Ann Arbor imposes moratorium on new marijuana dispensaries

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Ann Arbor is temporarily halting new medical cannabis dispensaries after more than 30 recently applied for permits to operate in the city.

The Ann Arbor News reported that the City Council voted unanimously Monday, April 16, 2018, to impose a 60-day moratorium on issuing new permits as it considers limiting the number of dispensaries allowed in the city. Dispensaries that have already received zoning approval or that have applications currently under consideration will be exempt.

Ann Arbor officials say the high interest in setting up dispensaries warrants taking time to review the city’s regulations. Council members cited concern over the effect medical cannabis facilities could have on the community over time.

The Jackson Citizen Patriot reported that petitioners in Leoni Township, 31 miles west of Ann Arbor, were also calling for a moratorium on medical cannabis application approvals until the effects and environmental impact are thoroughly examined.

Effort to bring medical marijuana to public vote fails

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Supporters of allowing medical cannabis in South Dakota have failed to bring the matter to a public vote.

A petition to put medical cannabis legalization on the November general election ballot was rejected because it didn’t have enough valid signatures.

South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs said a random sampling determined that the petition with about 15,000 names had only about 9,500 valid signatures — far short of the 13,871 required. The rejection can be challenged in court.