Union Township trustees to vote on medical marijuana dispensary resolution draft Wednesday

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Union Township will present a draft of its medical marijuana dispensary resolution at its board of trustees meeting Wednesday night at 2010 S. Lincoln Road.

The township adopted a medical marijuana moratorium six months ago to have time to consult with lawyers, residents and trustees before creating a final draft of a resolution.

“We are likely to approve (on) Wednesday, sending the measures to a public hearing at the July 13 meeting,” said Township Supervisor John Barker. “After which we may pass them.”

The planning commission has completed its work and recommended the township get the drafted zoning text amendments and licensing ordinance.

“How we zone the dispensaries is going to be similar to how we approach adult bookstores,” said Zoning Administrator Woody Woodruff. “We have outlined the framework where uses are permitted.”

The zoning regulations state that a dispensary must be 500 feet away from schools and residential areas and 1,000 feet away from other dispensaries.

It will not be easy for someone to obtain a license for a dispensary, Woodruff said, as there will have to be background checks, paperwork and hearings.

“I think what our provisions do is protect our neighborhoods, schools, churches and day care centers from being in close proximity to any of these establishments,” Barker said. “At the same time, we seek to ensure that only legitimate providers of medical marijuana are permitted in Union Township.”

The township hired Andria Ditschman, an attorney from the Hubbard Law Firm in Lansing who specializes in the Michigan medical marijuana law, to assist in the process.

Barker said the township sought the best legal advice it could by hiring Ditschman. Along with input from the staff and planning commission, Barker said she has drafted measures to help protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens.

“All of us are aware (that) Michigan’s medical marijuana provisions area (is) in a state of flux,” Barker said. “Written in the township’s rules and regulations are caveats that make growers responsible regardless of what changes come down in the future.”

The township has made it clear that its measures give no immunity from federal and state prosecution, and is subject to change based on any future changes to the law.

Woodruff said there have been three to four inquiries so far and the July 13 meeting will be the last chance for public hearings about the issue.