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Detroit City Council approves medical marijuana rules

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

The Detroit City Council has approved a medical marijuana ordinance.

The law outlines licensing and inspection procedures for marijuana dispensaries in the city.

Operators will be subject to background checks, and drive-through pick-ups are prohibited.

Council President Pro-Tem George Cushingberry tried and failed to delay the vote, arguing for more time to clarify some language.

But Council members James Tate, who spearheaded the ordinance, and Janee Ayers argued that Detroit residents want the rules in place now.

“When I go out and talk to people, it’s ‘Get this regulated,” Ayers said. “This our job. So I do not feel like this is something that we’re trying to force-feed anybody.”

The Council still needs to vote on zoning restrictions for dispensaries. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has said he’s on board with the effort.

Many Detroiters have complained about unregulated pot shops proliferating throughout the city. A recent report from the group Loveland Technologies found about 150 dispensaries currently operating in Detroit.

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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