PORTAGE (WKZO AM/FM) — The Portage City Council has gotten their first look at a proposed medical marijuana ordinance, but it came under fire from one council member who says technically it’s still a federal offense. The entrepreneurs that will have to live under the regulations say it’s far too restrictive and the Mayor agrees and may want to revisit some of the rules in the draft.
Manager Larry Shaffer says the comprehensive, detailed and demanding but conservative proposal will protect the city as it heads into “unknown territory.”
Potential applicants say the city may claim that there are 66 properties that could be used, few are for sale, and those that are know it and the owners are jacking up the prices. Mayor Patricia Randall fears all the restrictions will drive out local entrepreneurs, and only allow the “Budweiser’s” to move in.
The Portage Ordinance keeps the businesses separated by a thousand foot buffer from each other, residential homes, churches schools and recreation areas. It does not allow co-location of two or more of the businesses, which the state law would allow, and has very stringent requirements for security, waste disposal, utilities and other requirements that Randall says she questions.
The proposed ordinance was approved for first reading and will be back on February 27th for a public hearing and possible vote. Staff says between collecting and reviewing applications, waiting for State Approval and all the other steps that must be taken, they may not issue their first licenses until early summer.
