Six-month medical marijuana moratorium approved in Union Township

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Medical marijuana dispensaries and apothecaries cannot be developed in Union Township for six months as officials determine how to best work with them.

Township board members approved a moratorium Wednesday night after attending seminars on the subject and recent changes in related laws.

“(Isabella County Judge Paul) Chamberlain’s decision with a local apothecary has made an impact with the state,” Zoning Administrator Woody Woodruff said. “Therefore, we need to make sure we stay within the parameters of the law.”

After the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was adopted, it became legal for patients to possess two-and-a-half ounces of  marijuana and have up to 12 plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility, or have a registered caregiver grow it for them.

Woodruff said the township must clear up uncertain areas and it must take its time in considering the issues.

If apothecaries are here to stay, the township needs time to come to a resolution, Woodruff said. He said there has to be proper zoning and a need to ensure safe usage.

He said the township is not disallowing the use of medical marijuana and does not want residents to think they cannot partake in the medication.

“This is an appropriate item to bring to the board,” township trustee Phil Mikus said. “Personally, I appreciate the people of Michigan accepting the initiative.”

The Union Township Planning Commission will carry out the research and fact-finding, Woodruff said. The Lansing-based Hubbard Law Firm P.C. will attend the Feb. 16 planning commission meeting to help inform the board.

“This will also give time for our citizens to express themselves,” township supervisor John Barker said.

The township only wants to know the names of the people running apothecaries — not patients. Woodruff said the township needs to make sure the privacy and security of patients is not compromised.

“I think the dispensaries are fantastic for people with needs,” trustee Tim Lannen said. “I don’t see many drawbacks to them.”