearly two hours Monday night, City Council members discussed whether a commission should be added to any proposed ordinance they vote on.
The discussion took place during Council's Committee of the Whole meeting. It will be revisited at a second committee meeting that has yet to be scheduled.
"This has potential to be a huge headache or a huge opportunity," City Council President Patricia Spitzley said of Lansing's efforts to create an ordinance.
A local marijuana commission has been discussed in previous drafts of proposed ordinances and was brought up again in Monday's meeting by At-Large City Council Judi Brown Clarke.
Clarke discussed proposed amendments made in a new ordinance draft that was first presented June 5 at a meeting of the city's Development and Planning Committee.
"This is the best practice," Clarke said of a licensing commission. "Even our state model has an external review process."
If a commercial medical marijuana ordinance is approved with a commission, it could include the following types of members:
-Residents from each of Lansing's four wards who represent the "general interests of the city.
-Two city residents or residents of the tri-county area who are considered medical marijuana patient advocates.
-The city's police chief (or a designee), the city's fire chief (or a designee) and the city's director of planning and neighborhood development (or a designee).
-A physician appointed by the mayor.
If Council decides to move forward with a licensing commission, it could be added to an ordinance that has language to also allow for City Clerk Chris Swope's office to issue licenses.
City Attorney Jim Smiertka has worked with council members for several to months to provide some flexibility in a proposed ordinance.
That's in the city's best interest, because the state likely won't have its own licensing structure in place until 2018, Smiertka said.
"Either one is correct," Smiertka said of a proposed commission or clerk's office licensing process. "We're just trying to forecast the future."
The city's Committee on Public Safety has been working on crafting an ordinance for over 18 months.
First Ward Council Member Jody Washington was one of several members Monday night who expressed concern about how a proposed ordinance that's eventually approved could affect the city's future.
Current Mayor Virg Bernero's term expires Dec. 31. Clarke is running for mayor this year against State. Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, and three other candidates.
"I think we have to prepare for any mayor we get and cover our bases," Washington said.
This year's general election will also decide who fills up to four Council seats: two at-large seats and one each in the 2nd and 4th wards.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana ordinance uncertainty: Council takes step back
Author: Eric Lacy
Contact: How to Reach Us | lansingstatejournal.com
Photo Credit: Eric Lacy
Website: Lansing State Journal - Home
