The Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement team conducted several search warrants throughout Kent County Monday, searching three dispensaries and other addresses connected to them in some way.

According to police, the search warrants were executed after a lengthy investigation into the illegal sales of marijuana. Search warrants were conducted at the following locations:

Relief Hub dispensary, 4920 Plainfield, Plainfield Township; Third Day dispensary, 4981 Plainfield, Plainfield Twp.; Red Jasper dispensary, 3926 West River Dr, Plainfield Twp.; the 5000 block of Circle Dr, Cannon Twp.; the 5400 block of Pine Island Dr, Plainfield Twp.; the 2100 block of Wyndham Hill Dr, City of Grand Rapids; and the 1200 block of Taylor Ave, in City of Grand Rapids.

Police said that the investigation involved subjects that have been previously investigated and given written and verbal warnings by law enforcement and the Kent County prosecutor’s office, but continue to operate illegally under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

Police said they have received several complaints and tips from the public in regarding illegal sales of marijuana occurring at the dispensary locations. They also said investigators had made undercover purchases of marijuana at the locations, proving that the dispensaries continue to operate illegally. All seven locations are related to the investigation.

The Kent County Sheriff Department said that they continue to work with medical marijuana caregivers and patients who are complying with the laws and no enforcement is taken against them.

They said that they are also familiar with the Medical Marijuana Facility Licensing act, which was recently passed in Michigan and signed by the Governor. The bills cover the licensing requirements and includes local control by cities, villages, and townships, which can pass their own regulations for marijuana facilities, and legalizes marijuana provisioning centers/growing facilities.  It also covers safety compliance, taxes, fees, funds to municipalities, counties and the state. The bill also legalizes marijuana infused products.

Police said the subjects of the investigation found that the three dispensaries continue to operate illegally, even in violation of the new bills passed (MMFLA).

The names of the suspects have not yet been released, and the investigation is still ongoing.

The City of Cedar passed an ordinance at their regular City Council meeting last Thursday, August 11, regulating the dispensation of medical marijuana as a home occupation.
“We are on our third moratorium and our legal counsel recommended we not adopt another moratorium,” explained City Manager Christine Burns. “They recommended we look at some tried and true ordinances, such as ones in Greenville and Grand Rapids. Our planning commission also recommended we adopt this.”
Under the ordinance, home occupations must be approved by the Zoning Administrator, who will issue a permit upon receipt of an application and the payment of a processing fee. Inspections of dwelling units will be conducted by the City’s Building Inspector.
All medical marijuana must be contained within the main building (no outbuildings) in an area that is locked and inaccessible on all sides to everyone except the primary caregiver or qualifying patient. This will be reviewed and approved by the building inspector and police department. It will only be allowed in single-family homes.
All registered primary caregivers must be located outside of a 1,000-foot radius from school property or library.
The ordinance prohibits marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives. Only one registered primary caregiver is allowed per dwelling. The marijuana cannot be dispensed at the caregiver’s location, but must be delivered to the patient or other location.
Solon Township and the Village of Sand Lake still have a moratorium on medical marijuana, and Nelson Township is currently working on an ordinance.
Supporters of medical marijuana say it helps ease nausea and vomiting, stimulates hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients, and decreases eye pressure in glaucoma patients. Patients must have a doctor’s prescription to use it.
Although some states (including Michigan) have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes, the federal government outlaws its use, even for a medical condition. Since Michigan voted to approve it, municipalities have struggled with writing ordinances regulating the issue.