LANSING – State Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) introduced a bill today that would prohibit medicinal marihuana clinics from being located within 500 feet of a place of worship, school or day care center. The bill would subject the clinics to the same state location regulations as bars.
“We have seen a surge in the number of clinics opening up across the state since the voters approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, and we need to make sure that these new businesses are properly regulated,” Darany said. “These clinics should be subjected to the same location restrictions that are already in place for businesses that serve alcohol, and they should be kept at a reasonable distance from our children and community centers.”
Since the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program began on April 6, 2009, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has received more than 128,000 applications from residents looking to participate in the program. Of those applications, the department has issued more than 71,000 licenses, according to LARA’s website. Darany’s plan will help communities regulate the growing number of dispensaries.
“This standard will help ensure that our communities remain places where residents want to live, work and raise their families,” Darany said.
State Representative Darany encourages residents to contact him with any questions or concerns regarding state government by calling toll-free at (855) 775-1515 or by sending an email to GeorgeTDarany@house.mi.gov. They can also visit his website at house.mi.gov/gdarany and sign up for his e-newsletter.