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Business owners urge Mount Clemens to act on medical marijuana ordinance
Summary
A local business owner and caregiver urged the commission to adopt a medical marijuana ordinance, saying caregiver limits force him to deny patients. Commissioners acknowledged the long-running debate and several urged a decision or public forum to gather resident input.
Patrick Abajuta, who identified himself as operator of Cedar Wholesale at 138 Northbound Gratiot, told the commission he and his partner have waited through nearly 10 years of state and local developments and urged the city to act on a local medical marijuana ordinance.
“I am a caregiver. I do not have a patient card, but I care for those who cannot produce their own medicine,” Abajuta said, adding that state law limits caregivers to five patients and that restriction forces him to refuse people in need. He said delays in local decision-making are harming residents who need medicine and urged the commission to stop 'waiting' and make a decision.
Abajuta also argued the city could realize new revenue from regulated operations and said he and his partner spend more time in Mount Clemens than they do with their families.
During commissioner comments, Menser urged the commission to make a definitive decision on the medical marijuana issue and suggested a town hall to gather resident input. Several commissioners said they had received extensive information on the topic and that it was time to move forward with either adoption or rejection of a local ordinance.
The item remained in discussion during the meeting and no formal ordinance vote occurred at this session.
