Dexter Township Extends Medical Marijuana Moratorium

The Dexter Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday to extend it's moratorium on medical marijuana for another year during its regular meeting.

Township Supervisor Pat Kelly said the moratorium, which was approved by the board in November 2010 and is set to expire on May 29 prevents any property in the township from dispensing and cultivating marijuana. Kelly said the moratorium was enacted so the Planning Commission has time to craft an ordinance for the township.

"There's still a lot for us to consider, but I want to wait to see how the state clarify's the law," Kelly said.

The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was passed in 2008 and allows for the growing and dispensing of marijuana for medicinal use. However, the law doesn't clearly outline what local governments can do to abide by the law while protecting children and the general public from an otherwise illegal substance. In essence, the law leaves local governments to enforce zoning rules and regulations.

According to Ann Arbor.com, Dexter Township Zoning Administrator Patrick Sloan said the township has had no inquires from dispensaries.

State Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Township) acknowledged that the current law is too ambigious and he expects “some type of legislation” from Lansing in the sumnmer.

In other action:

• The board voted 6-1 to establish regular office hours of six hours per month for Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc., the township's engineering firm, at a cost of $600 per month with the understanding that the township can cancel the hours and fee upon notice if there are no site plans that require review.