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Rescue mission takes issue with
marijuana dispensary
November 6, 2010 - LansingStateJournal.com
Mark Criss has issues with his next-door neighbor, a medical marijuana
dispensary.
The executive director of the City Rescue Mission, 607 E. Michigan
Ave., said more than a hundred men, women and children stay with the
mission every day and several of them are recovering drug addicts.
While Rum Runners, a nearby bar, also could be tempting for his
clients, that entertainment venue doesn't get traffic during the day,
like the mission and the medical marijuana dispensary.
So Criss would like some local legislation that requires a 1,000 feet
between medical marijuana dispensaries like his neighbor, the Kushion
Community Compassion Center, and places that offer substance abuse
programs.
"We have many men and women trying to change their lives," Criss said.
"I wish the city would take a stronger position on the commercial
dispensaries."
Lansing has a zoning ordinance for primary caregivers administering
medical marijuana as a home occupation. The regulation mandates 1,000
feet between their addresses and substance abuse programs and other
institutions.
There's no such legislation for commercial districts yet, city
officials confirmed.
Stuart Dunnings III, Ingham County's prosecutor, said he is researching
the potential for a future ordinance that cities and townships could
use to manage the local administration of medical marijuana. He
declined to comment further.
Meanwhile, Kushion is becoming more established in the 600 block of
Michigan Avenue, where there is a medical marijuana clinic.
"We don't sell illegal drugs," said Dennis Betts, the Kushion's
director. "We don't bother them. We don't encourage them at all to let
their people come down here. He doesn't have any legitimate complaints."
Chris Mock greets customers who come through Kushion's doors.
"The homeless shelter is one of our charities," he said. "We've already
donated at least a thousand pounds of clothing to them."
Thursday evening, several people stood outside the mission, waiting for
their evening meal while several Kushion clients passed by.
Despite Criss' criticism of the neighbor who moved in last September,
other businesses say they have no problems with Kushion.
"They bring us a lot of business," said Chelsea Balducci, assistant
manager at the nearby Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co. "If
anything, it's bringing us more business having them there."
Brogan's Tire Center has been in operation for more than 50 years.
Joe Brogan, a center salesman, isn't bothered by his new Michigan
Avenue neighbor.
"They've not been an issue at all for us," he said. "It's been pretty
quiet and uneventful.
Quote: veggie said: "They bring us a lot of business," said Chelsea Balducci, assistant manager at the nearby Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co. "If anything, it's bringing us more business having them there."