Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Not Wanted: Plymouth Township

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI — Residents hoping to buy medical marijuana in Plymouth Township will not get their wish anytime soon. The township’s Board of Trustees considered a resolution against commercial medical marijuana establishments at its Tuesday meeting but failed to act. In this case, not voting on a resolution is the same as saying no, according to township officials.

A number of medical marijuana supporters urged the board to legalize its sale in the township without success. Some said it helped them with physical ailments and others even touted medical marijuana sales for the potential additional tax revenue. Township Supervisor Kurt Heise listened to their arguments but didn’t appear to be swayed.

"I'm acting on my own," he said, according to a Plymouth Observer report, "and I'm uncomfortable with doing that, quite frankly." Heise said medical marijuana patients can get it other nearby communities. "Our residents can get to Ann Arbor in 20 minutes.”

The remark didn’t sit well with medical marijuana supporters. "Are you really going to make people drive to Ann Arbor to get medical marijuana?” Matthew Abel, attorney for Cannabis Counsel of Detroit, shot back at Heise. “I don't think this is appropriate."

Plymouth resident Aaron Carmichael told the board he was able overcome chronic back pain and opiate addiction after a doctor prescribed medical marijuana for him, the Plymouth Observer reported. "I don't even take a Motrin anymore. People need your help."

Cancer survivor Scott Preskin, a Plymouth Township resident, said he had difficulty eating or working until he began treatment with medical marijuana, the newspaper reported. Christina Fensom of Plymouth said the board should consider the revenue aspect of medical marijuana, noting that officials could charge annual fees for facilities and take in a share of a 3-percent state tax on medical marijuana businesses.

Plymouth Township Trustee Bob Doroshewitz said he is empathetic to patients who need it, but thinks Michigan’s current law is flawed. He thinks the township adopt "a wait-and-see attitude,” the Plymouth Observer reported.

Clerk Jerry Vorva doesn’t support medical marijuana businesses in the township either. He agreed with Heise’s assessment. "There's plenty of places around," Vorva said.

Plymouth Township board attorney Kevin Bennett said a resolution against medical marijuana facilities isn't legally necessary to keep them out, the Plymouth Observer reported. He said local officials have to approve a facility before the state will issue a license to operate.

Photo by Marihuanay Medicina via Flickr Commons