Schuette Applauds Decision in Marijuana Dispensary Case

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Attorney General Bill Schuette is applauding a decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals, which ruled that a medical marijuana dispensary can be shut down as a public nuisance and is illegal under the state Medical Marijuana Act.

Following the unanimous decision by a three-judge panel, Schuette issued a statement describing the decision as a victory for public safety and communities dealing with an invasion of marijuana vendors near schools, homes and churches.

"Today the Court echoed the concerns of law enforcement, clarifying that this law is narrowly focused to help the seriously ill, not the creation of a marijuana free-for-all," Schuette said in a statement.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

State Appeals Court Rules Against Medical Marijuana Dispensary

(GENESEE COUNTY, Mich.) -- The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that a medical marijuana dispensary can be shut down as a public nuisance and is illegal under the state Medical Marijuana Act.

In a unanimous decision by the three-judge panel, the court said the Compassionate Apothecary violated laws when it sold marijuana to its members.

“Defendants have no authority to actively engage in and carry out the selling of marijuana between…members,” the order read. “We conclude that defendant’s operation…is a public nuisance.”

The decision is expected to serve as a precedent in other cases as the state works to rewrite the vague and hard-to-enforce voter-endorsed law signed into legislation in 2008.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Michigan Humane Society May Approve Overdue Assessment

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Officials at the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) announced Tuesday they are open to a previously rejected shelter assessment.

The Detroit Free Press reports that shelter veterinarians at the University of Florida and the University of California, Davis are preparing a proposal that will evaluate the three MHS shelters in the metro Detroit area.

The MHS’s failure to accept an earlier assessment in June resulted in the resignation of four MHS board members in June and July.

The previous proposal to have Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program assess MHS was slated to cost anywhere between $60,000 to $80,000 -- a cost deemed too high by the organization.

The agency has a reported $14 million budget, according to a board member.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Secretary of State Offices Closed for Labor Day

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Secretary of State is reminding Michigan residents that all branch offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday.

Branch offices, along with the Office of the Great Seal, will be closed on September 5, while Secretary of State SUPER!Centers will be closed on September 3.

The Department of State, which mails notices to motorists about expiring license and license plates, says if those items expire on a day when the office is closed, they may be renewed the following day without penalty.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Michigan Bars and Restaurants Plan to Ban Lawmakers

(BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.) -- Michigan restaurants and bars say it's last call for lawmakers.

Members of Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan announced Monday it is tired of the state's smoking ban and its impact on local businesses and, as a result, they're fighting back.

Effective Sept. 1, 500 bars and restaurants are claiming they will refuse service to legislators after incurring reported revenue losses of $200 million. Officials for the organization say the initiative isn't a joke, stating the smoking ban has cost businesses millions of dollars and left people out of work. The organization says lawmakers did not consider property rights when it passed the law in 2009.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio