Medical marijuana moratorium in Battle Creek

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – In 2008, Michigan voters opted to legalize medical marijuana, but there's no set rule as to who can and can't distribute it.

Now, the City of Battle Creek is putting a temporary stop to new businesses that want to sell the drug.

The six month moratorium does not affect people who use, grow, or provide marijuana legally from their homes. It only stops new commercial businesses from obtaining permits to sell marijuana in Battle Creek.

Since the medical marijuana act passed businesses selling marijuana have been popping up around the state.

“They cater to patients, patients and caregivers,” said Joe Cain. “People that are within the system.”

Joe Cain is the COO of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association. He says he's used marijuana for his own ailments for years and says co-ops help ease the suffering of thousands.

“They're not out on the street selling to anybody that just walks by, you're talking about people with bona fide medical conditions,” said Cain. “It's an alternative to going out on the street and trying to find your medicine.”

However, many are concerned about the legitimacy of the medicinal marijuana businesses and the effect they have on surrounding neighborhoods, which is why Battle Creek has issued a moratorium.

“We don't want anything to get grand-fathered in that hasn't been planned,” said Mayor Susan Baldwin.

Baldwin says medicinal marijuana stores and co-ops deserve careful consideration, and thoughtful regulation.

“You don't want to put certain businesses near schools or near day-cares,” said Baldwin. “So those are the kind of planning issues we want to make sure we take a look at.”

The moratorium does not mean people cannot smoke, grow, or provide marijuana legally in Battle Creek, as long as they are permitted by the state. The moratorium does mean that no new commercial businesses will be granted permits to sell marijuana in the city.

The moratorium will end in January 2011.