Brandon Twp.- Medical marijuana will be a topic of discussion at the planning commission meeting planned for 7:30 p.m., Aug. 24, at the township offices, 395 Mill St., said Township Supervisor Kathy Thurman.
‘I think at some point we should establish regulations, but as far as what they should be, I don’t know,? she said.
Thurman attended ‘Municipal Responses to Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Act,? on July 20 in Ypsilanti. She called the symposium sponsored by the Michigan Townships Association ‘very informative? and said she learned the approaches various municipalities are taking in regards to medical marijuana enforcement.
On Nov. 4, 2008, Michigan voters approved by 63 percent the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. The law went into effect Dec. 4, 2008. The conditions for the law include treatment of debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, nail patella, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, epilepsy, muscle spasms, and multiple sclerosis. There are 14 states that allow medical marijuana.
According to the state regulation, patients may possess up to two-and-a-half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana and 12 marijuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility. The 12 plants may be kept by the patient only if he or she has not specified a primary caregiver to cultivate the marijuana for him or her.
‘It’s a difficult act, because it’s not supported by federal law,? said Thurman, who notes that if the township were to prohibit it, they would be going against state law. ‘Our municipality is debating how we want to respond to this new law.?