By Rob South, WKAR
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-938711.mp3
Lansing, MI – The Lansing City Council Monday night voted to place a moratorium on the opening of new medical marihuana shops in the city. Supporters say the move will give them the time to draft licensing requirements for stand-alone businesses which distribute medical marihuana. Councilmember Carol Wood chairs the city's public safety committee. She says the city needs to draft requirements that work for many different stakeholders.
"That law enforcement is able to enforce. That the business owners understand and will work with and that the community will embrace." Wood says "And lastly that is a safe place for caregivers and their patients to do their business."
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been opposed to the moratorium, saying it would create a rush of unregulated marihuana clinics into the city. The city clerk's office reports knowing of 19 clinics in operation in the city as of last week. 67 shops had registered last night before the moratorium took effect.