[420 Girl]

Michigan - The Township Board has unanimously approved a medical marijuana ordinance regulating where dispensaries can be set up in the township.

The board adopted a zoning ordinance March 9 that applies to sites where three or more primary caregivers grow, cultivate, store, dispense or offer marijuana for sale to qualifying patients under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008.

It likely will go into effect next month, Township Supervisor Joseph Madore said.

Medical marijuana supporters had objected to an earlier version of the regulations that limited a facility to two primary caregivers, arguing that it is not uncommon for two people in a household to dispense the drug.

The new rules don’t sit well with Charlie Vanlandeghem, who declared the ordinance isn’t needed and treats caregivers like “criminals.”

The Richfield Township businessman accused township officials of being “close-minded.”

“You are basically making it harder on people who are ill and infirmed,” said Vanlandeghem, who cares for a 23-year-old cerebral palsy patient who uses medical marijuana to relieve pain.

He said later that the township’s action may be challenged in court.

The new rule came after concerns were expressed about large groups of people coming into the township to dispense the drug in residential areas without regulation.

Under provisions of the ordinance, dispensaries would have to be 500 feet apart and 500 feet from a residential district.

Dispensaries also will have to be 1,000 feet from any school, nursery, licensed day care center or other place used for the care or instruction of children under 18, as well as any church, house of worship and public or municipal park.

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