A new state board governing medical marijuana rules is eyeing shutting down all of Michigan’s dispensaries — including dozens of medical marijuana dispensaries currently operating in Detroit.
Members of the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board argue that the dispensaries are illegal under current state law, and want them forced closed by Sept. 15.
During the board’s second meeting on Monday, media outlets report that member State Police Sgt. David Bailey said he wanted dispensaries closed immediately, but that some would be granted licenses to stay open under a law passed last year to regulate the medical marijuana industryIn 2013, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled dispensaries were illegal under Michigan’s medical marijuana law, though some municipalities have passed their own ordinances allowing for the shops.
Saying that “Every dispensary that’s out there right now is open in violation of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act,” MLive reports Bailey proposed forcing current dispensaries to shut down or risk being unable to obtain licenses to operate legally under the regulatory framework that will go into effect Dec. 15.
Currently, Detroit is one community where city law allows dispensaries to operate, but new rules about where shops can operate and who can own them have forced more than 100 to close their doors since the start of the year.
If Bailey’s proposal goes through, this would severely limit the places where medical marijuana patients can get their cannabis, most likely forcing many to return to the black market.
MLive reports a spokesperson for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), which houses the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation, said that a major review would be done should this proposal pass in the future, including a review from the Attorney General’s office.
The board’s next meeting is due Oct. 12, though MLive reports the board will meet again before Sept. 15 to consider Bailey’s proposal to shut down dispensaries.
credit:metrotimes.com
