Clarkston City Council accepted the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting “marihuana” establishments within city limits, which includes growing, retail, transportation, and inspection businesses.
The first of two readings was accepted without comment from City Council, except to ask how the psychoactive drug made from the Cannabis plant is spelled, “marijuana” or “marihuana.”
“It’s spelled both ways – officially, it’s ‘marihuana’ with an ‘h,’” said city attorney Thomas Ryan.
Violation would be a civil infraction punishable by a civil fine of not more than $500.
The ordinance would not affect personal recreational use of marijuana, which was approved by voters last year, Ryan said.
The recreational marijuana law requires communities to opt out if they don’t want commercial establishments, Ryan said.
“We’re already out of the medical marihuana business – we didn’t have to take any action on that,” he said. “For this act, we do have to take action.”
If approved by City Council for second reading, the ordinance would take effect 20 days after publication.
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City Council voted 6-0, April 22, to approve second reading of a new fireworks ordinance allowing personal fireworks only between 8 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. on national holidays, as well as the days before and after. On New Year’s Day, the ordinance also allows fireworks between 12-1 a.m. National holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
The ordinance becomes official 20 days after publication.