Dexter Approves Medical Marijuana Ordinance

People who sell medical marijuana out of their homes will now be required to purchase a permit from the Village of Dexter, complying with the village’s new zoning ordinance.

The Dexter Village Council unanimously passed the amendment at their regular meeting on Monday, following a public hearing. Permit holders are now allowed to use and grow medical marijuana for themselves and up to five patients.

According to the ordinance, home occupation medical marijuana is not permitted within 1,000 feet of a public school or public library and all marijuana must be contained in the main building and in an enclosed and locked facility. In addition, regulations require primary caregivers live in a single-family household, register with the Michigan Department of Health, and apply and receive a permit.

The ordinance also requires home occupation users to provide proof that they possess all proper materials for growing and cultivating the plant, which cannot be visible from public streets. All business must be handled on an appointment basis only. Walk-in clients are strictly prohibited.

The ordinance will become effective July 27 and home occupation violation fines include $1,000 for the first offense and increase to $2,000 for the second and $3,000 for the third violation. President Shawn Keough said the ordinance does allow the village to revoke a license if the holder is a repeatedly violates the ordinance.

Community Development Manager Allison Bishop recommended the council extend its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries for another year at its next meeting in order to determine how to proceed.

“There are so many little pieces of the law being challenged,” she said. “I don’t think we’ll have a clear idea anytime soon how to move forward.”