Proposal Would Ban Drive-Thru Pot Shops In Detroit, Limit Hours
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A proposed ordinance regulating medical marijuana dispensaries in Detroit would ban drive-thru windows and limit hours at the establishments in the city.
Council member James Tate is asking the council to consider the proposal being introduced Tuesday that would require licensing for the dispensaries.
Under the proposal, shops must be closed between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. A committee was formed last year to work on the ordinance. Tate says there aren't currently regulations for the dispensaries and that officials want to ensure safe access to those who need the medication.
"It's not about being against it," Tate told WWJ earlier this year. "It's about making sure that we're able to regulate it in a way that ensures the best quality of life for the residents who live in that area."
Mayor Mike Duggan told WWJ's Vickie Thomas he's behind the proposal.
"We need to get an ordinance passed because right now, we have no ability to enforce anything. I support our restricted zoning, confining these medical marijuana facilities to places that are not adjacent to neighborhoods," he said. "I think we need to eliminate the drive-thru aspect, which has now been added to some of these facilities -- there are a couple of drive-thrus and this is starting to pick up."
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Current and future dispensaries would be subject to the ordinance, which likely will be debated in committee hearings before possible consideration by the full council.
Michigan voters approved marijuana use for some chronic medical conditions in 2008.
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