Posted by (+91) 12 years ago
Marijuana licensing discussed
By Elaine Forman
At the last Miles City Council meeting, Councilman Leroy Meidinger raised the issue of enforcing business licensing ordinances when it comes to medical marijuana businesses that have never applied for the license.
The question of medical marijuana businesses breaking federal laws came up.
City Attorney Jerry Huss said President Obama indicated that the federal government would not interfere with state laws on the matter.
Councilman Mark Ahner said there are 14 states allowing some form of medical marijuana.
Mayor Joe Whalen talked about how those cities with the charter form of government, like Missoula, Bozeman and Billings, have developed restrictions concerning medical marijuana. Miles City does not have a charter form of government.
Huss said there is no problem with the city enforcing the requirement that home-occupied businesses be licensed by the city.
Whalen said if the city enforces business licensings on medical marijuana, it had better be enforcing licensing on all businesses.
Councilman John Uden, a former police officer, said he cannot go against the law (by allowing a marijuana business).
Whalen asked if the city wanted to address the issue now or wait and see what the Legislature will do when it meets.
Many in the state are waiting for legislative action.
Uden wanted it to be addressed now.
Councilman Leif Ronning said the council should wait.
"How can you condone violations of city ordinance?" Uden asked.
Ronning said there are many violations, and "this is one hot button issue."
Whalen again said that in regards to the home occupancy business license, it must be a "blanket enforcement," rather than picking out one industry.
He asked why the city had gone decades not enforcing its business licensing.
"We need to change the law, repeal the law or enforce the law," Whalen said.
No action was taken at the meeting.
I canot believe this has not hit the hot topic airwaves of Miles City.com so let me be the first to comment...
Mayor Whalen statement..."Whalen said if the city enforces business licensings on medical marijuana, it had better be enforcing licensing on all businesses."...did not get answered...my question...Why would enforcing the licensing law only be for one business and not all businesses....
By Elaine Forman
At the last Miles City Council meeting, Councilman Leroy Meidinger raised the issue of enforcing business licensing ordinances when it comes to medical marijuana businesses that have never applied for the license.
The question of medical marijuana businesses breaking federal laws came up.
City Attorney Jerry Huss said President Obama indicated that the federal government would not interfere with state laws on the matter.
Councilman Mark Ahner said there are 14 states allowing some form of medical marijuana.
Mayor Joe Whalen talked about how those cities with the charter form of government, like Missoula, Bozeman and Billings, have developed restrictions concerning medical marijuana. Miles City does not have a charter form of government.
Huss said there is no problem with the city enforcing the requirement that home-occupied businesses be licensed by the city.
Whalen said if the city enforces business licensings on medical marijuana, it had better be enforcing licensing on all businesses.
Councilman John Uden, a former police officer, said he cannot go against the law (by allowing a marijuana business).
Whalen asked if the city wanted to address the issue now or wait and see what the Legislature will do when it meets.
Many in the state are waiting for legislative action.
Uden wanted it to be addressed now.
Councilman Leif Ronning said the council should wait.
"How can you condone violations of city ordinance?" Uden asked.
Ronning said there are many violations, and "this is one hot button issue."
Whalen again said that in regards to the home occupancy business license, it must be a "blanket enforcement," rather than picking out one industry.
He asked why the city had gone decades not enforcing its business licensing.
"We need to change the law, repeal the law or enforce the law," Whalen said.
No action was taken at the meeting.
I canot believe this has not hit the hot topic airwaves of Miles City.com so let me be the first to comment...
Mayor Whalen statement..."Whalen said if the city enforces business licensings on medical marijuana, it had better be enforcing licensing on all businesses."...did not get answered...my question...Why would enforcing the licensing law only be for one business and not all businesses....