An attorney and co-owner a specialized tobacco retailer, made a presentation on the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act at the Hastings City Council Tuesday. Grand Rapids attorney Mark M. Caldwell said there is a need for medical marijuana dispensers in cities like Hastings, but did not propose any action from the council.
He traced the steps taken to allow medical marijuana use in the state, saying in the state-wide election to allow it, the majority of voters in every Michigan county, including Barry, voted for it.
“The public wants it…it is inevitable…it is the will of the people,” Caldwell said.
Recent amendments to the law, “were well thought out, well researched,” and track marijuana from seed to sale.
“It is regulated, taxed, out in the open, out of the basement.”
Dispensaries are not recognized by federal law, no insurance will cover the cost and doctors can’t prescribe marijuana until late 2017, he said.
Cites that allow dispensaries in Michigan are operating outside of the law, he said, adding his company will wait to apply for a dispensary until it is legal.
Councilwoman Therese Maupin-Moore, who has worked in drug abuse prevention, said marijuana is a known gateway drug to more addictive drugs, and she would like a presentation from the opposing view.
Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor-Pratt said Caldwell’s facts didn’t sound right to her and challenged his assertion that no one has ever overdosed on marijuana, noting she has personally seen children who had overdosed on the drug. She cautioned the council to be careful and make sure that what is told to them is correct.
Former Hasting Police Chief Jerry Sarver said Hastings residents were conservative, pointing to two cases of when distributors of adult magazines, pornography and sex toys, set up shop in Hastings, only to soon close shop for lack of business.
“Apparently, the legislature found some merit in the laws,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said, adding he expects to hear more on the subject. “Education is always a good thing … but it is premature to talk about any action… if you are inclined to consider it, you would need more information. Or, "you could leave it alone, if you desire,” he said.
