Bloomfield Hills introduces marijuana ordinance

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners on Tuesday, November 12, approved the introduction of an ordinance regarding recreational marijuana offenses by minors and conditions that fall outside of the state law permitting its use and possession. Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Detective Lt. Jeffrey Gormley told commissioners that with the recent passage of the state's Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act that the city should develop an ordinance to assist the department with the efficient and appropriate enforcement of the new law. Under the ordinance, which largely mimics state law, it is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess, consume, purchase, grow, process, transport or sell marijuana. The ordinance sets out specific penalties for minors who violate the law, as well as adults at least 18 years old but younger than 21, by making violations a civil infraction and punishable by a fine up to $500. Minors in violation are also required to complete four hours of drug education or counseling. The ordinance also sets local penalties for violations of the law, which restricts legal users from possessing or transporting more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana, or more than 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. However, when in their personal residence, a person may have no more than 10 ounces of marijuana, or no more than 12 plants for personal use. Those growing marijuana are prohibited from cultivating it in a public place or any location that is visible from a public place without binoculars or other optical aids. The ordinance also sets out penalties for consuming marijuana while operating a vehicle and operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana, which are two different violations. Penalties for either offense is considered a misdemeanor, under the ordinance.