Southfield's City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night against proposed zoning regulations that would have allowed medical marijuana growing facilities in the city's light-industrial districts.
The vote came after more than a dozen residents and two lawyers debated the validity of the zoning. Council members then voted to extend the city's 180-day moratorium -- set to end Friday -- for another 180 days.
"Maybe it's not our job to regulate at all," said Councilman Kenson Siver, maintaining that he still supports the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act passed in 2008, but adding that the council needs more information before passing ordinances. "Maybe it's something the state should figure out and not put us in this dilemma."
The proposal would have allowed caregivers licensed through the state to grow up to 12 plants for themselves and 12 each for five licensed patients in light-industrial districts along 8 Mile and Telegraph roads.
Councilman Sidney Lantz, the council's most vocal opponent, said those in need can buy pills for THC, marijuana's active ingredient, through pharmacies.
It "will increase crime, will cost you money, and these people who are pushing it now don't know what they're doing," Lantz said. "This could be the worst thing that could happen to you."
Southfield lawyer Neil Rockind called the proposed zoning's intentions great, but said the proposal violates state law by dictating where caregivers can grow and forcing them to disperse confidential personal information. "This ordinance will be the subject of a lawsuit" if the measure would have passed, Rockind said.
John Smith, a resident since 1975 with a wife who is a hospice nurse, said he opposed the law only because he thought it would affect those growing at home. Southfield Planning Director Terry Croad said the proposal addresses only caregiver growing and that residents can still grow plants for personal use.
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