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Marijuana controversy brewing in Genesee County

Sunday, November 08, 2009

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GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) -- (11/08/09) -- Genesee County could soon become home to a medical marijuana club -- but not without some controversy.

Last year Michigan voters legalized medical marijuana. Today the guidelines are still unclear.

Now a Mid-Michigan marijuana club has local law enforcement asking the state for clarity.

"We were hoping the attorney general would come forward with some guidance," said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. "As of today that has not happened."

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The latest confusion comes after the Genesee County Compassion Club announced plans to move into the former Genesee Township Tattoo Parlor.

We help people understand the law, the rules, the guidelines, help them find a physician and help them get their paperwork filled out correctly," explained co-founder of the club, Jeremy Rupinski.

Medical marijuana users also meet there to smoke. Rupinski is hoping the community is understanding.

"The majority of people that come in, they are hurting," he said. "They maybe have cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease. These are sick people that are looking for relief."

Both neighbors and the prosecutor are concerned that club members could potentially leave the parking lot while impaired. There is a school and grocery store close by.

Leyton says if patients have a registered card with the department of community health, they're within the law. But with unanswered questions surrounding the law comes an uncertain future.

The compassion club will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 19.