Michigan News - July 2021

 

MI Electric Providers Partner with MRA, Others

Michigan- The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency, Michigan Public Service Commission, Bureau of Fire Services, and the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy are working with electric providers such as DTE and Consumers to provide tips and assistance when it comes to home growing.  Fires, safety, and the impact growers have on the electric grid are chief among their concerns.

According to the MRA’s website “Since the energy demand for growing marijuana is so intensive - often requiring nonstop grow lights, ventilation systems, and other high-demand equipment - it is essential residential marijuana growers understand the impact the increased energy usage in their homes may have on their safety, the safety of their communities, and the safety of electrical workers and first responders.”  The agency suggests growers become familiar with local rules and ordinances, hire a licensed electrical contractor, and contact their local utility to ensure they have the proper equipment for the increased energy demand, which the MRA estimates “growing twelve plants in a home can increase that home’s energy demand by 2.75 times.”

For more details visit michiga.gov/mra and follow the link “Electrical Safety: Residential Growing”. https://www.michigan.gov/mra/0,9306,7-386-79572-562532--,00.html

Michigan Senate Approves Redefining of Marijuana

Michigan- Five separate bills were passed by the MI Senate on June 24th that redefine marihuana to be more in line with the Michigan Regulate and Tax Marijuana like Alcohol act of 2018.

HB 4740 introduced by Rick Outman (R) seeks to change definitions in the Medical marijuana facilities licensing act.  HB 4742, by Tenisha Yancy (D) looks to alter the marijuana tracking act. Republican Julie Calleys’ HB 4743 wants to redefine marihuana in the public health code and Republican Jim Lilly sponsored HB 4745 which changes the definition in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.  Democrat Richard Steenland’s HB 4744 would redefine parts of the industrial hemp research act.  The bills now move on to the governor’s office for approval.

Detroit Legacy Considered "Likely Unconstitutional"

Michigan- On June 17th U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman presented his opinion on the Detroit Legacy program, stating that it “gives an unfair, irrational and likely unconstitutional advantage to long-term Detroit residents over all other applicants.”  Licensing efforts in the city have been halted since April 1st of 2021.

Detroit City Council spent long hours crafting the Legacy system, and officials in the city seem unphased by the court’s opinion.  Kim Rustem, head of Detroit’s department of civil rights, inclusion and opportunity, told the Detroit Free Press “In the meantime, one thing is for certain: The city will not issue any recreational licenses unless there is legal assurance that Detroiters will receive a fair share of those licenses.”

Activists Alarmed by Republican Led HB 5129

Michigan- Adding to the five bills that will redefine marijuana in Michigan law, an all Republican squad consisting of Julie Calley, Ken Borton, Joseph Bellino, Bradley Slagh, and Daire Rendon have introduced HB 5129.

The bill seeks to ban the smoking of marijuana in places that serve food, much like tobacco.  Michigan activists have immediately sounded the alarm, as this would destroy any notion of Amsterdam style cafes and social clubs opening in the state.

Also included in the bill is a change from the word “resin” to “extraction” that would ban certain methods for making concentrates in public places, in motor vehicles, and “within the curtilage of any residential structure.”

Many other subtle changes to home growing and processing are in HB 5129 as well as changes that have future implications on what could and could not be allowed in marijuana social clubs.  To see the full bill visit: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2021-2022/billintroduced/House/htm/2021-HIB-5129.htm

Ypsilanti Caregiver Defies Order to Remove Plants

Ypsilanti- Medical marijuana caregiver Judith Pontius is still engaged in her years long battle with a local Ypsilanti ordinance.  

The 79-year old grows sixty-two plants in her home, which according to local law, is no longer appropriately zoned for growing more than twelve.  Pontius took her case over the 2012 ordinace that bans caregivers from growing in residential areas to the courts, both the local judge and the Michigan Court of Appeals agreed with her, but the Michigan Supreme court ruled otherwise, stating that the township had a right to change local law.

Pontius was told she had to remove her crop by June 21st, but she is standing her ground.  Her attorney, Barton Morris Jr., told the Detroit News, “She’s being stubborn but principally stubborn.”  He went on to say, “Just because the law passed doesn’t mean it’s right.”.  It is also the opinion of Morris that the state legislature needs to stand up for caregivers as they are “under attack.”

Pontius only plans on keeping this crop until it is ready for harvest in September.  After that she plans to quit growing marijuana, citing old age.  She could face fines of up to $7,500 or up to 93 days in jail.